Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots Recipe

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Cook Time: 5 minutes

These indulgent cheese-stuffed tater tots are simply irresistible. Heres how to make them:

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 (30-ounce) package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 4 ounces smoked Cheddar or Gouda cheese, cut into 32 cubes
• 1 quart peanut oil (for frying)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth.
2. Place half of the thawed hash browns into a food processor. Pulse briefly a couple of times until most of the shreds are about 1/2-inch long. It's fine if some shreds remain longer. Transfer the processed hash browns into the bowl with the egg mixture.
3. Repeat the same process with the remaining hash browns, then toss everything together to coat the potatoes evenly with the seasoning mixture.
4. Divide the hash brown mixture into 32 equal portions, each about 1 1/2 tablespoons. A #40 scoop works well for this.
5. Working over the sink, take one portion of the mixture in the palm of your hand. Place a cube of cheese in the center and press the hash brown mixture around the cheese, shaping it into a small cylinder. Be sure to squeeze out any excess liquid while shaping.
6. Place the shaped tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all tots are formed.
7. Freeze the shaped tots for at least 30 minutes, or until they hold their shape and firm up.
8. In a large, heavy saucepan, heat the peanut oil over medium heat to 375F (190C).
9. Fry the tots in small batches (4 to 6 at a time) for 3 to 4 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy.
10. Transfer the cooked tots to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep the fried tots warm in an oven preheated to 200F (95C) while you fry the rest.

Recipe Tip

If you prefer using an air fryer, heres how:

• Toss the tots with 1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
• Air fry in a single layer at 380F (193C) for about 15 minutes, turning them once halfway through the cooking time.
• Keep the cooked tots warm in a 200F (95C) oven while air frying the remaining ones.

Test Kitchen Tips

• For quicker preparation, thaw the hash browns in the refrigerator overnight.
• Serve your cheese-stuffed tater tots with homemade spicy aioli. Mix cup mayonnaise with 2 teaspoons of adobo sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo.
• Feel free to experiment with different cheeses (such as pepper jack or mozzarella string cheese) and seasonings. Theyre also great with ranch dressing!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 933
• Total Fat: 69g (89% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 15g (76% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 121mg (40% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 2054mg (89% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 66g (24% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 6g (22% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 16g (31% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 11mg (13% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 259mg (20% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (11% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 827mg (18% Daily Value)

Cheese-stuffed tater tots are a fun and indulgent appetizer that has taken classic comfort food to the next level. The combination of crispy, golden tater tots and gooey melted cheese inside makes for an irresistible snack that appeals to both kids and adults alike. These bite-sized delights are perfect for a casual get-together, game day, or simply a cozy night in.

History and Origins

The humble tater tot has its origins in the United States, specifically in the 1950s. The snack was invented by the Ore-Ida company, who found a way to recycle leftover potato scraps into these small, cylindrical, deep-fried bites. Tater tots quickly became a popular side dish, especially in schools and fast food restaurants. Over time, people began experimenting with adding various fillings, seasonings, and even cheese into the tots, leading to the creation of cheese-stuffed tater tots. Today, they have become a common feature in American comfort food menus.

Regional Variations

While tater tots are a beloved snack throughout the U.S., some regions have put their own twist on the dish. In the Pacific Northwest, for example, you might find tater tots stuffed with a variety of regional cheeses, such as Tillamook cheddar. In the Southwest, a dash of jalapeos or chili powder is added to give the tots a spicy kick. Cheese-stuffed tater tots are versatile and can easily be customized to suit local flavors, making them a popular choice for local diners and food trucks.

How They Differ from Similar Dishes

Cheese-stuffed tater tots stand out from regular tater tots by the addition of gooey cheese in the center. While traditional tater tots are simply shredded potatoes, often seasoned and deep-fried, cheese-stuffed varieties offer a warm, melted surprise inside. This makes them more indulgent and flavorful compared to standard tots. Unlike other potato-based snacks, such as potato croquettes or hash browns, the cheese-stuffed version has a soft, cheesy interior that adds richness and depth to the crispy exterior.

Where They Are Typically Served

Cheese-stuffed tater tots are often served in casual dining establishments, bars, and family-friendly restaurants. They are particularly popular as appetizers or side dishes in places that specialize in comfort food, such as American diners or pubs. These cheesy delights also make a great addition to any party or barbecue, where guests can enjoy them alongside a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, ketchup, or spicy aioli. In recent years, food trucks have become a hotspot for creative variations of cheese-stuffed tater tots, with many vendors offering inventive fillings and toppings to elevate the dish even further.

Fun Facts About Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots

• Though originally created by Ore-Ida, the idea of stuffing tater tots with cheese is believed to have emerged from home cooks experimenting with their favorite ingredients.
• The frozen tater tot is still a staple in many American households, but cheese-stuffed versions have become a popular restaurant offering thanks to their irresistible flavor combination.
• Some adventurous chefs even take cheese-stuffed tater tots to the next level by incorporating unusual cheeses, like blue cheese or brie, or adding bacon, jalapeos, or other flavorful ingredients inside.
• The popularity of cheese-stuffed tater tots has inspired other potato-based snacks, like potato skins and stuffed potato bites, to incorporate similar fillings and flavors.
• If you want to make them even healthier, some recipes suggest air frying the tots instead of deep-frying them, resulting in a lighter, less greasy version.

Conclusion

Cheese-stuffed tater tots are more than just a snacktheyre a delicious and creative twist on the classic tater tot. Whether served as a fun appetizer, a side dish, or a tasty finger food at a gathering, they are guaranteed to be a hit. By combining crispy tater tots with gooey cheese and endless possibilities for customization, this dish has earned its place in the world of comfort food. So the next time youre looking for something indulgent, give cheese-stuffed tater tots a tryyou wont be disappointed!

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