Tater Boats Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate appetizer or a fun, family-friendly side dish, look no further than these Tater Boats. Picture crisp potato shells overflowing with gooey cheddar, smoky bacon, and a dollop of cool sour cream—each bite is pure comfort food magic! Whether you’re planning a game day spread, a cozy dinner, or just need a snack that brings smiles all around, Tater Boats have you covered with their irresistible blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Tater Boats is in their simplicity: each ingredient plays a starring role, delivering flavor, color, and crunch. With just a few pantry staples and fresh toppings, you get a dish that’s both easy and impressive.
- Russet potatoes (4 large): Their sturdy skins get perfectly crispy, making the ideal vessel for all the toppings.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the skins crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out the natural flavors of the potatoes.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and depth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into a creamy, golden blanket over each boat.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (1/2 cup): Adds smoky, savory crunch in every bite.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): The perfect cool and tangy finishing touch.
- Chopped green onions (2 tablespoons): Lend freshness and a pop of color.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons, optional): For brushing, it gives a richer flavor and glossy finish to the shells.
How to Make Tater Boats
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give those russet potatoes a good scrub—they’ll be the stars of your Tater Boats, after all! Pierce each potato several times with a fork to let steam escape, then rub them all over with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them directly on your oven rack for that crispy skin magic and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a fork glides in easily.
Step 2: Scoop and Shape the Boats
Once your potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each one in half lengthwise. Here’s where the “boat” magic happens: gently scoop out most of the fluffy potato flesh, leaving about a quarter-inch border all around. Don’t toss the insides—save them for mashed potatoes or another tasty use!
Step 3: Fill and Bake Again
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, brush the inside of each potato shell with melted butter. Then, sprinkle shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon evenly into each boat. Return these loaded beauties to the oven and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbling.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, top each Tater Boat with a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. Serve them warm and watch them disappear in no time!
How to Serve Tater Boats
Tater Boats Garnishes
Make your Tater Boats the talk of the table by piling on extra garnishes! Try more green onions, a dusting of smoked paprika, or even a few pickled jalapeño slices for a zesty kick. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley also brighten up each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your Tater Boats with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies for a balanced meal. They’re also a hit alongside classic barbecue fare or as a hearty partner to grilled chicken or steak.
Creative Ways to Present Tater Boats
For parties, arrange your Tater Boats on a large platter with small bowls of extra toppings so guests can customize their own. For weeknight dinners, serve them “deconstructed” with all the fixings on the side for a build-your-own experience—kids especially love this!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Tater Boats (it’s rare, but it happens!), pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Make sure they’ve cooled to room temperature before storing to maintain their texture.
Freezing
Tater Boats freeze surprisingly well! Assemble the boats with cheese and bacon, then freeze before the final bake. Once solid, wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
To get the crispiest results, reheat Tater Boats in a 375°F oven until hot and bubbly—usually about 15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the skins a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I make Tater Boats vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the bacon or swap in your favorite veggie bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a savory twist that’s just as satisfying.
What other cheeses work well in Tater Boats?
Feel free to experiment! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a sharp gouda all melt beautifully and add their own unique flavor to your Tater Boats.
Can I prep Tater Boats ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake and scoop the potatoes up to two days in advance. Store the shells in the fridge, then fill and bake just before serving for fresh, melty results.
How do I keep the potato skins crispy?
Brushing with olive oil or melted butter before the final bake really helps, and placing the Tater Boats directly on the oven rack (not a baking sheet) lets the heat circulate for maximum crispiness.
What can I do with the leftover scooped-out potato?
Don’t let it go to waste! Mash it up with a splash of cream and a bit of butter, or use it to make potato pancakes or add to soups for extra heartiness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something easy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable, Tater Boats are the answer. Gather those simple ingredients and let your oven do the heavy lifting—one bite, and you’ll see why these are always a hit. Go ahead, give Tater Boats a try and get ready for plenty of happy faces at your table!
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Tater Boats Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tater boats 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tater Boats are a delicious and satisfying dish featuring crispy baked potato shells filled with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and topped with sour cream and green onions. Perfect as a party appetizer, side dish, or casual dinner, these cheesy potato boats offer a delightful combination of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Filling and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare and Bake Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and pierce each one several times with a fork. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season them evenly with salt and black pepper. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until soft and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Hollow Out the Potatoes: Allow the potatoes to cool slightly so they can be handled safely. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell intact to form the “boat.” Reserve the scooped-out potato for another recipe, such as mashed potatoes.
- Fill the Potato Boats: If using, brush the inside of each potato shell with melted butter to add richness. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese evenly into each potato shell, followed by the crumbled bacon.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Return the filled potato boats to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and is bubbling.
- Add Final Toppings and Serve: Remove the potato boats from the oven. Top each with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Serve the tater boats warm to enjoy the melty cheese and savory bacon flavors at their best.
Notes
- These tater boats make a fantastic appetizer, side dish, or fun and easy dinner.
- Customize your filling by adding cooked chicken, jalapeños, or different varieties of cheese to suit your taste.
- Save the scooped-out potato flesh for mashed potatoes or potato pancakes to avoid waste.
- Brushing with melted butter before baking enhances flavor but is optional.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tater boat
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
