Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are like the ultimate snack attack, game day favorite, or late-night guilty pleasure. Crispy on the outside, gooey cheese + smoky bacon on the inside… it’s basically everything good in one bite-sized golden nugget. Let’s get you the full recipe:
🥓🧀 Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots
🍽️ Servings:
Makes about 24 tots (serves 4–6 as a snack or side)
⏱️ Time:
Prep: 20 minutes
Chill (optional but helps): 20–30 minutes
Cook: 20–25 minutes
Total: ~45–60 minutes
✅ Ingredients:
3 cups frozen tater tots, thawed
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or cut into small cubes
4–6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1 egg, beaten (helps bind)
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Optional for dipping: ranch, sriracha mayo, BBQ sauce, or spicy ketchup
🧑🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven (or Air Fryer)
Oven: 425°F (220°C)
Air fryer: 400°F (200°C)
2. Mash the Tots
Place the thawed tater tots in a large bowl.
Mash them with a fork or potato masher until they’re soft but still a little textured.
3. Mix It All Up
Add to the mashed tots:
Crumbled bacon
Shredded cheddar
Egg
Garlic & onion powder
A bit of salt & pepper
Mix until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
4. Shape the Tots
Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of mixture and roll it into a mini log or ball (tot shape).
Optional: Press a small cube of cheese in the center and close the tot around it for extra melty goodness.
Place shaped tots on a baking sheet (or plate if air frying).
Chill in the freezer for 20–30 minutes — this helps them stay together during cooking. Optional but recommended.
5. Cook to Crispy Perfection
Oven Method:
Line a baking tray with parchment and lightly grease or spray it.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Air Fryer Method:
Spray the basket and tots lightly with oil spray.
Cook in batches at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Pan Fry Method (for the bold):
Heat about ¼” oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry tots in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 3–4 minutes total.
Drain on paper towels.
🧡 Serve With:
Ranch dip
Garlic aioli
Hot sauce
Sour cream + chive
Or just straight off the tray 😅
🧊 Freezer Tip:
You can freeze them after shaping (before cooking). Lay them flat on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Cook from frozen — just add a couple extra minutes to the time!