Bacon and cheese-stuffed tater tots are a crispy, gooey, flavor-packed snack or appetizer that’s hard to resist. Here’s a simple recipe to make them at home:
🧀🥓 Bacon & Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots
Ingredients:
- 2 cups frozen tater tots (thawed)
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 1 egg (optional, for binding)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Oil, for frying (or use an air fryer or oven)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven/air fryer (if not frying).
- Oven: 400°F (200°C)
- Air fryer: 380°F (193°C)
- Mash the tater tots in a large bowl until smooth. If they’re too dry, add a little beaten egg to help them bind.
- Mix in the crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form into balls or mini logs, about the size of a large tater tot. Make sure the cheese is well-enclosed to avoid leaks.
- Optional (for extra crunch): Roll in seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Cook:
- Fry in 350°F (175°C) oil for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, spicy mayo, ketchup, etc.)
🔁 Variations:
- Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Use pre-cooked hash browns instead of tots for a shortcut.