Get ready to indulge in a deliciously comforting snack with these loaded tater tots. Perfect for game day, a casual gathering, or just a cozy night in, this recipe combines crispy tater tots with gooey melted cheese, savory bacon, and fresh green onions. Serve with a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate treat.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common, you might need to pick up a bag of frozen tater tots if you don't already have them in your freezer. Additionally, make sure you have shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and green onions on hand. Sour cream is also essential for serving.

Ingredients For Loaded Tater Tots Recipe
Tater tots: Frozen potato bites that become crispy when baked.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheese that melts beautifully over the tater tots.
Bacon: Cooked and crumbled for a savory, crunchy topping.
Green onions: Chopped for a fresh, slightly pungent garnish.
Sour cream: Creamy and tangy, perfect for dipping.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
For an extra crispy texture, try tossing the tater tots in a light coating of olive oil before baking. This will help them achieve a golden-brown finish. Additionally, to ensure even melting, grate your own cheddar cheese rather than using pre-shredded, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. When sprinkling the bacon and cheese on the tater tots, distribute them evenly to ensure every bite is loaded with flavor.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
frozen tater tots - Substitute with sweet potato tots: Sweet potato tots offer a slightly different flavor and are often considered a healthier alternative due to their higher fiber content.
frozen tater tots - Substitute with cauliflower tots: Cauliflower tots are a low-carb option that can be a great substitute for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake.
shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a milder flavor and melts well, making it a good alternative.
shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack adds a bit of spice and can enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
cooked and crumbled bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option with less fat and calories.
cooked and crumbled bacon - Substitute with vegetarian bacon: Vegetarian bacon provides a meat-free alternative while still offering a similar texture and flavor.
chopped green onions - Substitute with chopped chives: Chives have a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a direct replacement.
chopped green onions - Substitute with chopped shallots: Shallots offer a slightly sweeter and more delicate onion flavor.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative with a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
sour cream - Substitute with creme fraiche: Creme fraiche has a richer flavor and creamier texture, making it a luxurious substitute.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the tater tots to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
- Transfer the cooled tater tots to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible to maintain crispiness.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place the container or bag in the freezer.
- When freezing, lay the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the tater tots to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes if refrigerated, or 20-25 minutes if frozen, until they are heated through and crispy.
- For added crispiness, you can also reheat the tater tots in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes if refrigerated, or 10-12 minutes if frozen.
- Avoid microwaving as it can make the tater tots soggy.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again. This method helps retain the crunchiness of the tater tots.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tater tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method is quick and keeps the tater tots crispy.
Microwave Method: Place the tater tots on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may make the tater tots less crispy.
Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Place the tater tots in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are heated through and crispy. This method adds a bit of extra flavor and crunch.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tater tots on the toaster oven tray in a single layer. Heat for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through and crispy. This method is convenient and effective for small batches.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the tater tots until they are golden and crispy, and to melt the cheese.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to spread the tater tots in a single layer for even cooking.
Spatula: Useful for spreading the tater tots evenly on the baking sheet and for removing them once cooked.
Cheese grater: Used to shred the cheddar cheese if it is not pre-shredded.
Knife: Essential for chopping the green onions and crumbling the cooked bacon.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the green onions and bacon.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream accurately.
Mixing bowl: Optional, but can be used to mix the cheese and bacon together before sprinkling on the tater tots.
Serving dish: For presenting the loaded tater tots with the toppings and sour cream.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Preheat while prepping: Preheat your oven while you gather and prepare your ingredients to save time.
Use pre-cooked bacon: Opt for pre-cooked bacon to cut down on cooking time and cleanup.
Shred cheese in advance: Shred the cheddar cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Line baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Batch cooking: Cook multiple bags of tater tots at once and store extras in the freezer for quick reheating.
Loaded Tater Tots Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag Frozen tater tots 32 oz bag
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices Bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoon Green onions chopped
- 0.5 cup Sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheese and bacon.
- Return to oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Top with green onions and serve with sour cream.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts
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