Stuffed Tater Tots Recipe

Stuffed tater tots are the ultimate comfort snack, combining the crispy, golden texture of classic tater tots with a gooey, cheesy, and savory filling that elevates this humble side dish into something extraordinary.

Whether served as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or a fun twist to your dinner menu, these homemade delights are a crowd-pleaser. What makes them unique is the creative potential to experiment with the stuffing—cheese, bacon, jalapeños, or even pulled pork. With crispy potato shells on the outside and a molten, flavor-packed surprise inside, these tots are a must-try for food lovers looking for something new and exciting.

Ingredients

For the Potato Mixture:
• 4 medium russet potatoes (peeled and grated)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)

For the Filling:
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella for a stringier effect)
• ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped jalapeños (optional, for a spicy kick)

For Frying:
• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes: Peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater. Place the grated potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 10 minutes to remove excess starch.
2. Squeeze out the moisture: Drain the soaked potatoes and wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much water as possible. Dry potatoes are crucial for crispy tots.
3. Make the potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine the dried grated potatoes with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, flour, cornstarch (if using), and the beaten egg. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
4. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the shredded cheese with bacon and jalapeños if using. You can adjust the ingredients based on your taste preference.
5. Shape the tots: Take about a tablespoon of the potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Add a small amount of the cheese filling (around ½ teaspoon) in the center. Gently fold the edges of the potato around the filling to form a tater tot shape, making sure the cheese is completely enclosed.
6. Chill the tots: Place the shaped tater tots on a tray and refrigerate them for about 20–30 minutes. This step helps them firm up and hold their shape during frying.
7. Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to fully submerge the tots.
8. Fry in batches: Carefully drop a few tots into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Serve hot: Enjoy your stuffed tater tots fresh from the fryer with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy ketchup, or garlic aioli.