loaded tater tots
These loaded tater tots turn an everyday freezer favorite into a show-stopping snack, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game nights, laid-back hangouts, or whenever you’re in the mood for indulgent comfort food.
The magic begins with crispy golden tater tots baked to perfection—each bite offering that satisfying contrast between the crunchy exterior and fluffy potato interior. But what makes this dish truly special is the generous array of toppings that create a flavor explosion reminiscent of loaded baked potatoes, but in a fun, shareable format.
Melted cheese blankets the tots in a gooey layer of goodness, while crispy bacon adds smoky, savory depth. The fresh green onions cut through the richness with their mild bite, and the cool sour cream provides a tangy contrast that brings everything together.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the symphony of flavors and textures—from the crispy, salty tots to the creamy, tangy toppings. This dish captures the essence of indulgent comfort food while being surprisingly simple to prepare.
Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or satisfying intense snack cravings, these loaded tater tots blur the line between appetizer and main dish. They’re customizable to your taste preferences and dietary needs, making them a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Whether served at a Super Bowl party, family movie night, or as a creative side dish, these loaded tater tots are guaranteed to disappear quickly as everyone reaches for “just one more.”
Timing
📌 Number of Servings: 6
⏳ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 30 minutes
🥢 Ingredients :
✅ 32 oz (2 lbs) frozen tater tots
✅ 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz)
✅ 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
✅ 1 cup sour cream
✅ 4 green onions, thinly sliced
✅ 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
✅ 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
✅ 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
✅ Salt and pepper to taste
👨🍳 Instructions :
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Roast the tater tots in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping them over at the halfway mark to ensure they develop a perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior on all sides.
- If your bacon isn’t already cooked, fry it to crispy perfection while the tots are in the oven. Allow the bacon to cool slightly on paper towels to absorb excess grease before breaking it into crunchy, bite-sized pieces.
- When the tots are crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven but leave the oven on.
- Gather the tots closer together in the center of the baking sheet, creating a base layer for your toppings.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the hot tots.
- Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and immediately top with crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and olives or jalapeños if using.
- Dollop sour cream over the top or serve on the side for dipping.
- Finish by sprinkling green onions over everything.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy right away to experience the perfect combination of crispy tots and stretchy, gooey cheese at its most delectable melted state.
💡 TIPS :
- For extra crispy tots, arrange them with a little space between each one on the baking sheet.
- Try using a cast iron skillet instead of a baking sheet for even crispier tots and an attractive serving dish.
- For a spicy kick, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or hot sauce before adding the cheese.
- Make it a meal by adding cooked ground beef or shredded chicken before the cheese layer.
- Use a mix of cheeses like monterey jack, pepper jack, or colby for more complex flavor.
📊Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Total Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 980mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 17g
❓ FAQ :
- Can I make loaded tater tots ahead of time? The base tater tots can be baked ahead, but for best results, add the toppings just before serving to maintain the crispy texture.
- How can I make this loaded tater tots vegetarian? Simply omit the bacon or substitute with plant-based bacon alternatives, vegetarian “bacon” bits, or add extra vegetables.
- Can I use air-fried tater tots for this recipe? Yes! Air-fried tater tots work wonderfully as the base. Follow your air fryer’s instructions for cooking the tots, then add toppings.
- What dipping sauces go well with loaded tater tots? Ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, buffalo sauce, honey mustard, or additional sour cream all make excellent dipping options.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore some crispness.
- Can I make loaded tater tots spicier? Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or pepper jack cheese to increase the heat level.
- What’s the best cheese to use for loaded tater tots? Cheddar is classic, but a Mexican cheese blend, monterey jack, or colby jack all melt beautifully.
- Would it work to serve this as bite-sized appetizers for a party? Yes, use mini muffin tins to create individual loaded tot cups that are perfect for finger food at parties.
- Are there any healthier substitutions I can make? Use turkey bacon, reduced-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add extra vegetables to boost nutrition.
- What can I serve with loaded tater tots for a complete meal? Pair with a fresh green salad, grilled chicken, or a simple sandwich for a complete and satisfying meal.
Related
