Easy Loaded Tater Tots Recipe [Cheesy & Crispy]

There’s something undeniably comforting about a crispy, golden tater tot. Whether it's a nostalgic throwback to school cafeteria days or a fast-food favorite, tater tots have a special place in many of our hearts—and stomachs. However, if you’ve ever wondered how to take this humble side dish to the next level, you’re in for a treat. Let me introduce you to one of my all-time favorite recipes: Loaded Tater Tots. Picture this: perfectly crispy tater tots piled high with melted cheese, savory bacon bits, freshly chopped green onions, and a dollop of tangy sour cream.

It’s like a party on a plate and it all comes together with minimal effort. You’re not just making a snack; you’re creating a delectable experience that’s sure to be a hit at gatherings, movie nights, or even as a fun twist on your family dinner. Join me as we dive into this mouthwatering Loaded Tater Tots Recipe and discover how to transform a simple snack into an unforgettable treat.

Also Read: Sizzling Summer Recipes

Ingredients You'll Need For Loaded Tater Tots Recipe

Before diving headfirst into the creation of this loaded tater tots wonder, let's line up all the essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to assemble these heavenly bites:

Frozen Tater Tots: One big bag should do, but feel free to double up if you're feeding a crowd.
Cheese: I like using a mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack, but any melty cheese will work.
Bacon: About half a pound, cooked crispy and crumbled.
Green Onions: A few stalks, finely chopped to add a burst of freshness.
Sour Cream: For that tangy finish.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Optional Add-ons: Jalapeños for a kick, diced tomatoes for a fresh bite, or even a dollop of guacamole if you're feeling fancy.

Now that we have our ingredients lined up, let’s discuss the tools you’ll need to bring this recipe to life.

Tools and Equipment

Creating the perfect loaded tater tots is as much about the tools you use as it is about the ingredients. Here are the essentials:

Baking Sheet: A sturdy one to evenly cook those tots to crispy perfection.
Oven: Pre-heated to the right temperature, of course.
Skillet: For frying up that bacon to just the right level of crispiness.
Paper Towels: To drain excess grease from the bacon.
Serving Platter: Because presentation is key!
Tongs: For flipping the tots without squashing them.
Spatula: Heavy-duty for gathering and mixing ingredients as you assemble.

With the tools and ingredients at hand, we’re ready to dive into the fun part—preparing our loaded tater tots step by step!

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients

Cook the Bacon: Start by placing your bacon strips in a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure your tater tots come out perfectly crispy.

Step 2: Getting the Tots Ready

Arrange Tater Tots on Baking Sheet: Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the baking sheet. No overlapping here—each tot deserves to get crispy!
Bake the Tater Tots: Pop the sheet into the preheated oven. Bake according to the package instructions, usually around 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 3: Assembling the Loaded Tater Tots

Add Cheese: Once your tater tots are golden and crispy, pull them out of the oven. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top and return the baking sheet to the oven for a few minutes, just until the cheese melts.
Add Bacon and Green Onions: After the cheese is melted and gooey, sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions evenly over the top.
Add Optional Toppings: If you’re using jalapeños, tomatoes, or guacamole, now’s the time to add those as well.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serving

Transfer to Serving Platter: Using your spatula, carefully move everything to your serving platter.
Add the Sour Cream: Finish by adding dollops of sour cream across the top. A little bit goes a long way.

Cooking Directions For Perfect Loaded Tater Tots Recipe

Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, lay your tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. This ensures they cook evenly and get that irresistible crispy texture.

Cook the Tater Tots

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake the tater tots according to the package instructions, usually around 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, give them a gentle shake or flip to make sure they cook evenly on all sides.

Cook the Bacon

While your tots are crisping up, it’s time to cook the bacon. I prefer frying mine in a skillet for that perfect, crispy texture. Simply heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lay the bacon strips down flat. Cook until crispy, flipping occasionally, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cool, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Prep the Toppings

While everything is cooking, take a moment to prepare your toppings. Shred the cheese, chop the green onions, and get your sour cream ready for dolloping.

