Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots

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Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots

Golden, crunchy tater tots stuffed with gooey cheese and smoky bacon. Perfect as an appetizer, game-day snack, or indulgent side dish.

Why You’ll Love Them

  • Crispy outside, molten center

  • Bacon + cheese = instant win

  • Easy to bake, fry, or air-fry

  • Totally crowd-approved

Ingredients

  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and finely crumbled

  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby-Jack)

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for extra melt)

  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (optional, extra creamy)

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • Chopped green onions or parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Tots

  1. Cook frozen tater tots according to package directions until just tender, not crispy.

  2. Let cool slightly so they’re easy to handle.

Step 2: Make the Filling

  1. In a bowl, mix cheddar, mozzarella, bacon, cream cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.

  2. Stir until evenly combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Tots

  1. Gently flatten each warm tater tot.

  2. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center.

  3. Wrap the potato around the filling and roll into a ball.

  4. Repeat until all tots are stuffed.

Step 4: Cook the Stuffed Tots

Oven Method

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. Place tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  3. Bake 18–22 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy.

Air Fryer Method

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Cook in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.

Frying Method

  1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes until deep golden.

  3. Drain on paper towels.

Optional Dipping Sauces

  • Ranch

  • Sour cream

  • Spicy mayo

  • Cheese sauce

  • BBQ sauce

Tips for Success

  • Don’t overstuff or they may burst

  • Keep tots warm while stuffing to prevent cracking

  • Use block cheese for better melt

  • Freeze stuffed tots before cooking for extra firmness

Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Freeze uncooked stuffed tots up to 2 months

  • Cook directly from frozen (add 3–5 minutes)

  • Store cooked leftovers in the fridge up to 2 days

Estimated Nutrition (Per 6 Tots)

  • Calories: ~290

  • Fat: ~18g

  • Carbs: ~24g

  • Protein: ~10g

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