Loaded Tater Tots

December 12, 2012

Do you guys remember Bennigan’s restaurant? Well, for some of you it might not be “remember,” because you still have a few nearby. Well, when I was living at home with my parents, there was a Bennigan’s like a mile (not even) away.

Every other Sunday, the whole family would have dinner with my Grandma. The older my Grandma gets, the harder and harder it is to find a place she doesn’t have an issue with. When Bennigan’s was open, my Grandma would always get the smothered pork chop with a baked potato, soup, and a hot tea with lemon. I find it stunning that I still remember her order exactly… It has been like ten years since this Bennigan’s closed.

Maybe the reason I remember it is because we went to Bennigan’s two to three times a month. I liked their food. But as with most food, I got bored. I mean, you are talking to the girl that gave up meat all together because she was sick of breaded chicken patties and hamburger helper once a week.

I think enough time has passed where I was actually craving their loaded baked potato soup. When we went there, I always ordered the loaded baked potato soup and the crispy chicken salad. The soup was so hearty and full of bacon and cheese and spicy green onions. So, what did I do? I took those flavors and made them into tots, and then, like all good things, I fried them!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah! And you’re alllll welcome!

Loaded Tater Tots

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 - 6
Author Sarcastic Cooking

Ingredients

  • 1 Green Onion finely chopped
  • 4 Strips Cooked Bacon finely chopped
  • 4 Ounces Cheddar Cheese finely grated
  • 5 Large Russet Potatoes grated and then chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 Teaspoon Paprika
  • ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ Cup Flour
  • 1 Large Egg
  • Vegetable Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Chop onion and bacon, set off to the side. Grate cheddar cheese, set off to the side for later. Peel and grate the potatoes. Give the potatoes a quick chop with the knife to make sure they are in small bits. Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl of salted ice water. Let the potatoes soak for 10-15 minutes while the oven preheats.
  2. Fill a large heavy-bottomed pan with vegetable oil about half of the way up. Heat the oil to 375 degrees F.
  3. Drain the bowl of potatoes and ice water into a colander lined with a dish towel. Wring out all the liquid from the potatoes. Transfer the potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, and mix well.
  4. Mix in the cheese, green onion, bacon, flour, and egg. Mix until everything is coated evenly. Start rolling spoonfuls of potato mixture into tot forms. Place the formed tots on to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Continue this until all tots are formed. This recipe makes about 30-35 tots.
  5. Start gently placing tots into the hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes in batches of ten tots. Mix the tots around so they fry evenly and don’t stick together.
  6. When done and golden, transfer the tots to a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Let cool slightly before serving. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes until hot.

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  • Amber @ Slim Pickin's Kitchen
    December 17, 2012 at 11:00 am

    I think I’ve maybe eaten at a Bennigan’s once and that was when I was in college. They aren’t really all that prevalent around these parts. These are such an awesome idea too. There is nothing that can beat a loaded baked potato…except for loaded baked potato tots!

  • Anita at Hungry Couple
    December 14, 2012 at 10:46 pm

    I’ve heard of Bennigan’s but have never been. The baked potato soup sounds great but these tater tots could attract some kind of cult following. I’ll be the cult leader. 😉

  • Athena HM
    December 13, 2012 at 5:14 am

    You are a cook after my own heart. I have a funny cooking blog, too! I am kind of excited about these tots.

  • Kayle (The Cooking Actress)
    December 12, 2012 at 5:13 pm

    I TOTALLY MISS BENNIGAN’S!

    These tater tots are eviiiil. Like…in a fabulous way.

    • Stefanie
      December 12, 2012 at 5:56 pm

      Muahahahaha! (evil laugh)

  • Jen @ Savory Simple
    December 12, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    Oh my word. Yes.

  • Stephie @ Eat Your Heart Out
    December 12, 2012 at 9:27 am

    Shoot, you’re bad.