Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots Recipe

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Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots Recipe

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These crispy, gooey, and savory Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are the ultimate snack or appetizer! With a crispy exterior and a cheesy, smoky center, these stuffed tater tots are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound frozen tater tots – The base of this recipe, baked or fried to crispy perfection.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a cheese blend) – For a gooey, melty center.
  • 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled – Adds smoky, savory flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (optional) – For a pop of freshness.
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – Helps bind the filling.
  • Oil for frying (if not baking) – Optional for achieving extra-crispy tots.

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven or Fryer

  1. If baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. If frying: Heat your oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions (if using), and flour.
  2. Stir until the mixture comes together slightly and forms a thick, clumpy consistency. This will help bind the filling together when stuffed into the tater tots.

Step 3: Stuff the Tater Tots

  1. Gently thaw the frozen tater tots just enough to handle (about 5-10 minutes at room temperature).
  2. Using a small knife or your fingers, carefully hollow out the center of each tater tot.
  3. Fill each tater tot with a small amount of the bacon-cheese mixture, pressing the filling in gently but firmly to make sure it stays inside.
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Step 4: Bake or Fry the Tater Tots

  1. To bake: Arrange the stuffed tater tots on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  2. To fry: Fry the stuffed tater tots in batches for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Transfer the crispy, stuffed tater tots to a serving plate.
  2. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.
  3. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, ketchup, or sour cream.

Q&A About Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots:

Q1: Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen ones?
A1: This recipe works best with frozen tater tots as they hold their shape better and cook more evenly when baked or fried. However, you can make your own tater tots if preferred.

Q2: What kind of cheese should I use for the filling?
A2: You can use cheddar cheese, mozzarella, or a cheese blend. Cheddar is especially delicious for its sharp flavor, but mozzarella will give it a gooey melt. You can also experiment with pepper jack cheese for a bit of spice!

Q3: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
A3: Yes, turkey bacon can be substituted for regular bacon for a leaner option. Just ensure it’s cooked and crumbled before adding it to the filling.

Q4: How do I prevent the filling from spilling out while baking or frying?
A4: When stuffing the tater tots, make sure the filling is pressed firmly inside the hollowed-out center. If you’re baking them, flipping halfway through will help ensure an even crisp. If frying, don’t overcrowd the pan, and fry in batches to give them space to crisp up.

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Q5: Can I make these in advance?
A5: Yes! You can stuff the tater tots and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you’re making a large batch, consider freezing the stuffed tater tots for up to a month. Simply bake or fry them from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q6: Can I bake these tater tots if I prefer not to fry?
A6: Absolutely! Baking is a healthier alternative to frying. Just ensure you bake them at the recommended temperature and flip them halfway through to ensure even crisping.

Q7: What dipping sauces would go well with these stuffed tater tots?
A7: These tater tots pair great with ranch dressing, ketchup, sour cream, or a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick. You can even go with a cheese dip if you want to add more cheesy goodness!

Q8: How long can I store leftovers?
A8: Store any leftover stuffed tater tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain their crispiness.

Enjoy these Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots for your next party, movie night, or as a tasty snack! They’re crispy on the outside, melty and cheesy on the inside – perfect for satisfying those savory cravings.

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