Assembling the Loaded Tater Tots

Create the Base Layer

Once the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and immediately sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top. The heat from the tots will start melting the cheese right away.

Add the Bacon

Next, sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the cheesy tater tots. This ensures that every bite is packed with that savory, crispy goodness.

Final Toppings

Time to add the final touches! Scatter the chopped green onions on top of the bacon and cheese layer. If you love a bit of spice, feel free to add some sliced jalapeños as well.

Melt Everything Together

Place the loaded tater tots back in the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.

Ready to Serve

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the loaded tater tots cool for a couple of minutes. Finally, add a few dollops of sour cream on top and, if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Best Serving Suggestions

Perfect Presentation

To make your loaded tater tots look as good as they taste, transfer them to a large serving platter. This makes it easier for guests to dive in and helps keep the tots crispier for longer.

Pairing Ideas

Pair your loaded tater tots with something refreshing to balance the richness. A light, crisp salad can be a great accompaniment. Or, if it’s game day, think about serving them with cold beer or a fizzy soda.

Dip It Good

You can take these loaded tater tots to the next level by adding some fun dipping sauces on the side. Here are a few ideas:

Ranch dressing
Spicy aioli
BBQ sauce
Blue cheese dip

Make it a Meal

While loaded tater tots make a fantastic appetizer or snack, you can also turn them into a meal. Serve with a side of grilled chicken or a hearty bowl of chili for a complete, filling dinner.

Customization Options

One of the best parts about making loaded tater tots is the ability to tailor them to your own tastes or dietary needs. There are countless ways to customize this recipe to make it uniquely yours.

Vegetarian Options

You can easily transform this dish into a vegetarian delight. Simply swap out the bacon for vegetarian bacon or sliced avocado. You might also want to add some black beans or grilled vegetables for extra texture and flavor.

Different Cheese Choices

Cheese lovers rejoice! You’re not limited to just one type of cheese. Experiment with sharp cheddar, smoky gouda, or even creamy brie. Each type of cheese brings a different layer of flavor and richness to the table.

Spice It Up

If you like your food with a bit of a kick, consider adding some jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika can also spice things up, giving your tater tots an extra burst of flavor.

Regional Favorites

Depending on where you’re from, you might find inspiration in local flavors. In the Southwest, adding some pico de gallo and guacamole could be a hit. For a Philly twist, think about adding some thinly sliced steak and cheese sauce.

Also Read: Quick & Easy Turkey Casserole Recipe

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Tater Tots

Making the perfect loaded tater tots isn't just about the ingredients; it's also about technique. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your tater tots come out perfect every time:

Perfect Crispiness

Preheat your oven: Always make sure your oven is fully preheated before adding the tater tots. This helps them cook evenly and become extra crispy.

Don't overcrowd the pan: To achieve maximum crispiness, make sure the tater tots are in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than crisp up.

Even Cheese Melting

Use shredded cheese: Grated or shredded cheese melts more evenly compared to thick slices. For best results, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the tater tots and allow it to melt slowly in the oven.

Turn on the broiler: If you want a bubbly, golden brown topping, turn on the broiler for the last minute or two. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Bacon Perfection

Bake your bacon: For evenly cooked, crispy bacon, consider baking it in the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, lay the bacon strips out flat, and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion

Loaded tater tots are more than just a snack; they're a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that can be customized to fit any palate. Whether you stick to the classic combination of cheese, bacon, and sour cream, or get creative with your own favorite ingredients, these loaded tater tots are sure to impress.

From achieving the perfect crispiness to selecting the right mix of toppings, I hope this guide helps you create tater tots that are nothing short of spectacular. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that oven, and get ready to indulge in a plate of loaded tater tots that will keep everyone coming back for more. And don’t forget to share your own variations and experiences – I can’t wait to see what you come up with!