These stuffed tater tots are a delicious and fun appetizer or snack. Crispy on the outside, cheesy and flavorful on the inside, they’re sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- For the Stuffing:
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- For the Tater Tots:
- 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Prepare the Stuffing:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, green onions (if using), hot sauce(if using), garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Partially Cook the Tater Tots:
- Preheat your oven according to the tater tot package directions (usually around 425°F or 220°C).
- Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spray the tater tots with cooking spray.
- Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are just slightly softened but not fully cooked. They need to be soft enough to handle and stuff.
- Stuff the Tater Tots:
- Remove the tater tots from the oven and let them cool slightly so you can handle them.
- Using a small knife or spoon, carefully make a small incision in the top of each tater tot.
- Use a small spoon or your fingers to stuff each tater tot with the cheese and bacon mixture. Don’t overfill, or the stuffing will spill out during the final bake.
- Final Bake:
- Place the stuffed tater tots back on the baking sheet.
- Spray them lightly with cooking spray again.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 8-12 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the filling is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, ketchup, or a spicy aioli.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella.
- Protein Variations: Instead of bacon, try cooked sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: omit the meat, and add in some cooked vegetables like bell peppers, or onions.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture for a spicy kick.
- Air Fryer: These can also be made in an air fryer. After the first 8-10 minute oven bake, and stuffing them, air fry at 400F (200C) for 5-8 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Dipping sauces: Serve with any of your favorite dipping sauces.
Enjoy your delicious stuffed tater tots!