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!

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 40

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: loaded tater tots

Servings: people

Calories: 601kcal

Author: Mandy Applegate

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

US Customary - Metric

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.

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