Description
Crispy “loaded tater tot appetizers” bring irresistible comfort with creamy melted cheese and savory bacon crumbles. Guests will devour these bite-sized delights that promise pure indulgence and crowd-pleasing flavor in every golden, crunchy morsel.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bag (32 ounces / 907 grams) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) crumbled cooked bacon (about 6 strips)
Garnish and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chopped green onions
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Seasoning:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a baking surface by lining a sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat, then heat the oven to a robust 425°F.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a uniform, non-overlapping configuration across the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the potato nuggets according to package guidance, allowing them to transform into a crisp, golden-brown delicacy over 20-25 minutes.
- Extract the tater tots from the oven while maintaining their piping hot temperature, immediately cascading shredded cheddar cheese across the surface to ensure thorough melting.
- Generously distribute crumbled bacon fragments and freshly chopped green onion rings over the molten cheese landscape.
- For an enhanced flavor profile, dust the loaded tots with a delicate sprinkle of garlic powder and paprika to elevate the taste experience.
- Craft a complementary dipping sauce by blending sour cream with ranch seasoning mix, creating a tangy accompaniment.
- Present the loaded tater tots immediately while they retain maximum crispness and warmth, inviting guests to indulge in this irresistible appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure tater tots are spread in a single layer to achieve maximum crispiness and even cooking.
- Use high-quality thick-cut bacon for the most flavorful and crisp topping that adds a satisfying crunch.
- For a healthier version, swap regular bacon with turkey bacon or tempeh bacon and use low-fat cheese to reduce calories.
- Experiment with different cheese variations like pepper jack, blue cheese, or a blend of cheeses to create unique flavor profiles that suit different taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg