Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are a next-level snack that combines everything you love—crispy potatoes, gooey cheddar, and smoky bacon—all in one bite. Whether you’re throwing a party, hosting game day, or just craving a savory indulgence, these tots are guaranteed to steal the show!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside
- Easy to make and fun to eat
- Perfect for parties, snacks, or late-night cravings
- Customizable with your favorite fillings and dips
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups frozen tater tots, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
👩🍳 How to Make Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots
Step 1: Make the Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, mash the thawed tater tots until smooth.
Add flour, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, salt, and mix well.
Step 2: Stuff and Shape
Take 1 tbsp of the mixture, flatten in your hand.
Add a pinch of cheddar and bacon in the center.
Wrap the mixture around the filling and shape into a tot.
Repeat with the rest.
Step 3: Cook Your Tots
Frying Method:
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry tots in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
Baking Method:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment, spray tots with cooking spray. Bake 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer Option:
Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Party Platter: Pile on a tray with extra bacon bits and shredded cheese.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch, spicy mayo, BBQ, or chipotle aioli.
Loaded Style: Top with sour cream, jalapeños, and green onions.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Bake, cool, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 375°F for 10–15 mins or air fry until crispy.
🥓🧀 Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan or deep fryer (for frying method)
- Baking sheet and parchment paper (for baking)
- Air fryer (optional)
- Tongs or spatula
- Slotted spoon or paper towels
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen tater tots thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large egg beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying or cooking spray for baking
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Potato Mixture
- In a large bowl, mash thawed tater tots until smooth.
- Add flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper, salt, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
- Step 2: Stuff and Shape
- Take about 1 tbsp of the mixture and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a small pinch of cheddar and crumbled bacon in the center.
- Wrap the mixture around the filling and shape into a tot.
- Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Step 3: Cook Your Tots
- 🔸 Frying Method:
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry tots in small batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
- 🔸 Baking Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- 🔸 Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat to 375°F. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crisp.
Notes
🔍 Nutrition (Per 2 Tots – Approximate)
- Calories: ~140
- Carbs: ~10g
- Fat: ~9g
- Protein: ~4g
- Sodium: ~180mg
💡 Tips for Success
- Thaw tater tots completely for easier mashing and shaping.
- Keep the cheese and bacon portions small to prevent leaks.
- For ultra crispy results, double-fry your tots.
- Want a shortcut? Use pre-shredded cheese and pre-cooked bacon bits.
🔄 Variations & Add-Ons
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in chopped green onions or bell peppers.
- Cheese Swap: Try gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
- BBQ Twist: Use BBQ sauce in the potato mixture for smoky flavor.
🔍 Nutrition (Per 2 Tots – Approximate)
- Calories: ~140
- Carbs: ~10g
- Fat: ~9g
- Protein: ~4g
- Sodium: ~180mg
❓ FAQs
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Prep and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake or fry just before serving.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Bake first, cool, then freeze. Reheat in a 375°F oven until hot and crispy.
Which cheese is best?
Cheddar is perfect, but pepper jack, mozzarella, or Mexican blend all work great.
Can I air fry them?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping once for even crispiness.
✅ Final Thoughts
Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are everything a comfort food lover dreams of—crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re serving a crowd or treating yourself, these tots deliver bite-sized bliss in every crunchy, melty mouthful. Try them once and you’ll never go back to plain tater tots again! 🥓🧀🥔
