Pin It This dish features golden, crispy tater tots baked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy beef bacon. Fresh garnishes like spring onions, sour cream, tomato, and herbs add brightness and creaminess, balancing the rich flavors. Ideal as a party snack or comforting appetizer, preparation is simple and quick, involving baking, skillet-cooking, and assembling layers of cheesy, smoky toppings over crispy tots. Variations include adding jalapeños or swapping cheeses, making this a versatile treat.
The first time I made loaded tater tots was during a Super Bowl party when I completely forgot to plan a proper appetizer. I stared at the freezer and grabbed that bag of frozen tots, thinking desperation would have to pass as creativity. My friends ended up hovering around the baking sheet, picking off the crispy edges before I could even get everything plated. Now they request them for every gathering, and I have learned to make double batches.
Last summer, my youngest nephew helped me assemble these while waiting for fireworks to start. He carefully arranged the spring onions like tiny confetti and declared himself the master of tots. We ended up eating them straight from the pan on the back porch, and the night somehow felt more memorable than the show.
Ingredients
- 800 g (28 oz) frozen tater tots: Do not thaw them first, as they will turn soggy and never achieve that perfect crunch
- 150 g (5 oz) shredded cheddar cheese: Buy it pre-shredded or shred from a block yourself, but avoid fresh cheese that has too much moisture
- 120 g (4 oz) beef bacon, chopped: Cook it until really crisp because it softens slightly when it meets the hot cheese
- 4 spring onions, thinly sliced: Slice them right before serving so they stay bright and snappy
- 80 g (1/3 cup) sour cream: Let it sit on the counter for ten minutes so it is easier to dollop
- 1 medium tomato, diced: Remove the seeds first or the entire dish will become watery within minutes
- 2 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, chopped: Use whichever you have growing in windowsill or picked up at the market
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Finish with a generous grind to cut through all that richness
Instructions
- Get the oven ready and preheat to 220°C (425°F):
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper because the melted cheese will create a nightmare of cleanup later.
- Spread the tater tots in one layer:
- Crowding the pan will make them steam instead of crisp, so use two pans if necessary.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway:
- Flip them with a spatula so every side gets that golden brown crunch.
- Cook the beef bacon while the tots bake:
- Fry it in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, then drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Pile on the cheese and cooked bacon:
- Return to the oven for just 3-5 minutes, watching closely so the cheese melts without burning.
- Top with everything fresh:
- Add spring onions, sour cream, tomato, herbs, and pepper right before serving.
Pin It My sister texted me at midnight after trying these, demanding the recipe because her husband kept talking about them for hours. There is something so satisfying about elevating a humble childhood food into something that feels like a real treat.
Making It Your Own
I once added pickled jalapeños when we had friends over who claimed they could handle heat, and we spent the rest of the evening passing around milk. Start with less spice than you think you need.
Serving Strategy
Set up a toppings bar and let everyone build their own section of the tray. People get surprisingly opinionated about sour cream distribution and tomato placement.
Perfect Pairings
These need something cold and crisp to balance all that richness. A cold lager works, but so does a sparkling soda with plenty of ice.
- Make extra bacon because someone will snack on it while you are assembling
- Have the sour cream ready to go before the tots come out of the oven
- Work quickly once the cheese melts so everything stays hot
Pin It Hope your kitchen is filled with laughter and the perfect crunch of tots.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I make tater tots crispy?
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Baking them on a parchment-lined sheet at high heat and turning halfway ensures even crispiness and golden color.
- → Can I substitute beef bacon?
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Yes, turkey or vegetarian bacon can be used for different flavors or dietary needs.
- → What cheeses work well with this dish?
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Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack offer delicious alternatives with varied richness and spice.
- → How do fresh garnishes enhance the dish?
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Spring onions, herbs, and diced tomato add freshness and texture, balancing the rich cheese and bacon.
- → Can I add spice to this preparation?
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Sliced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce bring a pleasant heat that complements the savory elements.
