"Ham" and Cheese Tots

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I found this recipe from @ashleymarkleeats on Instagram and I thought this would be a super fun recipe to recreate into a PKU friendly recipe. I used Violife Just Like Cheddar Shreds, but any other vegan or even PKU cheese would work in this recipe. Just keep in mind how the cheese melting will differ from brand to brand (you may want to take the tots out earlier when adding the cheese). I also use Tofurky Deli Slices as my “ham”. I used their hickory smoked flavor deli slice, but you can easily swap with a different flavor. I’m also a fan of their Pepper flavored deli slice, but thought the hickory flavor would taste better in this recipe.

One thing to note about using Tofurky Deli slices is that 1 serving size according to their package is 5 slices. I only used 1 slice in this recipe to reduce the amount of phe used, but if you can tolerate a little more, feel free to add a second slice. And vice versa, if the deli slices are still too much phe, you can swap for some tiny chopped mushrooms or remove them completely and just have some cheesy tots!

This recipe is super easy to make. All you need is to cook the tater tots in the muffin tin according to their packaging. But take them out a few minutes earlier than the package says so that you can put the cheese and “ham” on them and return to the oven for the last few minutes. Before you add the cheese and ham, you do need to press down on the tots to flatten them. I just used an old, small spice jar that I had laying around to do this. 

I was able to bring some of these leftovers into work for my lunch, and I love finding new foods to bring for lunch! I always struggle with finding good work lunch meals, so I’m always on the hunt. I also really struggled with bringing lunch to school as a kid. Was this a PKU thing? Did/Do any of you guys struggle with packing lunches for work/school? If you have any good recommendations for work lunches, let me know!


Tools Needed:

muffin pan


Ingredients:

36 tater tots

¾ cups Violife Just Like Cheddar shreds (1 tbsp/muffin)

1 slice of Tofurky deli slices (any flavor)

Parsley (garnish, optional)


Serving Size: 1 muffin

Servings per recipe: 12

Phe per serving: 37mg


Directions:

  1. Place 3 hashbrowns in each muffin tin. Cook hashbrowns according to package (but cook a few minutes less).

  2. Take out of the oven 3-4 minutes before they are done. Use a small glass or jar, and smash the hashbrowns down into the pan.

  3. Add the cheese and cut up deli slices on each muffin.

  4. Put it back into the oven to finish cooking. Cook for 3-4 more minutes or until the cheese has melted. 

  5. Take them out of the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve and enjoy!

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