If you’re craving a warm, comforting snack or appetizer that feels like a cozy hug, this Tater Boats Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine tender potato shells loaded with creamy, cheesy mashed potato filling, crispy crumbled bacon, and a fresh pop of green onions on top — every bite delivering a perfect balance of rich flavors and delightful textures. These Tater Boats are not just simple to make; they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether it’s for game day, a family gathering, or just a weekend treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients simple yet impactful is the secret to this tasty Tater Boats Recipe. Each component plays a key role in creating the texture, flavor, and color balance that make these bites unforgettable.
- 4 large russet potatoes: The perfect sturdy base that bakes beautifully and holds your filling well.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds crispness to the potato skins for that irresistible texture contrast.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural earthiness of the potatoes and balances the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle kick and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Brings salty crunch and smoky goodness that is simply addictive.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, giving the filling a savory creaminess.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds freshness and a tangy finish that brightens every bite.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Infuses richness and helps create velvety mashed potatoes.
- 1/4 cup milk: Smooths the potato mixture, keeping it light and fluffy.
- 2 green onions, sliced: For a splash of vibrant color and mild onion flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle aromatic warmth to the filling.
How to Make Tater Boats Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Scrub those russet potatoes clean to ensure the skins crisp up nicely. After drying them, prick each potato several times with a fork to let steam escape during baking. Rub the skins with olive oil and sprinkle salt generously — this step is key to achieving that perfect golden crust. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack for about 50 to 60 minutes until they are tender enough to pierce with a fork easily.
Step 2: Prepare the Potato Boats
Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle safely. Slice each potato lengthwise, creating halves that look like tiny boats. Carefully scoop out the centers, leaving enough potato flesh around the edges to support the filling. Place the scooped-out potato in a mixing bowl — the real magic starts here!
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Filling
To the bowl with potato flesh, add melted butter, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mash everything together until creamy and smooth, creating a luscious base that will fill your potato shells. This mash is where comfort meets flavor, making every bite irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Tater Boats
Carefully spoon the cheesy mashed potato mixture back into the hollowed-out potato shells, generously filling each boat. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top, followed by a hearty layer of crumbled bacon. Pop the loaded boats back into the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into bubbly, golden goodness.
How to Serve Tater Boats Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Tater Boats Recipe, finish with a dollop of cool sour cream and a scattering of fresh sliced green onions. These garnishes add a creamy tang and a bright, fresh bite that perfectly balances the warmth and richness of the potatoes and cheese.
Side Dishes
Serve your Tater Boats alongside a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to keep the meal balanced and fresh. They also pair wonderfully with classic comfort sides like coleslaw or a bowl of hearty soup, making the whole meal feel wholesome and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Tater Boats in mini muffin tins for a party platter that’s easy to grab. Or arrange them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for a vibrant appetizer spread that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tater Boats store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container or cover them tightly with foil to keep the topping from drying out. When ready to enjoy again, they reheat quickly and maintain their delightful textures.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, Tater Boats can be frozen after the first baking and filling step—but before adding the bacon and the second bake. Flash freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making for a convenient ready-to-bake snack.
Reheating
To reheat, bake frozen or refrigerated Tater Boats in a 350°F oven for around 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese on top is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the skins crispy and the flavors vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this Tater Boats Recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal because of their fluffy texture when baked, but you can experiment with Yukon Gold for a creamier filling. Just keep in mind that the texture and cooking times may vary.
What’s a good alternative to bacon in this recipe?
If you prefer a different protein or a vegetarian option, cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms offer wonderful flavor and texture substitutes without losing the dish’s heartiness.
How can I make the potato skins extra crispy?
Before the second bake, brush the potato shells lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up beautifully in the oven, giving you that satisfying crunch alongside the creamy filling.
Can I assemble the Tater Boats ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the point before the second baking and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours. Then simply bake fresh before serving for best results.
Are Tater Boats gluten-free?
Yes, this Tater Boats Recipe uses simple, naturally gluten-free ingredients. Just be sure any added toppings or substitutions you choose are also gluten-free if you’re serving guests with sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Tater Boats Recipe is one of those true crowd-pleasing gems that brings warmth, flavor, and happiness to the table with every bite. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, the combination of creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar tucked inside perfectly baked skins is pure comfort food magic. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a new favorite in your home!
Print
Tater Boats Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 halves
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and hearty tater boats made from baked russet potatoes stuffed with a creamy mashed potato mixture, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, topped with sour cream and green onions. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Filling
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
Toppings
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Scrub the potatoes clean, pat dry, and pierce each several times with a fork. Rub the skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place directly on the oven rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until tender.
- Cool and scoop potatoes: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let cool slightly. Slice each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the centers, leaving a thin shell to create the boats.
- Make the filling: Place the scooped potato flesh in a bowl and mash it with melted butter, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until creamy.
- Stuff potato shells: Spoon the mashed mixture back into the potato shells evenly.
- Add toppings and bake: Top each stuffed potato half with the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and top with sour cream and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked ground beef or shredded chicken for bacon for a different protein option.
- For a crispier skin, brush the potato shells lightly with oil before the second bake.
- These tater boats can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked just before serving for convenience.
