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Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots: A Crispy, Cheesy Delight! 🥓🧀
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the combination of crispy, cheesy, and smoky flavors. That’s exactly what you get with Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots—a bite-sized treat that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Whether you’re hosting a game night, planning a party, or just craving an indulgent snack, these homemade tater tots will hit the spot.
In this article, we’ll cover everything from how to make them from scratch to tips for frying or air-frying, along with serving suggestions that will make this dish an instant crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Combining potatoes, bacon, and cheese creates a snack that is both satisfying and irresistible.
- Better Than Store-Bought: Homemade tater tots have a crispier texture and fresher taste than frozen ones.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients to add different cheeses, seasonings, or even veggies.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a party, or just a cozy night in, these tots are always a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these bacon and cheese-stuffed tater tots, you’ll need:
For the Tater Tots:
✔️ 3 cups shredded potatoes (Russet potatoes work best because of their starchy texture)
✔️ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melty cheese)
✔️ 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (for a smoky, savory bite)
✔️ 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (helps bind the mixture together)
✔️ 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds a delicious savory flavor)
✔️ ½ teaspoon onion powder (for an extra boost of flavor)
✔️ ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
✔️ ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or more for a slight kick)
✔️ 1 egg, beaten (acts as a binder)
For the Coating:
✔️ 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
✔️ Oil for frying (or cooking spray for air-frying)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel and shred the potatoes using a grater or food processor.
- Place the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Removing excess water helps make the tater tots crispier.
2. Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded potatoes, cheese, crumbled bacon, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the beaten egg and mix everything until well combined. The mixture should hold together when squeezed.
3. Shape the Tater Tots
- Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into tater tot-sized cylinders using your hands.
- Roll each tot in panko breadcrumbs for a crispy outer coating.
Cooking Methods
Option 1: Frying (For the Crispiest Tots)
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully drop the tater tots into the hot oil in small batches.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the tots and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Option 2: Air Frying (For a Healthier Version)
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy, bacon-stuffed tater tots are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a great dipping sauce takes them to the next level! Here are some ideas:
- Classic Ketchup: A simple but perfect pairing.
- Ranch Dressing: The creamy tanginess complements the crispy tots.
- Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with a bit of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Sauce: Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!
You can also serve them as a side dish with burgers, hot dogs, or grilled meats.