This Loaded Tater Tots recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and requires minimal cleanup with a sheet pan method, making it a easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the toppings to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends, truly versatile and totally comforting!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Tater Tots
- Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Bacon Bits
- Sour Cream
- Green Onions
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Loaded Tater Tots
Bake the Tater Tots : Preheat your oven according to the package instructions and spread the frozen tater tots evenly onto a sheet pan. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, it’s irresistible!
Layer the Tater Tots : Once they’re nice and crispy, take them out and carefully arrange them in an even layer on a baking dish. This might be where you want to test just one, because they smell so good!
Add Cheese and Bacon : Next, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese and bacon bits over the tater tots. Feel free to be heavy-handed here! You want every inch loaded because, I mean, that’s the whole point!
Melt the Cheese : Pop the tray back in the oven for another 5-7 minutes or until the cheese has melted into that gooey, dreamy state. You’ll know when it’s ready, the cheese will be bubbly and slightly golden.
Toppings Galore! Once out of the oven, dollop sour cream and sprinkle chopped green onions on top. I mean, come on! Look at that! It’s like a party on a plate!
Serve and Enjoy : Dig in while they’re warm and melty! These bad boys make for a terrific appetizer or a fun dinner option that everyone will fight over. Enjoy!
Why I Love Loaded Tater Tots
Honestly, this is my go-to recipe when I want something comforting, quick, and full of flavor! I’m a real sucker for easy meals that taste amazing, and these Loaded Tater Tots hit the spot every time. Plus, the best part is that you can tailor them to whatever you and your fam love or have on hand. This meal not only brings smiles to my family’s faces but also makes me feel like a rock star in the kitchen, and let’s be real, that’s a win-win!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburger Bites, my Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs, or my Easy Rice Pudding!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes perfect for busy weeknights! It’s a no-fuss meal that virtually anyone can make with great success.
Minimal Cleanup Required
With just one sheet pan to wash, you’ll have more time for what matters most, quality family time and perhaps a dessert run after dinner!
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you’ve got lying around. Switch the toppings based on what you already have in the fridge or the pantry. It’s versatile and allows your creativity to shine through!
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor, it’s the kind of goodness that brings everyone to the dinner table. Honestly, who doesn’t find happiness in crispy tater tots smothered with cheese and bacon?
Crowd-Pleaser
The whole family will love it! From toddlers to teenagers, everyone will dig in and ask for seconds. You know it’s a hit when the dinner table is filled with happy, munching faces.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve Loaded Tater Tots
These Loaded Tater Tots are spicy, cheesy, crispy goodness that pairs nicely with a fresh garden salad or a side of chili. You can also serve them as the ultimate game day snack! The deliciousness is off the charts!
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. But fair warning, they may lose some crispiness, so you might want to pop them back in the oven for a few minutes before serving to revitalize them!
Reheating Instructions
The best method is to reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This will help them regain some of that beloved crunch.
Freezer-Friendly?
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend freezing them after they’re cooked as they might get a bit soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the tater tots before baking. Just pop them out of the freezer directly onto the baking dish when you’re ready to cook, just add a few extra minutes for baking time!
And there you have it, your go-to Loaded Tater Tots recipe! With incredible flavor and endless possibilities for tweaking, this dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite in your household. Get ready to dig into this comfort food classic, and savor every cheesy, crispy bite! Happy eating! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration!
Loaded Tater Tots
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven according to the package instructions.
- Spread the frozen tater tots evenly onto a sheet pan.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully arrange the baked tater tots in an even layer on a baking dish.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese and bacon bits over the tater tots.
- Pop the tray back in the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Dollop sour cream and sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy as a comforting appetizer or fun dinner dish.