Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots

These Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and filled with gooey melted cheese and savory bacon. They’re perfect as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or fun side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) frozen tater tots, thawed
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Oil spray or a little vegetable oil

For Serving

• Ranch dressing
• Sour cream
• Cheese sauce
• Chopped green onions
• Jalapeños, optional

Directions

1. Cook the bacon

Place the bacon in a skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy.

Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and allow it to cool.

Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

2. Prepare the cheese filling

In a bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions.

Add the garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika.

Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about ½–¾ inch in size.

Place the cheese balls on a plate and refrigerate for about 15–20 minutes. This makes them easier to stuff into the tots.

3. Prepare the tater tots

Allow the frozen tater tots to thaw until they are soft enough to flatten.

Place each tot between your fingers or gently press it with the palm of your hand to flatten it.

Make a small indentation in the center.

4. Stuff the tater tots

Place one small cheese-and-bacon ball in the center of each flattened tater tot.

Carefully fold the potato mixture around the filling, completely enclosing it.

Roll gently between your palms to form a compact ball.

Repeat with the remaining tots and filling.

5. Coat the stuffed tots

Place the flour in a shallow bowl.

Dip each stuffed tot lightly into the beaten egg, then roll it in the flour.

Shake off any excess coating.

6. Bake the tater tots

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Arrange the stuffed tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.

Lightly spray the tops with oil.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Air Fryer Method

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Lightly spray the stuffed tots with oil and arrange them in a single layer.

Air fry for approximately 10–14 minutes, turning halfway through, until crisp and golden.

Cook in batches if necessary.

7. Serve

Let the stuffed tater tots cool for 3–5 minutes before serving because the melted cheese inside will be very hot.

Serve with ranch dressing, sour cream, cheese sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Tater Tots

• Chill the cheese filling before stuffing so it stays together.
• Make sure the cheese filling is completely enclosed by the potato mixture to prevent leaking.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or air fryer.
• Freshly shredded cheese melts especially well.
• For a spicy version, add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the filling.
• You can substitute cooked sausage or finely chopped ham for the bacon.

Make-Ahead Option

Assemble the stuffed tots and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze them until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container.

When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 25–30 minutes, or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 14–18 minutes.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes
Servings: 4–6