Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots

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 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 bacon strips in a pan until they’re crispy. Once done, chop the bacon into small crumbles, making sure they’re bite-sized for easy stuffing.
Next, prepare the filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the crumbled 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 cheesy bacon mixture.
Now, take small spoonfuls of the 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!