Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs , lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika
• 0.25 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes , 30-ounce
• 4 ounces heddar or gouda cheese , cut into 32 cubes
• 1 quart peanut oil

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients.

2. 2

   Combine eggs, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a large bowl.

3. 3

   Place half of the hash browns in a food processor. Pulse briefly once or twice until most of the shreds are about 1/2-inch long. It's fine if some of the shreds stay long.

4. 4

   Add hash browns to the bowl with egg mixture. Repeat with remaining hash browns. Toss to coat.

5. 5

   Divide hash brown mixture in thirty-two 1 1/2-tablespoon portions (a #40 scoop is great for this).

6. 6

   Working over the sink, place a portion of the mixture in the palm of your hand. Place a cheese cube in the center.

7. 7

   Close your hand to press the hash browns mixture around the cheese, pressing and shaping to form a short cylinder, squeezing out excess liquid as you go.

8. 8

   Place shaped tots on a parchment lined baking sheet.When all tots are shaped, freeze until they hold their shape, 30 minutes.

9. 9

   Heat oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Fry 4 to 6 tots at a time until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels. Keep fried tots warm in a 200 degree F (95 degrees C) oven while frying the rest.