Savory Bacon Cheese Tater Tots Recipe

Get ready to elevate your snack game with these irresistible Bacon and Cheese Tater Tots! If you’re looking for the perfect crispy, cheesy, and savory treat, you’ve come to the right place. These homemade tater tots are loaded with gooey cheddar cheese and smoky bacon, making them a hit at any party or movie night.

I still remember the first time I made a batch of these Bacon and Cheese Tater Tots for a gathering – they disappeared within minutes! The combination of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and perfectly fried potatoes is simply unbeatable. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a delicious snack, these tots are sure to please everyone’s taste buds.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize these tater tots by adding different cheeses, herbs, or spices to suit your preferences. And if you’re looking to lighten them up, you can even swap the bacon for turkey bacon. So, why wait? Whip up a batch of these Bacon and Cheese Tater Tots and get ready to indulge in some seriously tasty comfort food!

Quick Benefits

• Provides a crispy, indulgent comfort food snack that is perfect for game day parties or family movie nights
• Offers a gooey, cheesy center and smoky bacon flavor in each bite for a delicious taste sensation
• Can be customized with different cheese options, such as sharp cheddar or smoked gouda, and alternative ingredients like turkey bacon or gluten-free flour for dietary preferences
• Versatile dish that can be served as a savory breakfast side, upgraded alternative to fries, or party snack straight from the fryer

Why You’ll Love This Savory Bacon Cheese Tater Tots Recipe Recipe

• Ultimate Crispy Comfort Food: Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside – a perfect combination for comfort food lovers.
• Perfect Party Snack: Ideal for game day parties or family movie nights as they disappear fast from the tray.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness and adults enjoy the smoky bacon flavor, making it a hit with all age groups.
• Customizable: Easily customize with different cheeses like smoked gouda, or swap bacon for turkey bacon for a lighter option.
• Make Ahead: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated for up to three days, perfect for meal prep or quick snacks.
• Versatile: Serve as a side for breakfast, upgrade your burger night, or add to a brunch spread for a delicious twist.
• Creative Options: Get creative with mix-ins like smoked paprika, scallions, or fresh herbs for a unique flavor profile.
• Easy Preparation: Simple steps like shaping and freezing the tots in advance make it convenient for busy days.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Always a favorite at gatherings, these tater tots are guaranteed to disappear within minutes.

Ingredients for Savory Bacon Cheese Tater Tots Recipe

Main

• Vegetable oil, for deep frying
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon
• 6 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 pounds russet potatoes

Pro Tips for Savory Bacon Cheese Tater Tots Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To achieve the ultimate crispy texture, make sure to thoroughly dry the grated potatoes using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels before mixing them with the other ingredients. The less moisture in the potatoes, the crispier your tater tots will be when fried or baked.

Pro Tip 2: Experiment with different cheese options to elevate the flavor profile of your tater tots. Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese can also work well in place of cheddar for a unique twist. Be generous with the cheese to ensure each tot is packed with gooey, melty goodness when you bite into it.

Pro Tip 3: For a time-saving option, consider shaping the tater tots ahead of when you plan to serve them. Simply freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can easily fry or bake them straight from the freezer for a quick and delicious snack or side dish.

How to Make Savory Bacon Cheese Tater Tots Recipe

Step 1: Cook Potatoes

Boil or bake potatoes until just tender, about 18-22 minutes. Drain and let cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Bacon

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then finely chop.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Peel and grate cooled potatoes into a large bowl. Mix in cheddar cheese, bacon, flour, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Shape Tater Tots

Using heaping tablespoons of mixture, shape into classic tot cylinders. Arrange tots in a single layer on a tray and freeze for 15 minutes to firm up.

Step 5: Fry Tater Tots

In a deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 360–375°F. Lightly coat tots with flour and fry in small batches for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Place the fried tots on a paper towel-lined tray to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

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Storage Tips

To store the finished Bacon and Cheese Tater Tots, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator where the tots can be kept for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, reheat the tater tots in a hot oven to maintain their crispy texture, as microwaving may soften their crusts.

