Bacon Blue Cheese Brussels Sprout Tater Tots

Bacon Blue Cheese Brussels Sprout Tater Tots are a crispy veggie-like tater tot made with Brussels sprouts, bacon, and blue cheese. 

Raise your hand if you need some veggies in your life?

**raises both hands!**

Like many of us I to struggle thinking up new ways to consume vegetables. However, I think I might have nailed this recipe on the head. Meet your new veggie go-to: Bacon Blue Cheese Brussels Sprout Tater Tots. I’m on team tater tot already with a few OG dishes like Cheesy Tater Tot Puff Pastry Pizza, Tater Tot Breakfast Bake, Curried Tater Tot Egg Rolls, and now this version jazzed up with seasonal Brussels sprouts, bacon and blue cheese. What’s not to like?

What are Bacon Blue Cheese Brussels Sprout Tater Tots?

Basically a veggie a tot! Okay, okay, it does offer a mixture of textures and flavors. From the smoky and salty bacon to the earthy Brussels sprouts to the rick and tangy blue cheese. Honestly, don’t tell Sonic, but these tater tots are an 11/10. 

Health Benefits of Eating Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a nutrient-dense vegetable that offers a range of health benefits. Brussels sprouts are high in vitamins, especially vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, and several B-vitamins. These nutrients play crucial roles in bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Brussels sprouts also have a high fiber content and support digestive health! 

Ingredients in Bacon Blue Cheese Brussels Sprout Tater Tots

This veggie version of tater tots has a few extra ingredients, but I promise, it’s worth the sourcing. All you need to make this recipe is: 

• Bacon
• Brussels sprouts
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Shallot – you can also use a yellow onion
• Blue cheese crumbles – crumbled goat cheese would be a great alternative
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• Unsalted butter
• Maple syrup

How to Make Bacon Blue Cheese Brussels Sprout Tater Tots

Making these tater tots couldn’t be easier! These simple steps will help you achieve the best results and ensure a delicious, and perfectly crisped tater tot: 

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C)
2. Preheat a skillet to medium-high heat. Add the bacon slices to the skillet and cook until they are crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a pair of tongs, leaving the bacon fat. Place the bacon on a plate lined with a paper towel until it is cool enough to dice. In the same skillet, add the Brussels sprouts. Cook the Brussels sprouts in the bacon fat for about 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the skillet and place the Brussels sprouts into a large mixing bowl. Let the Brussels sprouts cool slightly before adding in the remaining ingredients.
3. Once the sprouts have cooled, add the bacon, panko, shallot, blue cheese, eggs, flour, salt and pepper to the Brussels sprouts. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the Brussels sprout mixture and form it into a tater tot. You may need to wash your hands in between forming the tots to make it easier.
5. Keep pressing and shaping the mixture until the tater tot takes form. Place the tater tots on the baking sheet and bake them for about 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a microwave. Once the butter is melted, add the maple syrup and stir to combine. Remove the tater tots from the oven, brush the tops with the maple butter and serve them immediately!

Variations for Bacon Blue Cheese Brussels Sprout Tater Tots

I love having options when it comes to making meals. Here are a few ways to mix up your veggie tater tot game: 

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and consider adding roasted or sautéed mushrooms for a savory, umami flavor. 
• Spicy Twist: Add a kick of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the Brussels sprouts and blue cheese mixture.
• Herb Infusion: Enhance the dish with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage. 
• Nuts for Crunch: For added texture, mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. 

Proper Storing

Here are few ways to best store your Bacon Blue Cheese Brussels Sprout Tater Tots

Refrigeration: If you have leftover tater tots, promptly refrigerate them within two hours of cooking.

Freezing: Tater tots can be frozen for longer storage. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Properly stored, they can last for about 1-2 months in the freezer.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy the tater tots, reheat them in an oven or toaster oven for the best results. Avoid Microwaving: While the microwave is a quick option, it may result in a loss of texture, making the tater tots less crispy.