Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are a delicious twist on the classic tater tots. These bite-sized treats are filled with crispy bacon and gooey cheese, making them the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or simply craving something indulgent, these stuffed tater tots are sure to be a hit. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory bacon, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen tater tots, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, finely chopped green onions, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form the Tater Tots:
- Take a small handful of thawed tater tots and flatten them in your palm to create a small disc.
- Place about a teaspoon of the bacon and cheese mixture in the center of the disc.
- Carefully fold the edges of the tater tot disc around the filling, pressing gently to seal. Roll the stuffed tater tot in your hands to form a smooth ball.
- Repeat this process with the remaining tater tots and filling until all the tater tots are stuffed.
- Coat the Tater Tots:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Roll each stuffed tater tot in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured tater tot into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Finally, roll the tater tot in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the surface.
- Place the coated tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Fry the Tater Tots:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the coated tater tots to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer.
- Fry the tater tots for 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the tater tots from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining tater tots.
- Serve:
- Serve the Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions if desired.
- Enjoy these delicious bites with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, ketchup, or barbecue sauce.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed tater tots ahead of time and freeze them before frying. Simply place the coated tater tots on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to fry, cook them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the frying time.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and add-ins. Try using mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda cheese for a different flavor profile. You can also add jalapeños, cooked sausage, or chopped bell peppers to the filling for extra variety.
- Baking Option: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the stuffed tater tots instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tater tots on a greased baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
These Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are a fun and tasty way to elevate your snack game. The combination of crispy tater tots with the savory bacon and melted cheese filling is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a treat, these stuffed tater tots are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!