Ingredients

The following ingredients have 5 Servings
  • 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)

Instruction

  • 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.