Stuffed tater tots are the perfect fusion of crispy golden potatoes and savory, cheesy fillings. These bite-sized treats are ideal for game nights, party snacks, or simply when you’re craving something comforting and indulgent.
Unlike traditional frozen tater tots, these homemade versions are filled with gooey cheese and flavorful ingredients, delivering a burst of taste in every bite. Whether you’re making them for kids or grown-up gatherings, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Easy to customize and irresistibly delicious, stuffed tater tots are a unique take on the classic appetizer. You can fill them with cheddar, bacon, jalapeños, or even bits of cooked sausage to add your own personal twist.
Ingredients
• 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed and well-drained)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup cooked bacon bits (optional for stuffing)
• ¼ cup chopped jalapeños (optional for stuffing)
• 4 oz mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes for stuffing)
• Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Hash Brown Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed and drained shredded hash browns with cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until the mixture holds together. This will be your base for the tater tots. - Form the Tater Tots
Scoop out a small amount of the mixture (about a tablespoon) and flatten it in your palm. Place a small cube of mozzarella in the center. You can also add bacon bits or chopped jalapeños along with the cheese if you want a more flavorful filling. Carefully wrap the hash brown mixture around the filling and shape it into a small cylinder like a traditional tater tot. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used. - Chill the Tots
Place the stuffed tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for about 20–30 minutes. Chilling helps the tots maintain their shape and prevents them from falling apart during frying. - Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test it by dropping a small piece of the potato mixture in — it should sizzle and float. - Fry the Stuffed Tots
Carefully add a few tots at a time into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. - Serve Hot
Serve the stuffed tater tots immediately while they are still hot and crispy. You can serve them with dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, spicy mayo, or cheese dip. They are fantastic as appetizers, party snacks, or even as a side dish with burgers or sandwiches. - Optional Baking Method
For a healthier alternative, you can bake the tots in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until crispy and golden, turning them halfway through for even browning.