Loaded tater tots are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy tater tots with gooey cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and fresh green onions. This dish is perfect for game day, a casual get-together, or just a fun family dinner. It's easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common and likely already in your kitchen. However, if you don't usually keep tater tots or bacon on hand, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Make sure to get a good-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor, and fresh green onions to add a nice crunch and color to the dish.
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, 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.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
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.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
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.
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, 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.
How To Reheat Leftovers
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.
Best Tools for This Recipe
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.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
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.
Loaded Tater Tots Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- ¼ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread tater tots on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until 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 sour cream before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts for This Recipe
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