Introduction:
Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are a fun and savory twist on the classic potato snack. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these tater tots are loaded with melted cheese and crispy bacon. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a snack for parties or gatherings, they are sure to satisfy your cravings for something indulgent and delicious.
Ingredients:
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
Prepare Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Bake them according to the package instructions, typically around 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Make the Stuffing: While the tater tots bake, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels, then crumble it into small pieces.
In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix until everything is well combined.
Stuff the Tater Tots: Once the tater tots are done baking, allow them to cool slightly. Using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully stuff each tater tot with the bacon and cheese mixture.
Be sure not to overstuff, so the filling doesn’t spill out while baking.
Bake Again: After stuffing the tater tots, return them to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Description:
These Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots offer a decadent and crispy bite of comfort food. The exterior of the tater tots stays crisp and golden, while the inside is filled with a creamy mixture of cheddar cheese, bacon, and a hint of garlic.
The combination of flavors makes these tots an irresistible treat, whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch, ketchup, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
Tips:
Make Ahead: You can prepare these tater tots in advance by stuffing and assembling them ahead of time, then storing them in the refrigerator.
Bake them just before serving.
Substitute Bacon: If you’re not a fan of bacon or want to make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the bacon with cooked sausage, ham, or even sautéed mushrooms for a savory twist.
Crispy Tater Tots: For an extra crispy exterior, consider air frying the tater tots instead of baking them in the oven.
Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheese types, like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor profile.
Variations:
Buffalo Bacon Tater Tots: Add a couple of tablespoons of buffalo sauce to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick. You can also serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Jalapeño Popper Tater Tots: Mix in some diced jalapeños with the cheese mixture for a spicy, creamy version of the classic jalapeño popper.
BBQ Tater Tots: Replace the cheddar cheese with a smoked cheese and drizzle the stuffed tater tots with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet flavor.
Corrections:
If you find the filling too runny, use less cream cheese or add more cheese to help bind it together.
If your tater tots are getting too soft, make sure they are fully baked before stuffing and avoid overstuffing them to prevent spilling.
Enjoy! Indulge in the crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness of Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots.
They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a quick and satisfying snack.