Loaded tater tots are a delicious snack or side dish that you can make quickly and easily. They are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun family meal. The combination of crunchy tater tots, melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and cool sour cream makes every bite a delight. Whether you are a tater tot lover or just looking for a tasty treat, loaded tater tots will not disappoint.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love loaded tater tots because they are so simple to make and full of flavor. The blend of ingredients provides a satisfying contrast, making each bite exciting. The crispy texture of the tater tots pairs perfectly with melted cheese, and the bacon bits add a smoky touch. Plus, they are easy to customize. You can add your favorite toppings or adjust the flavors to suit your taste. They are also a great dish to share with friends or enjoy on your own. Simply put, loaded tater tots are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy!
HOW TO MAKE Loaded Tater Tots
Ingredients :
- Tater tots
- Cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Bacon bits
- Sour cream
- Green onions (chopped)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven according to the tater tots package instructions.
- Spread the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake until crispy and golden brown, pulling them out halfway to flip.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle cheese and bacon bits on top.
- Return to the oven for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot with sour cream and chopped green onions on top.
HOW TO SERVE Loaded Tater Tots
Loaded tater tots are best served hot. Place them on a nice serving plate and enjoy them straight from the oven. You can add extra toppings on the side, like more cheese, bacon bits, green onions, or even hot sauce. They make a great snack for watching movies, a fun treat for game days, or even a delicious side dish with burgers or sandwiches. Enjoy them while they are warm for the best taste!
STORAGE & FREEZING : Loaded Tater Tots
If you have leftover loaded tater tots, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about two to three days. When you are ready to eat them again, you can reheat them in the oven to bring back some of their crispiness.
If you want to freeze them, it’s best to freeze plain, cooked tater tots before adding toppings. Spread the cooled tater tots on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you are ready to make loaded tater tots, take out as many as you need, bake them from frozen, and then add your toppings.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Loaded tater tots go well with many different foods. You can serve them as a side dish with burgers, hot dogs, or BBQ chicken. They also make great snacks for movie night or as a finger food for parties. For a fun twist, try serving them with a variety of dipping sauces, like ranch, BBQ sauce, or even spicy nacho cheese dip. Introducing different flavors can make your loaded tater tots even more exciting!
VARIATIONS
Loaded tater tots are very versatile, and you can change them up based on your preferences. Here are a few tasty variations to try:
- Tex-Mex Style: Add jalapeños and guacamole on top of the cheese for a kick of flavor.
- BBQ Chicken: Top with shredded BBQ chicken and drizzle with BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Cheesy Ranch: Mix ranch seasoning into the cheese before melting it over the tater tots.
- Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add black beans, diced tomatoes, and avocado for a veggie version.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients to make loaded tater tots that suit your taste!
FAQs
1. Can I make loaded tater tots in the air fryer?
Yes, you can make loaded tater tots in the air fryer! Just cook the tater tots according to your air fryer’s instructions, then add the toppings and air fry for a few more minutes until the cheese melts.
2. What type of cheese is best for loaded tater tots?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can use any cheese you like. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a cheese blend work well too.
3. How long do I need to bake the tater tots?
Baking time can vary. Always check the package instructions for the recommended bake time. Usually, about 20-25 minutes will make them crispy and golden.
4. Can I prepare loaded tater tots ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tater tots ahead of time. Bake them until crispy, let them cool, and then add your toppings. Store them in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Loaded Tater Tots
To make your cooking process easier, you can prepare certain elements ahead of time. Here are some tips:
- Pre-cook the tater tots: Bake the tater tots in advance and let them cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, add cheese and toppings, then reheat in the oven.
- Prepare toppings in advance: Chop green onions or cook bacon bits ahead of time. You can keep them in the fridge and add them just before serving.
- Cheese blend: Grate your cheese ahead of time for easy use when you’re ready to load your tater tots.
By preparing beforehand, you can instantly enjoy loaded tater tots without long waiting times!
PrintLoaded Tater Tots
Crispy, cheesy loaded tater tots topped with bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions, perfect for parties or family meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be made non-vegetarian by adding bacon)
Ingredients
- Tater tots
- Cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Bacon bits
- Sour cream
- Green onions (chopped)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven according to the tater tots package instructions.
- Spread the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake until crispy and golden brown, pulling them out halfway to flip.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle cheese and bacon bits on top.
- Return to the oven for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot with sour cream and chopped green onions on top.
Notes
Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or sauces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: tater tots, loaded tater tots, snack, appetizer, party food