Description
Homemade tater tots with bacon are golden and crispy on the outside, yet soft and tender inside. They're packed with flavour and a total family favourite.
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes (1 lb.), peeled and cut in half
- 4 strips bacon, sliced
- 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (if baking).
- Place potatoes in a large pot of cold water and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes until softened but not completely cooked. Drain well and let cool.
- Meanwhile, sauté bacon (no cooking oil needed) in a large pot or 4 qt. Dutch oven over medium high heat until crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Save bacon fat in a bowl and chop bacon into small bits
- Shred potatoes into thin strips with a box grater. Wash off excess potato starch under cold water and drain well. Squeeze out excess water with a cheesecloth or dish towel and place shredded potato into a large mixing bowl.
- Add bacon bits, flour, mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch tater tots, and place on a large half sheet baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Cook the tater tots:
- Bake in the oven: Spray some cooking oil spray over the tater tots and bake in a 400F preheated oven for 25 minutes until golden brown, turning the tater tots halfway through baking. Turn the broiler on high for an additional 4-5 minutes to achieve extra crispy browned tater tots, if desired. Keep a close eye on the broiler as things can burn quickly.
- Deep fry: Fill oil about 1-inch high in a shallow saucepan or cooking pot. Heat on medium heat until sizzling hot, about 3-4 minutes. Add tater tots and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.
- Air fry: Add tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may have to cook in multiple batches). Cook at 400F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately with ketchup or your favourite dipping sauce.
Notes
How to store: Store cooked tater tots in an air tight container (once cooled to room temperature), and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to reheat: Reheat in a 350 F preheated oven or air fryer for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Make ahead instructions: Shape the tots and line them on your baking pan. Then cover with plastic cling wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to one day in advance. When ready to make them, set the tray out on the counter for about 20 minutes to bring the tots to room temperature. Then cook as per recipe instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American