Bacon and cheese-stuffed tater tots are a delicious twist on the classic comfort food. These crispy potato bites are filled with gooey melted cheese and crispy bacon, making them the perfect appetizer or snack. Whether served at a party, game night, or as a side dish, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines crispy potatoes, smoky bacon, and melted cheese in one bite.
- Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a satisfying snack.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Can be customized with different cheeses or additional seasonings.
- Great for meal prep and can be frozen for later use.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- Cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)
- Cooked bacon, crumbled
- All-purpose flour
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs (optional for extra crispiness)
- Cooking oil (for frying or baking)
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes – Peel and grate the potatoes. Place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Season and Mix – In a bowl, combine grated potatoes with flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Shape the Tots – Take a small portion of the potato mixture, flatten it in your hand, and place a small piece of cheese and crumbled bacon in the center. Roll into a tot shape, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.
- Coat (Optional) – For extra crispiness, dip each tot in a beaten egg and then roll in breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Tots –
- Frying Method – Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the tater tots until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Baking Method – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place tots on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer Method – Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray tots with cooking oil and air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
- Serve – Let them cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 20-24 tater tots
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a different flavor.
- Meat Alternatives: Use cooked sausage, ham, or turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon.
- Seasoning Additions: Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit bacon and add chopped spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted peppers.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place uncooked or cooked tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Use for a quick reheat, but they may lose crispiness.
FAQs
How do I keep tater tots from falling apart?
Ensure you squeeze out as much moisture from the grated potatoes as possible and mix with flour or an egg to help bind them together.
Can I use frozen shredded potatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture.
What cheese works best for stuffing?
Cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda melt well and create a gooey center.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them in advance and refrigerate or freeze them before cooking.
Are these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make them gluten-free.
Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes, baking at 400°F (200°C) will still give a crispy result, though not as crispy as frying.
What dips pair well with these?
Ranch dressing, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or spicy aioli complement the flavors.
How do I make them crispier?
Coating them in breadcrumbs and using an air fryer or frying in hot oil will enhance crispiness.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, but sweet potatoes have more moisture, so you may need extra flour or breadcrumbs to bind them.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, if you prefer a rustic texture, you can leave the skins on.
Conclusion
Bacon and cheese-stuffed tater tots are an irresistible snack that combines crispy potatoes, savory bacon, and melty cheese. They are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, these delicious bites will become a favorite in your household. Try them today and enjoy a satisfying treat
Print
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces 1x
Description
Crispy tater tots filled with gooey cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon!
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut tater tots in half and place cheese between them.
- Wrap each tot with bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Heat oil and fry until crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes for a healthier version.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American