Description
Crispy bacon and cheese-stuffed tater tots with a golden exterior and gooey, savory center. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party food, these homemade tots are easy to fry, bake, or air-fry. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups frozen shredded potatoes (thawed)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
- Add the flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
Step 2: Shape the Tater Tots
- Scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into a small cylinder.
- Repeat with the remaining mixture, placing each tot on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roll each tot lightly in breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
Step 3: Fry the Tater Tots
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the tater tots in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the tater tots cool slightly before serving.
- Pair with dipping sauces like ranch, ketchup, or spicy mayo. Enjoy!
Notes
- Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda.
- Spicy Kick: Add finely diced jalapeños.
- Baked Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Loaded Tots: Serve with sour cream, green onions, and extra bacon bits.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked tots on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: bacon cheese tater tots, stuffed tater tots, crispy tater tots, homemade tater tots, cheesy bacon tots