Tater Boats Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of the ultimate comfort food that’s crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, Tater Boats are your answer. These delicious potato creations take everything you love about a loaded baked potato and pack it into a hand-held, party-ready treat. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a casual get-together, or just a fun family dinner, Tater Boats are guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “pass the sour cream.” With golden potato skins, melty cheddar, savory bacon, and a dollop of cool, tangy sour cream, this is one appetizer you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Tater Boats is how simple yet essential each ingredient is in building that unbeatable combination of taste and texture. Everything here works together to create a perfect bite—crispy, creamy, cheesy, and with just the right hit of savory goodness.
- Russet Potatoes: Their sturdy skins and fluffy insides make them the ideal vessel for Tater Boats.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a sharp, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with potatoes.
- Cooked and Crumbled Bacon: Salty, smoky bits of bacon give every bite a pop of flavor and crunch.
- Sour Cream: Cool and creamy, it balances out the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Chopped Green Onions: A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds color and a subtle bite.
- Unsalted Butter: Just a touch inside each boat makes for extra silkiness and flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, making every ingredient shine.
- Olive Oil: Brushed on the skins for that irresistible, crispy texture.
How to Make Tater Boats
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your russet potatoes a good scrub, then prick them all over with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and let them bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You want the skins crisp and the insides tender—think fluffy clouds encased in crispy jackets. Let them cool just enough so you can handle them without doing a hot potato dance!
Step 2: Scoop and Shape
Once the potatoes are cool enough, slice each one in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, gently scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about a quarter-inch shell. This step is a little like carving a canoe, and it’s what transforms ordinary spuds into Tater Boats. Save the scooped-out potato for another use—think mashed potatoes for tomorrow!
Step 3: Crisp the Skins
Brush the inside and outside of each potato shell with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place your boats, skin side up, back on the baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes. This gives you ultra-crispy shells that can stand up to all that melty, gooey goodness to come.
Step 4: Fill and Melt
Flip the potato boats over so the hollow side is up. Drop a small pat of butter into each, then shower generously with shredded cheddar and bacon. Return to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and irresistible.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Pull your golden, cheesy Tater Boats from the oven and finish them with a dollop of sour cream and a scattering of chopped green onions. Serve them piping hot and watch them disappear before your eyes.
How to Serve Tater Boats
Tater Boats Garnishes
The classic combo of sour cream and green onions is always a hit, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Try a sprinkle of smoked paprika, a dash of hot sauce, or even a few pickled jalapeños if you love a little heat. Each garnish adds its own flair and can turn your Tater Boats into the star of the show.
Side Dishes
Pair your Tater Boats with a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw for contrast. They’re also fantastic alongside grilled meats, burgers, or as part of a hearty appetizer spread. The key is to balance out the richness with something fresh and light.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try serving Tater Boats on a wooden board with bowls of extra toppings—think diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even guacamole—so guests can build their own. For a fun twist, cut the boats into thirds and skewer them with toothpicks for easy, bite-sized treats. However you serve them, Tater Boats always make a big impression.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, let your Tater Boats cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They hold up surprisingly well and make a fun snack or quick lunch the next day.
Freezing
Tater Boats can be frozen before adding the fresh toppings. Once assembled and cooled, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake straight from the freezer until heated through, then add your sour cream and green onions.
Reheating
To reheat, place your Tater Boats on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven will help restore that signature crispiness.
FAQs
Can I make Tater Boats vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just leave out the bacon or swap it for a vegetarian alternative like crispy fried mushrooms or plant-based bacon bits. The flavors will still be amazing.
What’s the best way to scoop out the potatoes?
Use a small spoon and work slowly, leaving a sturdy border so your Tater Boats don’t fall apart. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—rustic is part of the charm!
Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely! Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a sharp white cheddar all work beautifully. You can even mix cheeses for extra depth and flavor.
How do I make these spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or use pepper jack cheese. For even more heat, drizzle with your favorite hot sauce before serving.
Are Tater Boats gluten-free?
Yes! As long as your toppings are gluten-free (most bacon and cheese are), Tater Boats are a naturally gluten-free appetizer everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, you can’t go wrong with Tater Boats. They’re endlessly customizable, fun to eat, and sure to become a staple at your table. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
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Tater Boats Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tater boats (serves 4) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tater Boats are a delicious and comforting appetizer featuring crispy baked russet potato skins loaded with melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and topped with sour cream and fresh green onions. Perfect for game day or a hearty snack, these loaded potato boats combine creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat and bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick each russet potato several times with a fork and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake the potatoes for 50 to 60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and let them cool slightly so they can be handled safely.
- Prepare the potato shells: Once cool enough, slice each potato lengthwise into halves. Carefully scoop out the majority of the potato flesh from each half, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell to maintain shape and sturdiness.
- Season and crisp: Brush olive oil evenly over all sides of the potato shells and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Place them skin side up on the baking sheet and return to the oven for 10 minutes to crisp up the shells.
- Add fillings and bake: Flip the potato shells over so the hollow part faces up. Place a small pat of unsalted butter inside each shell, then top evenly with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the tater boats from the oven. Spoon sour cream on top of each boat and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, swap cheddar cheese with pepper jack cheese.
- Add extra flavor by mixing diced jalapeños or tomatoes into the cheese topping before baking.
- This recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover baked potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tater boats
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
