Crispy, golden perfection on the outside and oozing cheesy, smoky flavor on the inside, these Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are an irresistible comfort food. Perfect for parties, game nights, or just indulging at home, they’re easy to make and even easier to devour!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups (800g) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (115g) cooked bacon, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (120g) mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (for stuffing)
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tater Tot Mixture

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined, creating a sticky and flavorful tater tot mixture.

2. Form and Stuff the Tater Tots

  1. Take 2 tablespoons of the mixture and flatten it in your hand.
  2. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center.
  3. Carefully wrap the hash brown mixture around the cheese, forming a small, oval-shaped tot. Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed.
  4. Repeat the process until all the mixture and cheese cubes are used up.

3. Fry the Tater Tots

  1. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the tater tots in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
  3. Cook each batch for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  4. Remove the tots using a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

4. Serve Hot

  1. Arrange the tater tots on a serving plate and pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, spicy ketchup, or sour cream.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley or an extra sprinkle of cheese for presentation (optional).

Tips for Perfect Tater Tots

Crispier Tots

  • For an extra crispy texture, double-fry the tater tots. Fry them for 2 minutes, let them rest for 5 minutes, then fry again until golden.

Baking Option

  • Prefer a healthier option? Bake the tater tots at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

Make-Ahead Magic

  • Assemble the tater tots and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container.
  • Fry or bake them directly from frozen for a quick snack that’s always ready!

Cheese Variations

  • Experiment with different cheeses! Try pepper jack, gouda, or your favorite melty variety to create unique flavor profiles.

Why You’ll Love These Tater Tots

  • Ultimate Comfort Food: Smoky bacon and gooey cheese stuffed in crispy potatoes—what’s not to love?
  • Party-Perfect: These tots are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether it’s game day or a casual hangout.
  • Customizable: Change up the cheeses, seasonings, or even add jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fat: 24g

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and assemble the tater tots, then freeze them for up to 3 months. You can fry or bake them straight from frozen.

2. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

3. What other cheeses work well for stuffing?
Pepper jack, gouda, Monterey Jack, or even brie can be excellent choices for stuffing.

4. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Ensure the hash brown mixture completely surrounds the cheese, sealing any gaps before frying or baking.

5. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes! Grate fresh potatoes, squeeze out excess moisture, and proceed with the recipe.

6. What are the best dipping sauces for these tots?
Ranch, spicy ketchup, garlic aioli, or even barbecue sauce pair wonderfully with these cheesy bites.

These Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are the ultimate snack that combines crispy, cheesy, and smoky flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a sure winner. Happy snacking! 🥓🧀✨