For variation with the recipe, consider using smoked gouda instead of cheddar for a smokier finish, or turkey bacon for a lighter twist. If gluten is a concern, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend for a suitable alternative. These tater tots can be served at parties, as a savory breakfast side, or as an upgraded option to accompany burgers. To add color and flavor, consider topping the tots with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

For make-ahead convenience, shape the tater tots and freeze them before frying or baking. This allows you to have a batch ready to cook straight from the freezer whenever you desire. Experiment with mix-ins like smoked paprika or cayenne for a fall-inspired twist, and consider adding chopped scallions or chives for a herbal touch. Whether served straight from the fryer or reheated, these golden, crispy tater tots are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to change up the cheese in these Bacon and Cheese Tater Tots, consider using Monterey Jack or Swiss. They melt well and will still add a delicious flavor to the tots. Additionally, you could try incorporating smoked gouda for a smokier finish, adding a unique twist to the dish.

For a lighter alternative to traditional bacon, swap it out for turkey bacon. This substitution will still give you that smoky flavor without the same level of richness. If you need to make the recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a one-to-one gluten-free blend to ensure the tots maintain their crispy texture. These swaps allow for personalization while keeping the essence of the original recipe intact.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving these Bacon and Cheese Tater Tots, create a loaded tots bar at your next gathering. Offer a variety of toppings like sour cream, green onions, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños for guests to customize their tots. Serve the tots in mini cones or cups for a cute and convenient way to enjoy this delicious snack.

Another creative serving suggestion is to incorporate these tater tots into a brunch dish. Make a Tater Tot Breakfast Skillet by layering scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and these cheesy tots in a cast-iron skillet. Top it off with some fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a colorful and flavorful breakfast centerpiece that will be a hit with your family or guests.

FAQs for Savory Bacon Cheese Tater Tots Recipe

Can I bake these Bacon and Cheese Tater Tots instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the tater tots at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.

What are some alternative cheese options I can use in this recipe?

You can use cheeses like Monterey Jack or Swiss as alternatives to cheddar. They melt well and add great flavor to the tater tots.

How far in advance can I shape the tater tots before frying or baking?

Chilling the shaped tater tots in the fridge before frying or baking helps them hold together during cooking. You can shape and freeze them in advance and cook straight from the freezer.

What are some recommended dipping sauces to serve with these Bacon and Cheese Tater Tots?

Classic condiments like ketchup, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli all complement the savory flavors of the tater tots and make delicious dipping sauces.

Conclusion

Don’t let their small size fool you, these Bacon and Cheese Tater Tots pack a big flavor punch that will have your guests coming back for more! Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a fun twist on a classic side dish, these tots are sure to be a hit. Experiment with different cheeses and seasonings to make them your own, and don’t forget to enjoy them straight from the fryer for that irresistible crunch.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a crispy, cheesy treat, whip up a batch of these Bacon and Cheese Tater Tots and watch them disappear before your eyes. With their gooey cheese centers and savory bacon bits, they are a deliciously indulgent snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Get creative in the kitchen and make memories with your loved ones as you savor each bite of these homemade delights. Cheers to good food and good company!

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Savory Bacon Cheese Tater Tots Recipe

Ultimate crispy comfort food: Bacon and Cheese Homemade Tater Tots, stuffed with gooey cheese and smoky bacon, disappear fast at parties and movie nights.

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Prep Time25 min

Cook Time30 min

Total Time55 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (Approximately 36 tater tots)

Ingredients

Main

• Vegetable oil, for deep frying
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon
• 6 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 pounds russet potatoes

Instructions

1. Cook Potatoes: Boil or bake potatoes until just tender, about 18-22 minutes. Drain and let cool to room temperature.
2. Prepare Bacon: Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then finely chop.
3. Combine Ingredients: Peel and grate cooled potatoes into a large bowl. Mix in cheddar cheese, bacon, flour, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Shape Tater Tots: Using heaping tablespoons of mixture, shape into classic tot cylinders. Arrange tots in a single layer on a tray and freeze for 15 minutes to firm up.
5. Fry Tater Tots: In a deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 360–375°F. Lightly coat tots with flour and fry in small batches for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
6. Drain and Serve: Place the fried tots on a paper towel-lined tray to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.