If you’re dreaming of a snack that nails the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and utterly comforting, Tater Boats are just the ticket. These irresistible potato halves are loaded with melty cheddar, smoky bacon, tangy sour cream, and a pop of fresh green onion—every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a game day, looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or simply craving something cozy, Tater Boats always deliver with their golden crunch and gooey, savory goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Tater Boats is in their simplicity—each ingredient brings something essential to the table, from crispiness to creaminess and a punch of flavor. Gather these staples, and you’re already halfway to snack-time bliss.

Russet potatoes: Their sturdy skins and fluffy interior make them the ultimate vessel for holding all the good stuff.
Olive oil: A quick brush ensures golden, crispy edges and keeps the potato skins from drying out in the oven.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, delivering that classic sharp, creamy bite.
Cooked bacon: Adds savory crunch and a smoky note that makes these Tater Boats absolutely irresistible.
Sour cream: A cooling, tangy topper that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.
Green onions: Fresh, zesty, and colorful—these finish the boats with a burst of brightness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer so the flavors truly pop.

How to Make Tater Boats

Step 1: Prepare and Scoop the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice each russet potato in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to gently scoop out the center, leaving about a quarter inch of potato attached to the skin. This is what gives your Tater Boats their signature crispy shell and soft, fluffy base. Be careful not to scoop too much—you want sturdy boats that can hold plenty of toppings!

Step 2: Season and Bake the Potato Shells

Brush the insides of each potato half with olive oil, making sure to coat them evenly. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper for extra flavor. Arrange the potato halves cut side up on a baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden and crispy. This step gives your Tater Boats that irresistible crunch.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Bacon

Once the potato shells are golden, pull them out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the insides with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. The heat from the potatoes will start to melt the cheese right away, setting the stage for gooey goodness in every bite.

Step 4: Melt and Bubble

Return the loaded Tater Boats to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes. Watch as the cheese transforms into a bubbly, melty blanket, mingling with the crispy bacon. The aroma at this stage is pure heaven—trust me, you’ll want to sneak a taste!

Step 5: Top and Serve

Let the Tater Boats cool for just a minute or two so you don’t burn your fingers, then finish each one with a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Serve them up while they’re still warm and gooey—this is when they’re at their absolute best.

How to Serve Tater Boats

Garnishes

A finishing touch makes all the difference! Classic toppings like chopped chives, a dash of smoked paprika, or even a little hot sauce can elevate your Tater Boats to new heights. For a crowd, set out a little garnish bar and let everyone customize their own.

Side Dishes

Tater Boats are the ultimate party starter, but they also play well with others. Pair them with a crisp green salad, some spicy buffalo wings, or a refreshing veggie platter for a spread that’s sure to impress. Their hearty, cheesy bite makes them a natural with lighter sides or bold flavors alike.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try arranging your Tater Boats on a large platter with dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or barbecue. You can even add a Tex-Mex spin with salsa and guacamole, or go all-out by turning them into a build-your-own Tater Boats bar—perfect for parties and family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Tater Boats (a rare occurrence, but it happens!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. The potatoes will retain their flavor, and you can easily reheat them for a quick snack or side.

Freezing

Want to make a big batch in advance? Assemble and bake the potato shells with cheese and bacon, then let them cool and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month—just hold off on adding sour cream and green onions until after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the Tater Boats on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot and crispy. If you’re reheating from frozen, tack on a few extra minutes. Top with fresh sour cream and green onions after baking for that just-made taste.

FAQs

Can I make Tater Boats ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the potato shells and even fill them with cheese and bacon a day or two in advance. Store in the fridge, then bake them just before serving. Add the sour cream and green onions right before you dig in for the best texture.

What other cheeses work well in Tater Boats?

Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to experiment! Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, mozzarella brings stretchiness, and a sprinkle of parmesan gives a savory punch. Mix and match your favorites for a flavor twist.

Can I make Tater Boats vegetarian?

Definitely! Just skip the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted veggies. The base recipe is flexible, so you can customize to suit any dietary preference.

Why are my potato skins not getting crispy?

Make sure to brush the potato shells with olive oil and bake them cut side up. Giving them plenty of space on the baking sheet also helps. If you want extra crunch, pop them under the broiler for a minute or two at the end.

Do Tater Boats work as a main dish?

While they’re usually served as an appetizer or side, you can absolutely load them up with heartier toppings like pulled pork, chili, or seasoned ground beef to make them a satisfying main. Just add a salad or some veggies on the side for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Tater Boats are one of those dishes that are guaranteed to get everyone gathered around the table, reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds). Whether you stick to the classic toppings or put your own spin on them, these crispy, cheesy potato boats are pure comfort food magic. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy potatoes!

Tater Boats Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 tater boats (serves 4) 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Tater Boats are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring crispy baked potato halves loaded with melted cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream, and fresh green onions. Perfect for game-day snacks or a comforting side dish, these gluten-free potato boats offer a tasty and satisfying treat with a crispy skin and cheesy, savory toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean and halved lengthwise

Seasoning and Toppings

2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup sour cream
2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes.
Prep Potatoes: Scoop out the center of each potato half, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato on the skin to create a sturdy boat shape. Brush the inside of each potato half with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.
Bake Potatoes: Place the potato halves on a baking sheet with the cut side up. Bake for 25 minutes until the edges are golden and the skins are crispy.
Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle the inside of each with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon.
Final Bake: Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Top each potato boat with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced green onions before serving.