Stuffed tater tots are the ultimate comfort snack that blends the crispy goodness of golden brown potatoes with the rich, cheesy surprise tucked inside. These bite-sized treats are perfect for game nights, party platters, or a cozy evening snack.
Unlike the regular tater tots, these are loaded with flavor, thanks to the stuffing of cheese, herbs, and optional meats or veggies. Whether baked or fried, stuffed tater tots are crunchy on the outside and delightfully gooey on the inside.
This recipe is simple to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and promises a mouthwatering result that both kids and adults will love. Serve them with your favorite dips and sauces to elevate the experience. Let’s dive into how you can make your own batch of stuffed tater tots from scratch at home.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Oil for frying (or use cooking spray for baking)
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes – Start by boiling the peeled potatoes in salted water until they are just tender, about 12-15 minutes. Do not overcook them as they need to be firm enough to grate. Once done, drain and let them cool completely.
- Grate the potatoes – Once the potatoes are cool, grate them using a coarse grater. Avoid mashing them as the grated texture is essential for that classic tater tot crunch.
- Season the mixture – Place the grated potatoes in a mixing bowl. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and flour. Mix everything gently so the grated texture remains intact.
- Prepare the filling – In a small bowl, mix the shredded cheese with optional ingredients like bacon or green onions if using. This will be the flavorful center of your tater tots.
- Shape the tots – Take a small amount of the potato mixture and flatten it on your palm. Place a little cheese mixture in the center and mold the potato around it to form a cylindrical tot shape. Ensure the filling is fully covered. Repeat this for the remaining mixture.
- Coat with egg and breadcrumbs – Dip each stuffed tater tot into the beaten egg, then roll it in breadcrumbs to create a crispy outer layer.
- Fry or bake –
- For frying: Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the tater tots in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- For baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tots on a greased baking sheet, spray them lightly with cooking oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispness.
- Serve hot – Serve your stuffed tater tots hot with dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or spicy mayo.