Bacon and Cheese-Filled Tater Tots
Golden and crunchy on the outside while being delightfully cheesy and savory on the inside, these Bacon and Cheese-Filled Tater Tots are the epitome of comfort food! Bursting with rich cheese and smoky bacon, they make an excellent choice for a party appetizer, game day treat, or a satisfying snack at any time.
Ingredients
4 cups (800g) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup (115g) cooked bacon, finely chopped
¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup (120g) mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (for stuffing)
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Shape and Stuff the Tater Tots:
Take approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and carefully encase it with the hash brown mixture, forming a small oval shape. Ensure the cheese is completely sealed within. Continue this process with the remaining mixture and cheese cubes.
3. Fry the Tater Tots:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the tater tots in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Serve:
Enjoy the tater tots hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, sour cream, or spicy ketchup.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Tips:
For Extra Crispiness: Consider double-frying the tater tots. Fry them for 2 minutes, let them rest for 5 minutes, and then fry again until they reach a golden color.
Baking Alternative: For a healthier option, bake the tater tots at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
