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, adding a savory and smoky flavor. Green onions: Sliced thinly, providing a fresh and slightly pungent taste. Sour cream: Creamy and tangy, perfect for dolloping on top.

To achieve perfectly crispy tater tots, make sure to spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy tots. For an extra crunch, consider flipping the tater tots halfway through the baking time.

• frozen tater tots - Substitute with sweet potato tots: For a slightly sweeter flavor and added nutrients.

• frozen tater tots - Substitute with cauliflower tots: For a lower-carb and gluten-free option.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: For a milder flavor and a gooey texture.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: For a dairy-free alternative.

• cooked bacon, crumbled - Substitute with turkey bacon: For a lower-fat option.

• cooked bacon, crumbled - Substitute with vegetarian bacon bits: For a meat-free alternative.

• sliced green onions - Substitute with chives: For a milder onion flavor.

• sliced green onions - Substitute with diced red onions: For a stronger, more pungent flavor.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: For a higher protein and lower fat option.

• sour cream - Substitute with coconut cream: For a dairy-free alternative with a hint of sweetness.

• Allow the tater tots to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Transfer the cooled tater tots to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible to maintain freshness.
• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the loaded tater tots within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.
• When freezing, lay the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the tater tots to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of their freshness.
• To reheat refrigerated tater tots, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
• For frozen tater tots, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they don’t overcook.
• Avoid microwaving as it can make the tater tots lose their crispiness. If you must use a microwave, do so in short intervals and check frequently.
• If you have leftover sour cream, bacon, or green onions, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. These toppings can be added fresh when reheating the tater tots.
• For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream just before serving the reheated tater tots.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melty again.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the tater tots on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tater tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method will help them regain their crispiness.

• On the stovetop, use a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the tater tots in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through and the cheese is melted.

• For a toaster oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the tater tots on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until they are hot and the cheese is melted.

• Oven: Used to bake the tater tots until they are crispy and to melt the cheese.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for spreading out the tater tots evenly for baking.

• Spatula: Handy for removing the tater tots from the baking sheet without breaking them.

• Measuring cup: Ensures accurate measurement of the shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and sour cream.

• Knife: Used for slicing the green onions.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the green onions.

• Mixing bowl: Optional, but can be used to mix the crumbled bacon and cheese before sprinkling them on the tater tots.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when handling the hot baking sheet.

Preheat while prepping: Preheat the oven as you gather and prepare your ingredients to save time.

Use pre-cooked bacon: Opt for pre-cooked bacon to eliminate the need for cooking and crumbling it yourself.

Shred cheese in advance: Shred your cheddar cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.

Multi-task: While the tater tots are baking, prepare your toppings like slicing green onions and measuring out sour cream.