Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots

These Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. A perfect appetizer, snack, or indulgent side dish, they bring together everything you love about comfort food in one bite-sized treat.

• Preparation time: 25 minutes
• Chilling time (optional): 30 minutes
• Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: About 24 tater tots

Potato Base:

• 500 g (1 lb) russet potatoes
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Filling:

• 100 g (3.5 oz) bacon, cooked and finely chopped
• 100 g (3.5 oz) cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
• 1 tbsp chopped chives or green onion (optional)

Coating:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 60 g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
• 60 g (1/2 cup) breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
• Oil for frying or spray for baking/air-frying

1. Boil and Prepare the Potatoes

• Peel and cube the potatoes.
• Boil in salted water until fork-tender (about 10–12 minutes).
• Drain, cool slightly, and grate or mash coarsely.

2. Season the Potato Mixture

• Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Mix well to distribute seasonings evenly.

3. Shape and Stuff

• Scoop 1 tablespoon of the potato mixture into your palm and flatten.
• Place a cube of cheese and a few bacon bits in the center.
• Fold the potato mixture around the filling to seal and form a tot.
• Repeat for all tots.

4. Chill (Optional)

• Chill shaped tots for 30 minutes in the fridge for firmer texture when cooking.

5. Coat the Tots

• Dredge each tot in flour, dip in beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs.

6. Cook the Tots

Deep Frying:

• Heat oil to 175°C (350°F).
• Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy.

Baking:

• Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Bake on parchment-lined tray, sprayed with oil, for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.

Air Frying:

• Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

• Cheese Options: Mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda work great.
• Add Heat: Include chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.
• Vegetarian: Skip bacon and use roasted red pepper or caramelized onion as filling.
• Freeze Ahead: Shape and coat, then freeze. Cook from frozen with a few extra minutes.

• Approximately 70–90 kcal per tot depending on size, cheese, and cooking method.

• Game-day snack or party platter
• Side for burgers or sandwiches
• Breakfast/brunch with eggs and toast
• Paired with dipping sauces: ranch, BBQ, sriracha mayo

• Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in airtight container.
• Freezer: Freeze shaped (uncooked) tots for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Bake or air fry until hot and crispy.

• Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with smoky bacon
• Easy to customize
• Perfect for prep ahead and freezing
• A total crowd-pleaser