Bacon and Cheese Tater Tots

Craving the ultimate crispy comfort food These Bacon and Cheese Homemade Tater Tots take your favorite classic snack to a whole new level Each tot is stuffed with gooey cheese and smoky bacon for bite size deliciousness that disappears fast at game day parties or family movie nights

The first time I made these was for a birthday bash and I barely had time to get them off the tray before they vanished My sister still brings up that batch as her all time favorite party snack

Ingredients

• Potatoes: choose a starchy potato like russet for the best fluffy interior peel after cooking for smooth texture
• Cheese: use a good melting cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack for creaminess grate your own for better melt
• Thick cut bacon: smoky and hearty this adds texture and richness cook until deeply crisp and drain well
• All purpose flour: helps the mixture bind so your tots hold together in the fryer look for unbleached flour when possible
• Salt: brings out the flavors of potatoes cheese and bacon
• Ground black pepper: adds a gentle heat and a little zing to every bite use freshly ground for best aroma

Instructions

Cook the potatoes:

Bake or boil potatoes just until a knife can pierce them with a little resistance do not overcook cool to room temperature before peeling so they are easier to handle and grate

Prepare the bacon:

Fry bacon strips over moderate heat until extremely crisp pat them dry on paper towels and let them cool chop finely so each tot gets bits in every bite

Mix the filling:

Grate the cooled potatoes evenly into a large mixing bowl follow with the grated cheese add flour salt pepper and the chopped bacon Stir for several minutes making sure everything is evenly distributed use your hands if needed for thorough mixing

Shape the tots:

Scoop out a spoonful of the mixture and gently squeeze it into a classic tater tot shape about one inch tall Place formed tots on a parchment lined tray and freeze uncovered for fifteen minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape while frying

Fry:

Heat neutral oil in a deep pan until a thermometer reads three hundred sixty to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Very lightly dust each tot with flour so they do not stick or absorb excess oil Fry the tots in batches for three to four minutes giving them space so they turn crisp and evenly golden Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel lined plate

Serve:

Give the finished tots a few minutes to cool slightly Serve them hot with ketchup ranch or any dip you love These are unbeatable when crispy and fresh

I absolutely love sneaking a little sharp cheddar into the mix for extra tang Some of my happiest memories are of making these with my niece who always tries to steal a crispy tot before dinner is served

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely then keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat in a hot oven for best crispness Avoid microwaving which softens their crusts

Ingredient Substitutions

Try smoked gouda instead of cheddar for a smokier finish Use turkey bacon if you want a lighter take If gluten is an issue swap the flour for a one to one gluten free blend

Serving Suggestions

Pile tots into paper cones or a snack bowl for parties Serve as a savory breakfast side or as an upgraded alternative to fries at burger night For brunch scatter over a scrambled egg skillet

Cultural and Historical Context

Tots first appeared in the fifties as a way for food companies to use up potato scraps Homemade versions let you get creative with mix ins and truly celebrate comfort food at its most nostalgic

Seasonal Adaptations

For a fall twist stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne Mix in finely chopped scallions or chives for a herby pop Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving for color

Serve these golden crispy tater tots straight from the fryer for the most delicious experience They are always gone in minutes at any gathering

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of potatoes works best?

Russet potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape and become crisp when fried.

→ Can I bake the tots instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

→ What cheese varieties can I use?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss melt well and add great flavor to the tots.

→ How do I keep the tots from falling apart?

Chilling the shaped tots before frying helps them hold together during cooking.

→ What dipping sauces pair well?

Classic ketchup, ranch, or spicy aioli all complement the savory flavors.

→ Can these tots be made ahead?

Yes, shape and freeze the tots in advance. Fry or bake straight from the freezer.