Loaded Tater Tots are the ultimate comfort food — crispy, golden tater tots topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and drizzled with creamy sauces. They are perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or indulgent side dish.
This dish transforms simple frozen tater tots into a decadent, flavor-packed treat that is loved by kids and adults alike. The combination of crispy tots, gooey cheese, savory bacon, tangy sour cream, and fresh green onions makes every bite irresistible.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. Every bite is a combination of textures and flavors — crunchy tots, melty cheese, and the saltiness of bacon paired with creamy and tangy toppings.
It’s fun to make and easy to personalize. You can add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, pulled chicken, or even chili to create your ultimate loaded tater tots experience. This dish always brings a smile to the table!
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This dish is a must-try because it elevates simple frozen tater tots into a gourmet-style snack. It’s perfect for entertaining, game day, or whenever you want something comforting and indulgent.
Everyone loves loaded tots — they are crispy, cheesy, savory, and completely irresistible. The balance of textures and flavors makes this dish unforgettable, and it’s a guaranteed hit at parties or family dinners.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings and Calories
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories: ~350 per serving (varies with toppings)
Course: Appetizer / Snack / Side Dish
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: jalapeños, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, shredded mozzarella, or cooked pulled chicken
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat the oven according to tater tots package instructions, typically 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: Bake Tater Tots
- Spread frozen tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and crispy, turning halfway through.
Step 3: Prepare Toppings
- While tots are baking, cook and crumble bacon.
- Chop green onions and other optional toppings.
Step 4: Assemble Loaded Tots
- Once tots are golden, remove from oven and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the cheese.
- Return to oven for 3–5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Drizzle with sour cream or a mixture of sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions and any optional toppings.
How to Serve
- Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
- Pair with ketchup, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli for dipping.
- Perfect as a party platter, game day snack, or indulgent side dish.
Recipe Tips
- For extra crispiness, spread tots in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for gooey and flavorful topping.
- Add spices like smoked paprika or chili powder to the tots before baking for extra flavor.
- Prepare toppings ahead of time for faster assembly.
- Serve fresh — tots lose their crispness if left too long.
Variations
- Chili Cheese Tots: Add cooked chili on top before adding cheese.
- Buffalo Chicken Tots: Top with shredded buffalo chicken, cheese, and drizzle with ranch.
- Vegetarian Loaded Tots: Skip bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
- Tex-Mex Tots: Add black beans, corn, jalapeños, and shredded Mexican cheese blend.
- Breakfast Tots: Top with scrambled eggs, cheese, and crumbled breakfast sausage.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep in airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to crisp them up again.
- Freezing: You can freeze baked, plain tots for up to 2 months, then bake fresh and add toppings.
Special Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls (optional for topping mix)
Conclusion
Loaded Tater Tots are the ultimate comfort food and party favorite. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with toppings, they are fun to make, customizable, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a decadent snack, this recipe transforms simple tater tots into a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.
Loaded Tater Tots
Loaded Tater Tots are the ultimate comfort food — crispy, golden tater tots topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and drizzled with creamy sauces. They are perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or indulgent side dish.
Ingredients
Optional toppings: jalapeños, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, shredded mozzarella, or cooked pulled chicken
Instructions
-
Step 1: Preheat Oven : Preheat the oven according to tater tots package instructions, typically 425°F (220°C).
-
Step 2: Bake Tater Tots : Spread frozen tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and crispy, turning halfway through.
-
Step 3: Prepare Toppings : While tots are baking, cook and crumble bacon. Chop green onions and other optional toppings.
-
Step 4: Assemble Loaded Tots : Once tots are golden, remove from oven and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the cheese. Return to oven for 3–5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings : Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle with sour cream or a mixture of sour cream and mayonnaise. Sprinkle chopped green onions and any optional toppings.
