Loaded Tater Tots Recipe
Step up your tots game with this easy and delicious Loaded Tater Tots recipe. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, this recipe is layered with crispy bacon, melted queso, ranch dressing, and fresh scallions. Make it for your next party or movie night at home!
Why You Will Love Making Loaded Tater Tots
Loaded tater tots are not just tasty—they’re a blast to make! Here’s why you’ll want to whip up a batch:
- Quick and Easy: From frozen to fabulous in under an hour, this recipe is straightforward and fuss-free.
- Versatile: Serve them up as a game day snack, a side dish, or even a main course with extra toppings.
- Kid-Friendly: A sure hit with the younger crowd, and a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Parties: These tots are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, and they’re easy to scale up for more guests.
- Customizable: Add your own twist with different cheeses, spices, or sauces to suit your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Loaded Tater Tots with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Making loaded totchos is a breeze, and I’ll walk you through each step so you can enjoy these crispy, cheesy delights in no time!
Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). If the tater tot package suggests a different temperature, go with that to ensure your tots and bacon cook perfectly.
Prepare the Tater Tots
Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. They should bake according to the package instructions, which is usually around 20-25 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.
Cook the Bacon
Place bacon slices on a separate baking sheet in a single layer. Put it in the oven and start checking at about 12 minutes to make sure it doesn’t overcook. You’ll want it crispy, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once done, let it cool slightly, then chop it up.
Warm the Queso
While your tater tots and bacon are cooking, heat your queso cheese sauce in a microwave-safe bowl or in a saucepan over low heat until it’s heated through and pourable, about 2-3 minutes.
Assemble and Serve
Once the tater tots are done, transfer them to a large serving dish. Drizzle them evenly with the warm queso, then add the chopped crispy bacon. Top it off with a drizzle of ranch dressing and garnish with the thinly sliced scallions. A light sprinkle of salt and pepper right before serving will enhance all the flavors. Enjoy your loaded tater tots!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are some tips to make your loaded tater tot nachos even more irresistible:
- Crispy Tots: Do not overcrowd the baking sheet for extra crispy tater tots. A single layer works best. You can also broil it for a couple of minutes at the end of cooking.
- Customize Your Toppings: Beyond bacon and queso, get creative with toppings like sour cream, chives, tomatoes, or even chili for some spice.
- Cheese: If queso isn’t your thing, try shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or any shredded cheese that melts well.
- Cooking Bacon: If you prefer less cleanup, try cooking your bacon in the air fryer or in the microwave between paper towels. You can also use a wire rack in the oven for perfectly even crispiness.
- Dressings: Ranch is my favorite, but blue cheese or even a spicy aioli can add a new dimension of flavor to your dish.
- Scallion Substitutes: No green onions? Chopped red onion, chives, or even a sprinkle of dried onion will do the trick.
How to Store Leftover Loaded Tots
Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep them tasting great even after the party’s over:
- Cool and Airtight: Allow the tater tots to cool completely before you pack them in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: They’ll stay good for up to three days.
- Reheating: To re-crisp the tots, reheat them in the oven at 350°F until they’re hot and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make them mushy.
- Separate Toppings: If possible, store toppings like bacon and scallions separately and add them after reheating the tots for the best texture and flavor.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Everyone loves to save a bit where they can, especially when hosting! Here are three money-saving tips to help you prepare this recipe without breaking the bank:
- Watch for Sales: Keep an eye on weekly ads for sales on dairy products and frozen items. This can be a great time to stock up.
- Use Leftovers: If you have leftover bacon from breakfast or another meal, repurpose it for this recipe.
- Grow Your Own: If you use scallions frequently, try growing them at home—they’re easy to maintain and regrow.
What to Serve with Loaded Tater Tots
Deciding what to serve with loaded tater tots can turn them from a tasty snack into a complete meal. Here are a few ideas that pair wonderfully with this dish:
Main Courses
Loaded tater tots are rich and hearty, making them a great side for simpler main dishes. Try serving them with grilled chicken breasts or homemade pulled pork.
Refreshing Beverages
With all the richness of the cheese and bacon, serve a refreshing beverage to cleanse the palate. Iced tea, lemonade, or even a mocktail are fantastic options that keep things casual but tasty.
Additional Sides
For a larger spread, add other side dishes that have different textures and flavors. Coleslaw, a corn salad, Buffalo Chicken Salad, or even some homemade tortilla chips can complement the cheesy goodness of your tater tots and make your meal more substantial.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes You Will Love
- Homemade Corn Dogs Recipe
- Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders
- Cheesy Caprese Pesto Tarts Recipe
- Taco Salad Cups Recipe
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Loaded Tater Tots Recipe
Ingredients
- 32 ounces package of frozen tater tots
- 8 slices of bacon chopped
- 1 cup queso
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 scallions thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If your tater tot package recommends a different temperature, adjust accordingly to accommodate both the tater tots and bacon.
- Spread the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. They will bake according to the package instructions, usually around 20-25 minutes, until golden and crispy.32 ounces package of frozen tater tots
- Arrange the bacon slices on a different baking sheet in a single layer and place it on the rack. This setup allows the bacon to cook evenly.8 slices of bacon
- Place both baking sheets in the oven. The bacon will likely need 15-20 minutes to become crisp but start checking around 12 minutes to ensure it doesn't overcook. Remove the bacon once it's crispy and let it cool slightly before chopping it into pieces.
- Slice the scallions and chop the bacon.
- While the tater tots and bacon are in the oven, warm up the queso in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop until it’s heated through and pourable, about 2-3 minutes.1 cup queso
- Once the tater tots are baked, transfer them to a large serving dish. Evenly drizzle the warm queso over the crispy tater tots. Sprinkle the oven-baked, chopped bacon on top. Drizzle the ranch dressing over the bacon and tater tots. Garnish with the sliced scallions.½ cup ranch dressing, 2 scallions
- Finish with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. Serve the dish immediately while everything is still warm and inviting.Salt and pepper to taste
Notes
- Crispy Tots: Do not overcrowd the baking sheet for extra crispy tater tots. A single layer works best. You can also broil it for a couple of minutes at the end of cooking.
- Customize Your Toppings: Beyond bacon and queso, get creative with toppings like sour cream, chives, tomatoes, or even chili for some spice.
- Cheese: If queso isn’t your thing, try shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or any shredded cheese that melts well.
- Cooking Bacon: If you prefer less cleanup, try cooking your bacon in the air fryer or in the microwave between paper towels. You can also use a wire rack in the oven for perfectly even crispiness.
- Dressings: Ranch is my favorite, but blue cheese or even a spicy aioli can add a new dimension of flavor to your dish.
- Scallion Substitutes: No green onions? Chopped red onion, chives, or even a sprinkle of dried onion will do the trick.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Cool and Airtight: Allow the tater tots to cool completely before you pack them in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: They’ll stay good for up to three days.
- Reheating: To re-crisp the tots, reheat them in the oven at 350°F until they’re hot and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make them mushy.
- Separate Toppings: If possible, store toppings like bacon and scallions separately and add them after reheating the tots for the best texture and flavor.
