Loaded Tater Tots

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors
• Quick and easy to make with minimal prep
• Perfect for parties, game days, or casual dinners
• Customizable with your favorite toppings
• A great way to upgrade frozen tater tots
• Family- and kid-approved
• Can be made in the oven, air fryer, or skillet
• Excellent for feeding a crowd
• Reheats well for leftovers
• Satisfies every cheesy, savory craving

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Frozen tater tots
• Shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
• Cooked bacon, crumbled
• Sour cream
• Green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper
• Optional toppings: jalapeños, ranch dressing, diced tomatoes, ground beef, or hot sauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Spread tater tots in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake according to package instructions (usually 20–25 minutes), until golden and crispy.
3. Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the hot tater tots.
4. Return to oven and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
5. Top with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions.
6. Add a drizzle or dollop of sour cream.
7. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

Servings and timing

Makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.
• Taco tots: Add taco-seasoned ground beef, cheese, and diced tomatoes.
• Buffalo style: Toss tots in buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
• BBQ twist: Use pulled pork and drizzle with BBQ sauce.
• Breakfast tots: Add scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheese.
• Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and top with sautéed mushrooms or black beans.
• Ranch lovers: Drizzle with ranch dressing and add chives.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze and reheat for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 400°F oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade tater tots?

Yes, if you prefer making your own, they’ll work just as well—just bake them until crispy before adding toppings.

What cheese melts best for this?

Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend work great. Use what you love.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes. Cook the tots in the air fryer, then top with cheese and return to melt.

Do I need to flip the tater tots while baking?

It’s a good idea to flip them halfway through baking for even crispiness.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can bake the tots and prep the toppings ahead, but assemble just before serving for best texture.

What’s the best bacon for this?

Crispy cooked bacon works best—either freshly made or store-bought crumbles.

Can I make a large batch for a party?

Absolutely. Use a large sheet pan and double the ingredients to feed a crowd.

What can I serve with loaded tater tots?

They pair well with burgers, hot dogs, grilled meats, or serve as a stand-alone appetizer.

Are they gluten-free?

Most frozen tater tots are gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure.

Can I use sour cream alternatives?

Yes, Greek yogurt or dairy-free sour cream alternatives can be used as substitutes.

Conclusion

Loaded Tater Tots are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory, making them a go-to snack or side dish for any occasion. With endless topping possibilities and easy prep, you can make them your own and enjoy a satisfying bite every time. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, these tater tots always hit the spot.

Loaded Tater Tots

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Loaded Tater Tots are a crispy, cheesy, and savory crowd-pleaser featuring golden tater tots topped with melted cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions. Perfect for parties, game day, or a fun side dish.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1. 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
2. 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
3. 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
4. ½ cup sour cream
5. 2 green onions, thinly sliced
6. Salt and pepper to taste
7. Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, taco beef, ranch dressing, hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Spread tater tots in a single layer on the sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
3. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle cheese evenly over hot tater tots.
4. Return to oven for 3–5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted.
5. Top with crumbled bacon and green onions.
6. Drizzle or dollop sour cream on top.
7. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, bake tots on a wire rack over the baking sheet.
• Customize toppings to fit any theme—taco, BBQ, breakfast, or spicy.
• Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, hot sauce, or ketchup on the side.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 13g
• Cholesterol: 45mg