beef baconcheese-stuffed tater tots are the ultimate comfort food, combining the crispy, golden exterior of tater tots with a rich, gooey filling of cheddar cheese.
savory beef bacon, and a hint of freshness from green onions. These stuffed tots are perfect for a party, as a snack, or even as a delicious appetizer for any gathering.
Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve, and they’re sure to be a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
1 pound frozen tater tots – The base of this recipe, baked or fried to crispy perfection.
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a cheese blend) – For a gooey, melty center.
4 strips cooked beef beef bacon, crumbled – Adds smoky, savory flavor.
2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (optional) – For a pop of freshness.
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – Helps bind the filling.
Oil for frying (if not baking) – Optional for achieving extra-crispy tots.
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to the temperature indicated on the tater tot package, usually around 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your tater tots cook evenly and get crispy on the outside.
While the oven is heating, cook your beef beef strips in a pan until they’re crispy. Once done, thebeef o small crumbles, making sure they’re bite-sized for easy stuffing.
Next, prepare the filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the crumbled beef bacon, shredded cheese, finely chopped green onions (if using), and all-purpose flour.
The flour helps the filling stick together and holds its shape when stuffed into the tots. Mix the ingredients well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Once your filling is ready, it’s time to prepare the tater tots. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a small slit down the center of each frozen tater tot, making sure not to slice all the way through.
The goal is to create a small pocket to hold the filling, so you can stuff it with the cheesybeef bacon mixture.
Now, take small spoonfuls of thebeef bacon and cheese mixture and carefully stuff each tater tot, pressing gently to ensure the filling is packed inside. Be cautious not to overstuff, as this can cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
Place the stuffed tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one to allow for even cooking.
If you prefer extra crispy tots, you can lightly spray them with cooking oil or fry them in a pan until golden brown.
If baking, follow the instructions on the tater tot package, usually about 20-25 minutes, or until the tots are crispy and golden.
Once the stuffed tater tots are baked or fried to your liking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or a spicy aioli, and enjoy the cheesy, bacon-filled goodness!
How to Make
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the tater tot package. Preheating ensures that your tots will cook to the perfect crispy texture.
As the oven heats, cook your beef bacon until it’s crispy and drain the excess fat on paper towels. Once cooled, chop the beef bacon into small, bite-sized pieces that will fit neatly inside each tot.
Next, prepare the filling by mixing the cookedbeef bacon , shredded cheese, chopped green onions (optional), and a tablespoon of flour in a bowl.
The flour helps bind the mixture together and keeps the filling from being too runny or messy. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined.
Now, it’s time to work with the tater tots. Carefully cut a slit down the center of each tot with a sharp knife, making sure not to cut all the way through.
The idea is to create a small pocket to hold the filling, so take your time to make a neat slit in each one.
Stuff each tater tot with thebeef bacon and cheese mixture. Use a small spoon to add the filling, making sure to pack it in without overstuffing.
If you find it difficult to stuff the tots, try using a piping bag to make the process easier.
Once stuffed, place the tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure there’s enough space between each tot for even cooking.
If you want to fry the tots instead of baking them, heat oil in a deep pan and carefully fry the stuffed tots until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Bake or fry the tots for the recommended time based on the method you choose. Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before serving.
You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, depending on your preference, such as ketchup, ranch, or a spicy dipping sauce.
Variations
To customize the flavor, try using a different type of cheese. Mozzarella cheese will give your tots a gooey, stringy center, while pepper jack cheese can add a bit of heat and spice.
For a more decadent filling, consider using a blend of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
If you want to spice things up, add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling. This w
