Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are the ultimate snack or appetizer, combining crispy golden potatoes with gooey melted cheese and smoky bacon in every bite. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, game days, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen tater tots, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, mash the thawed tater tots with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Stir in the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Take about 1 tablespoon of the mashed potato mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a small amount of shredded cheese and a few bacon crumbles in the center. Carefully wrap the potato mixture around the filling, forming it into a compact tot shape. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the tater tots in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly coat them with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tater tots hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, sour cream, ketchup, or spicy aioli.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the tater tots are fully thawed and mashed for easy shaping.
- Keep the filling small to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.
- For extra crispiness, double-fry the tater tots by frying them once until lightly golden, letting them cool, and frying them again until fully crisp.
Why You’ll Love These Tater Tots
These tater tots take a classic comfort food to the next level with their cheesy, bacon-filled centers. They’re crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with flavor. Perfect for sharing (or not!), these Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are sure to become a new favorite!