If you are looking for a comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Tater Boats Recipe is exactly what you need. Crispy on the outside and loaded with a creamy, cheesy, and bacon-studded filling on the inside, these little potato boats bring together simple ingredients to deliver maximum flavor and satisfaction. They are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings where everyone wants a bite of something irresistibly delicious and hearty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Tater Boats Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to build layers of taste, texture, and color. Each item plays an essential role in creating that classic loaded potato experience that everyone loves.
- Russet potatoes: Use large ones for sturdy shells that hold all the filling effortlessly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly to add gooey, sharp creaminess on every bite.
- Bacon slices: Cooked and crumbled for that irresistible smoky crunch.
- Sour cream: Adds cool tanginess balancing the rich bacon and cheese.
- Green onions: Freshly sliced for a pop of bright color and mild onion flavor.
- Olive oil: Rubbed on potatoes for crispy, golden skins.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the mashed filling with subtle warmth and depth.
- Salt: Enhances all the savory elements harmoniously.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite to the filling.
How to Make Tater Boats Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Clean those russet potatoes thoroughly, then poke them a few times with a fork so they bake evenly. After drying, rub each potato with olive oil to achieve that perfect crispy skin. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes until they’re tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. This slow baking process draws out the potato’s natural sweetness and gives you that comforting soft interior.
Step 2: Prepare the Potato Shells and Filling
Once baked, let the potatoes cool just enough to handle safely. Slice each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the centers, leaving about a quarter-inch thick shell to hold the filling. Place the scooped potato flesh into a bowl and mash it thoroughly with garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the shredded cheddar, half of the crumbled bacon, and half the sliced green onions. This mash will be the heart of your tater boats, bursting with creamy texture and savory notes.
Step 3: Stuff the Tater Boats
Gently spoon the cheesy, bacon-packed mashed potato mixture back into the potato skins, dividing it evenly among all halves. To finish them off, scatter the remaining cheese and bacon on top for a golden, bubbly crust once baked again. This layering is what makes the Tater Boats Recipe truly stand out — a crunchy, cheesy topping that contrasts deliciously with the tender, flavorful filling beneath.
Step 4: Bake Again to Melt and Brown
Return your filled potatoes to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye out for that bubbling, melted cheese and crisp bacon on top. This final baking creates a delightful textural contrast and melds the flavors into pure perfection, ready for you to indulge.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Remove the tater boats from the oven and dollop a generous spoonful of sour cream onto each one. Sprinkle the remaining green onions over the sour cream for a fresh, colorful finish. This final touch adds creaminess and brightness, elevating the dish from simple comfort to a memorable treat.
How to Serve Tater Boats Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Tater Boats Recipe truly shine at the table, consider adding extra fresh toppings like chopped chives, a sprinkle of smoked paprika for warmth, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick. These garnishes not only look beautiful but add vibrant flavor dimensions that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
Pairing tater boats with crisp, refreshing sides complements their rich, hearty nature perfectly. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, crunchy coleslaw, or roasted vegetables add textural balance and keep the meal feeling complete without being overwhelming.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve these tater boats in a rustic wooden tray or on a brightly patterned platter for a casual, inviting feel. Alternatively, hollow out mini potato “boats” for bite-sized appetizers at parties. Presentation plays a big role in enjoyment, and these ideas will make your tater boats the star of any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover tater boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to keep the potato skins from drying out and the toppings fresh. When ready to eat, simply reheat to enjoy the flavors as if freshly made.
Freezing
For longer storage, tater boats freeze well. Wrap each potato half individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Although the texture changes slightly upon thawing, they still make a hearty, convenient meal option.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your tater boats is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the skins soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a lovely natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with savory toppings. Just make sure to adjust baking time since sweet potatoes sometimes cook faster.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Tater Boats Recipe?
Definitely. Skip the bacon and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or even roasted veggies for a delicious vegetarian option.
Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can bake the potatoes and prepare the filling in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving to keep everything fresh and hot.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for its meltability and flavor, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
How can I make the potato skins extra crispy?
Rubbing them with olive oil and baking directly on the oven rack helps create that signature crispy skin. You can also broil them for a minute or two at the end if you want extra crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and fun about the Tater Boats Recipe that makes it a real crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, these loaded potatoes bring warmth, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia to the table. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and enjoy every cheesy, bacon-filled bite as much as I do!
Print
Tater Boats Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 tater boats
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These delicious Tater Boats are loaded baked potato skins filled with a creamy mixture of mashed potato, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions, then baked until bubbly and topped with sour cream. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or snack, they combine classic comfort flavors with a satisfying texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Topping
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced
Seasoning and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean and dry them thoroughly. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Oil and Bake Potatoes: Rub each potato with olive oil, then place them directly on the oven rack. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Scoop: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly so they are safe to handle. Slice each potato lengthwise in half and carefully scoop out the centers, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell to maintain the shape.
- Mash Filling Mixture: In a bowl, mash the scooped-out potato flesh with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the sliced green onions. Mix until well combined.
- Fill Potato Skins: Evenly spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato shells, and smooth the tops. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly over each filled potato boat.
- Bake Until Melted: Return the filled potato boats to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Add Final Toppings and Serve: Remove from the oven and top each tater boat with a dollop of sour cream and the remaining sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- These tater boats can be prepared in advance and reheated in the oven before serving for convenience.
- To make a healthier version, substitute turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add sautéed vegetables or black beans to the potato mixture.
