Cheesy Tots are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack that is sure to please both kids and adults. These bite-sized treats feature a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior, making them the perfect comfort food. Whether served as an appetizer at a party or as a quick and tasty snack at home, Cheesy Tots are always a crowd-pleaser.
To make Cheesy Tots, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: potatoes, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. The potatoes are grated and mixed with the cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasoning to form a sticky mixture. The mixture is then shaped into small tots and baked until golden and crispy. The result is a mouthwatering snack that is bursting with delicious cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
Cheesy Tots are a delicious, cheesy snack that is made with just a few simple ingredients. Here are the key ingredients you will need:
- Potatoes: The base of Cheesy Tots is made with mashed potatoes. Russet potatoes are a good choice for this recipe as they are starchy and create a fluffy texture.
- Cheese: Cheesy Tots get their name from the addition of cheese. Cheddar cheese is commonly used for its sharp flavor and melting properties. You can also experiment with adding other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for different flavors.
- Breadcrumb coating: To give the Cheesy Tots a crispy exterior, they are coated in breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs work best for achieving a light and crispy texture.
- Seasonings: To enhance the flavor of the Cheesy Tots, seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika can be added. You can also add herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.
- Oil for frying: Cheesy Tots are typically fried until golden brown and crispy. Vegetable oil or canola oil are commonly used for frying.
These simple ingredients come together to create a delicious and satisfying snack that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you are serving them as an appetizer or enjoying them as a side dish, Cheesy Tots are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of frozen shredded potatoes, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion (optional), and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs of your choice. This is a great opportunity to add flavor to your Cheesy Tots. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs like thyme or oregano. Stir the seasonings into the potato mixture until well combined.
Tip: If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a slightly beaten egg to help bind the ingredients together.
4. Using your hands or a spoon, shape the potato mixture into small tots. Each tot should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. Place the tots onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
5. Bake the Cheesy Tots in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Tip: For an extra crispy texture, you can also broil the tots for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
6. Remove the Cheesy Tots from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own as a snack, or as a side dish with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips from professional chefs on making Cheesy Tots
When it comes to making Cheesy Tots, professional chefs have a few tips and tricks up their sleeves to ensure the perfect outcome. Here are some insider tips from the experts:
- Choose the right potatoes. To make the best Cheesy Tots, it’s essential to select the right type of potato. Opt for starchy potatoes like russets or Yukon Gold, as they have a higher starch content, resulting in crispier and more flavorful tots.
- Grate the cheese finely. For a more even distribution of cheese throughout the tots, professionals recommend grating the cheese finely. Finely grated cheese melts faster and blends seamlessly with the potatoes, creating an irresistible cheesy center.
- Use a parchment-lined baking sheet. To prevent the Cheesy Tots from sticking to the baking sheet, line it with parchment paper. This not only makes cleanup easier but also ensures that the tots have a crisp exterior without getting stuck to the surface.
Following these tips from professional chefs will help you achieve Cheesy Tots that are crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and bursting with flavor.
Reviews
I recently tried the Cheesy Tots and I must say, they are absolutely delicious. I love that they are made with real potatoes, adding a nice texture and flavor to each bite. The cheesy filling inside is perfectly gooey and melts in your mouth, creating a burst of cheesy goodness with every bite.
The Tots are also incredibly easy to prepare. Just pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes and they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They make a great snack or side dish, and are perfect for serving at parties or just enjoying on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
I highly recommend giving the Cheesy Tots a try. They are a fun and tasty twist on traditional tater tots, and they are sure to be a hit with cheese lovers of all ages. I know I’ll definitely be stocking up on more for future snacking sessions.
I recently had the pleasure of trying the Cheesy Tots and I must say, they exceeded my expectations. These bite-sized cheesy nuggets were incredibly delicious and addicting. The outer coating had a nice crispy texture, while the inside was gooey and filled with a generous amount of melted cheese. The combination of the crispy exterior and the gooey cheese made for a perfect bite every time.
What impressed me the most about the Cheesy Tots was the quality of the cheese. It had a rich, creamy flavor that perfectly complemented the crispy potato exterior. The cheese tasted fresh and was not overly processed, which is often the case with similar snacks. It was evident that the Cheesy Tots were made with high-quality ingredients.
Another aspect that deserves praise is the convenience of the Cheesy Tots. They are incredibly easy to prepare and are a great option for a quick snack or side dish. Whether you bake them in the oven or cook them in an air fryer, they come out perfectly crispy and delicious every time. This makes them a fantastic option for busy individuals or those who want a hassle-free snack option.
In conclusion, if you’re a cheese lover like me, the Cheesy Tots are a must-try. Their delicious flavor, high-quality ingredients, and convenience make them a standout snack option. Whether you’re enjoying them by themselves or pairing them with a dipping sauce, the Cheesy Tots are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a cheesy, crispy treat.
As someone who loves trying new and innovative recipes, I was excited to give Cheesy Tots a try. I must say, they did not disappoint. These bite-sized treats are the perfect combination of crispy and cheesy, making them a great option for a quick snack or a side dish for any meal.
I followed the recipe closely, which included mixing shredded potatoes with cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices before forming them into small tots and baking them until golden brown. The result was a batch of perfectly crispy and flavorful tots that were absolutely delicious. The cheese melted into the potato mixture, adding a gooey and savory element to each bite.
One thing I especially loved about Cheesy Tots is their versatility. They can be enjoyed on their own, dipped into a tangy sauce or ketchup, or even used as a topping for a burger or a salad. They make a great addition to any party spread or a game day snack. I would definitely recommend giving Cheesy Tots a try if you’re a fan of cheese and potatoes, as they are a crowd-pleaser that will leave you wanting more.
