Tater Tot Bites are mini, crispy, and golden goodies that are perfect for snacking. They are filled with cheesy goodness, making them so fun to eat!
These little bites are super easy to make and always a hit at parties. I love dipping them in ketchup or ranch, but honestly, they’re so tasty, you could eat them plain! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots are the star here, providing that crispy, fluffy base. If you want a healthier option, consider using homemade mashed potatoes mixed with breadcrumbs instead.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds great flavor. You can swap it with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different taste.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient makes the bites creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese instead.
Bacon: Cooked bacon gives a nice crunch. Turkey bacon or even crispy veggies like mushrooms can be used for a vegetarian option!
Green Onions: They add freshness and flavor. If you don’t have them, regular onions will work, but use a smaller amount as they’re stronger in flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Tater Tot Bites Are Super Crispy?
The key to crispy Tater Tot Bites is getting the right texture and temperature. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the muffin tin; bits should have space to crisp up.
- Let them cool briefly after baking, which helps to keep that crispy exterior.
Remember, the longer you bake them, the crunchier they’ll get, but watch them so they don’t burn! Pair with sour cream for a delightful dip.
How to Make Tater Tot Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled, plus more for topping
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, plus extra for garnish
- Sour cream, for serving
Time Estimate:
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and 18-20 minutes for baking. So, it’ll be ready in no time for your next snack or party!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, give your mini muffin tin a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease it so your Tater Tot Bites don’t stick.
2. Thaw the Tater Tots:
In a large bowl, take your frozen tater tots and let them thaw slightly. This will make it easier for you to mash them while still keeping them cold.
3. Mix the Cheesy Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Mix these together until it’s all smooth and creamy. This will be the tasty filling!
4. Combine Tater Tots and Filling:
Next, gently mash the thawed tater tots just a bit to help them stick together—but don’t turn them into mush! Then, fold in your cheese mixture until everything is mixed nicely.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the mixture into the mini muffin tin. Make sure to fill each cup evenly, pressing down slightly to pack them in.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the muffin tin into the oven and let them bake for about 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be golden brown and crispy around the edges.
7. Cool and Remove:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully remove each Tater Tot Bite from the tin.
8. Garnish:
Sprinkle some extra crumbled bacon and chopped green onions on top of your bites for a delicious finishing touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these tasty bites warm, with some sour cream on the side for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Tater Tot Bites—perfect for snacking or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is delicious, you can swap it for Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a little kick, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well!
How Do I Make These Vegetarian-Friendly?
To make Tater Tot Bites vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or replace it with cooked mushrooms or spinach for added flavor. You can also add some diced bell peppers for extra crunch!
Can I Make Them Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and fill the muffin tin ahead of time. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Tater Tot Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness!
