Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots

Description:
These Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are the ultimate snack or appetizer that combines crispy, golden tater tots with a gooey, savory filling. The crispy outer layer is the perfect contrast to the rich melted cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and a touch of fresh green onions inside. These are a crowd-pleasing, indulgent treat that’s easy to make and even easier to devour! Dip them in sour cream for the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag frozen tater tots
• 4-6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Sour cream, for dipping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven according to the package instructions for the tater tots (usually around 425°F).
2. Cook the tater tots according to the package instructions, until they are crispy and golden brown.
3. While the tater tots are baking, prepare the filling: in a small bowl, mix together the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.
4. Once the tater tots are cooked, let them cool slightly to make handling easier. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a small slit in the top of each tater tot.
5. Stuff the tater tots: Spoon a small amount of the bacon and cheese mixture into each slit. Be gentle so the tots don’t break.
6. Return the stuffed tater tots to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese inside.
7. Serve hot, with a side of sour cream for dipping.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Storage:

• In the refrigerator: Store leftover stuffed tater tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
• In the freezer: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked stuffed tater tots. Just arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze them solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy again and the cheese is melted.
• Microwave: For quicker reheating, microwave individual tater tots for 30-45 seconds, but note that they won’t be as crispy as when baked.

FAQs:

1. Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?
   • Fresh tater tots would need to be cooked first, but frozen ones are ideal for convenience.
2. What other cheeses can I use besides cheddar?
   • You can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes! Prepare and stuff the tater tots, then refrigerate them before baking.
4. Can I substitute bacon with something else?
   • Yes, you can use cooked sausage, turkey bacon, or even crumbled veggie bacon.
5. Can I bake these stuffed tater tots from frozen?
   • Yes, if frozen, bake them directly from the freezer, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
6. How can I make these spicier?
   • Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese to the filling.
7. How do I prevent the tater tots from breaking when cutting them?
   • Let them cool for a few minutes before cutting, and use a sharp knife to make a small slit.
8. Can I use a different kind of dip instead of sour cream?
   • You can serve these with ranch dressing, guacamole, or even spicy sriracha mayo.
9. What’s the best way to cook the bacon?
   • You can cook bacon on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave—just make sure it’s crispy before crumbling.
10. How can I make these vegetarian?
    • Omit the bacon and use sautéed mushrooms or black beans as a filling substitute.
11. Can I use air fryer to make these?
    • Yes, air fry at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cheese is melted.
12. Can I make these gluten-free?
    • Make sure the tater tots are gluten-free, and you’re good to go! Most frozen tots are, but double-check the label.
13. Can I use fresh green onions?
    • Absolutely! Fresh green onions will add a nice crunch and flavor to the filling.
14. How do I make these ahead of time for a party?
    • Assemble and stuff the tater tots, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
15. Can I bake these in advance and reheat?
    • Yes, but for the best texture, reheating them in the oven will help restore their crispiness.
16. What else can I stuff in the tater tots?
    • Try adding cream cheese, ranch seasoning, or even cooked chicken for extra protein.
17. How long do they take to cook in the oven?
    • Generally, about 20-25 minutes total: 15 minutes to cook the tots and 5-10 minutes for the stuffed filling.
18. Can I double the recipe?
    • Yes, just be sure to use a larger baking sheet or cook in batches.
19. Can I use crumbled sausage instead of bacon?
    • Yes, crumbled cooked sausage can make a great filling as well.
20. Do I need to cover the tater tots when baking?
    • No, keep them uncovered so they stay crispy, especially when melting the cheese inside.

20 Best Tips to Make Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots:

1. Let the tater tots cool slightly before cutting to avoid breaking them.
2. Use crispy bacon for the best texture and flavor in the stuffing.
3. Chop green onions finely so they mix well with the other ingredients.
4. Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger, more pronounced flavor.
5. Preheat the oven to the exact temperature recommended on the tater tot package for optimal crispiness.
6. Stuff the tater tots carefully—don’t overstuff them, or they may break open.
7. Use a small spoon to stuff the tater tots, making it easier to control the amount.
8. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder to the bacon and cheese mixture for extra flavor.
9. Top with more cheese before baking for an extra cheesy finish.
10. Use a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking when baking.
11. Experiment with other fillings, like pulled pork, cooked chicken, or even chili.
12. Add some heat with jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce in the stuffing.
13. Freeze unbaked stuffed tater tots for easy prep ahead of time.
14. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, so the tater tots crisp up evenly.
15. Serve with multiple dipping sauces, such as ranch, buffalo sauce, or chipotle mayo.
16. Try using flavored tater tots, like those seasoned with garlic or ranch, for an added twist.
17. Use a sharp knife to make slits in the tater tots for easy stuffing.
18. Let the stuffed tater tots rest for a minute or two before serving to help the cheese set.
19. Sprinkle the tops with a little paprika or cayenne pepper for a smoky flavor.
20. Add a drizzle of honey mustard for a sweet and savory dip.

These Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are an irresistible snack or appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more!