Loaded Tater Tots
These Loaded Tater Tots are the ultimate comfort food. They’re cheesy, crunchy, savory, and fresh all at once. The easy appetizer recipe makes a delicious party snack for game days or to devour while watching a movie. You can add all of your favorite potato toppings to them. We’ve added a zesty queso, a drizzle of our favorite ranch dressing, and crispy bacon. There’s no wrong way to dress up these potato bites.
Loaded Tater Tots are not just a snack, they can be a fun side dish for your next dinner. But no matter how you serve them, the crispy little potato morsels will hit all the right flavor combinations with everyone.
My family absolutely loves tater tots and we have them in place of hashbrowns for breakfast, with these loaded sheet pan nachos, and as a side dish to meals. They love when I make this tator tot recipe and these loaded tater tot skewers to snack on because everyone will customize their servings they way the way want. It’s a dish that can please everyone.
Loaded Tater Tots
Every delicious loaded dish begins with a solid base, and in this recipe, it’s tater tots. These little bites of potato goodness are crispy on the outside and soft inside making them the perfect foundation for topping.
I like to bake the tots over deep frying them as it’s less messy and somehow I feel it’s a bit healthier. I have used the air fryer to make a single serving for myself before and they turn out great. Whether baked or fried, potato bites make an irresistible starting point for this deluxe snack that everyone will love.
What are some good toppings for loaded tater tots?
The possibilities are endless! Some classics include cheese, bacon, chili, sour cream, onions, jalapenos, and salsa. But you can also get creative with things like pulled pork, guacamole, buffalo chicken, or even breakfast toppings like eggs and sausage.
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What type of queso should I use?
I recommend using a creamy, meltable queso dip like Herdez Queso Blanco or a homemade queso made from a blend of cheddar cheese and a touch of spice. This slow cooker vegetarian spicy cheese dip is one we sometimes use. If you make a homemade version, use meltable cheeses like Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella are all great melting cheeses. You can even use a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.
How do I store leftover loaded tator tots?
They’re definitely best eaten fresh and warm from the oven, but if you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They won’t be as crispy reheated, but the oven or air fryer can help crisp them up a bit.
The best thing about these smothered potato nuggets is that you can put pretty much anything on them and they go with just about everything.
What to serve with tator tots?
They are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a side salad, sandwiches, or add to an appetizer spread. Here are a few more suggestions.
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
- 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Wings
- 30 Minute Beef Taco Skillet
- Bacon and Cheddar Smash Burgers
- Cucumber, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
There’s no right or wrong answer—it’s all about what you prefer! These are simply some ideas to get you thinking.
These are perfect for any occasion, this appetizer is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something comforting, cheesy, and full of deliciousness.
Recommended Tools for Making Loaded Tots
The essential kitchen tools for this recipe are probably already in your kitchen but I’m listing a few of my favorites.
- Anolon baking pans
- cutting board
- knife
- parchment paper
- Small microwave safe bowl
- skillet
- tongs
- oven mitts
- serving bowl
💡Explore my favorite Kitchen Essentials (Amazon affiliate link)
Ingredients
You’ll find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store. You may even already have them!
- frozen tater tots
- bacon
- queso dip (found in the dairy section near the sour cream)
- ranch dressing
- green onions
- salt and pepper
Directions to Make Loaded Tater Tots
Preheat oven. Spread tots onto one baking sheet and the slices of bacon on a separate baking pan. Bake in oven till they are golden brown and bacon is crispy.
Chop cooked bacon and slice green onions. Place cooked potato bites into a serving bowl.
Heat queso up in the microwave and then begin to assemble your gourmet snack.
This dish is best served hot from the oven. If you prefer you can create a tater tot bar with all the toppings and let others create their own servings as they wish.
Save this one for the upcoming game day parties or just because you love the crispy potato appetizer!
Printable Recipe Card
Loaded Tater Tots
Equipment
- knife
- Small microwave safe bowl
- skillet
- serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup Herdez Queso Blanco (or your favorite queso dip)
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 green onions
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place parchment paper on each of the two baking pans.
- Spread the tots in single layer on one baking sheet. Bake them according to the package directions. Usually takes about 20 – 25 minutes, turning them halfway trhough. Once they come out of the oven, season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the other baking sheet. Bake at the same time as the potatoes. The bacon will take about 15 – 20 minutes and flip halfway through the time. Check at the 12 minute mark to make sure it's not already done. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before chopping.
- Slice green onions.
- Warm the cheese dip in the microwave or on the stovetop in a small saucepan. It takes only 2 – 3 minutes.
- Place the tots in a large serving bowl, drizzle the queso over them.
- Next, drizzle the ranch dressing, top with bacon pieces and green onions. Serve warm.
Nutritional Disclaimer
“Blogghetti” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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Enjoy!
