Tater tots, a beloved snack adored by many, are often enjoyed as a crispy side dish. But when you add bacon and cheese into the mix, you elevate this classic comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness. Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are a mouthwatering treat that combines the crispy, golden exterior of tater tots with a savory, gooey center of melted cheese and crispy bacon. These bite-sized delights make the perfect appetizer or party snack, and they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. If you’re craving something indulgent, these homemade stuffed tater tots are a great way to satisfy your taste buds. Here’s how to make them!
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 2 cups frozen tater tots – You can choose any brand of frozen tater tots, but make sure they are crispy after baking or frying.
- 4 slices bacon – Bacon adds a salty, crispy flavor that complements the cheese perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese works best because it melts beautifully and gives that rich, tangy taste.
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese – This ingredient helps the cheese melt into a creamy, gooey center.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic adds extra flavor, giving the stuffed tots a savory kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder – A touch of onion powder adds a subtle depth of flavor to the filling.
- Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish, it adds color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon. Place the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy and golden brown, turning it occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. Once the bacon is done, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Let it cool for a few minutes before chopping it into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Tater Tots
While the bacon is cooling, prepare the tater tots. You can either bake or fry them, depending on your preference. To bake the tots, follow the instructions on the package, typically baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. If you’re frying, heat some oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C) and fry the tots for 2-3 minutes until they are crispy.
Once the tater tots are cooked, remove them from the oven or oil and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese and Bacon Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they form a gooey, well-combined filling. The cream cheese helps bind the cheese and bacon together, ensuring the filling stays intact when placed inside the tater tots.
Step 4: Hollow Out the Tater Tots
Now comes the fun part! Take each tater tot and use a small spoon or a sharp knife to hollow out the center. Be careful not to break the tots while doing this. You can scoop out just enough to create a small cavity in the center of each tot. The hollowed-out part will hold the bacon and cheese filling.
Step 5: Stuff the Tater Tots
Using a small spoon or your fingers, carefully stuff the hollowed-out tater tots with the cheese and bacon filling. Make sure each tot is packed with a generous amount of the mixture, but be careful not to overstuff, as it can cause the filling to spill out during cooking. You can use a toothpick to hold the filling in place if needed.
Step 6: Bake the Stuffed Tater Tots
Once all the tater tots are stuffed, place them back onto the baking sheet. Bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese filling is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This will ensure the tots become crispy again and the cheese filling is perfectly melted inside.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the stuffed tater tots are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and gooey, and enjoy this delightful snack!
Tips for the Best Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots:
- Customize the filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling. You can add other ingredients like green onions, jalapeños, or even a bit of ranch dressing for extra flavor.
- Fried vs. Baked: If you want the tots to be extra crispy, you can fry them after stuffing. However, baking them is a healthier option and still results in a crispy outer texture.
- Cheese variations: While cheddar is the go-to cheese for this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a stretchier filling or gouda for a smoky flavor.
- Make-ahead option: If you’re preparing these for a party, you can stuff the tater tots ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just bake them until golden and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots
- Crispy and Golden on the Outside: The exterior of these tater tots becomes perfectly crispy when baked, giving you the satisfying crunch with each bite.
- Gooey, Savory Filling: The melted cheese and crispy bacon inside create a rich and savory combination that’s irresistible. Each bite is a burst of flavor!
- Perfect for Parties and Gatherings: These stuffed tater tots are a great crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make and perfect for serving at parties, game days, or as a fun snack for family movie nights.
- Customizable: The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can adjust the filling ingredients to match your personal preferences or experiment with different flavors and textures.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Tater tots are already a comfort food classic, and stuffing them with cheese and bacon makes them even more indulgent. Perfect for when you’re in the mood for something extra cheesy and crispy.
Pairing Suggestions
These Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces. Try them with classic ketchup, ranch dressing, or even a spicy Sriracha mayo for a kick. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
Final Thoughts
Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are a fun, indulgent treat that will impress your friends and family. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and the perfect finger food for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a tasty snack, or simply want to indulge in a satisfying comfort food, these stuffed tater tots will not disappoint. Give them a try and experience the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and savory in every bite!