Loaded Tater Tots Recipe

Tater tots: Frozen potato bites that become crispy when baked. Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheese that melts beautifully over the tater tots. Bacon: Cooked and crumbled for a savory, crunchy topping. Sour cream: Adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the dish. Green onions: Chopped for a fresh, slightly sharp garnish.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider seasoning the tater tots with a light sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika before baking. This will enhance the overall taste and complement the cheddar cheese and bacon toppings beautifully.

• frozen tater tots - Substitute with sweet potato tots: Sweet potato tots offer a different flavor profile and are slightly healthier due to their higher vitamin content.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a milder flavor and melts well, providing a gooey texture.

• cooked and crumbled bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option with less fat and calories.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative with more protein and a similar tangy flavor.

• chopped green onions - Substitute with chopped chives: Chives have a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a direct replacement.

• Allow the tater tots to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Transfer the cooled tater tots to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a bag, try to remove as much air as possible to maintain their crispiness.
• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.
• When freezing, consider laying the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Freeze them for about an hour until they are firm, then transfer to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. This prevents them from sticking together.
• To reheat refrigerated tater tots, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
• For frozen tater tots, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.
• Avoid microwaving the tater tots as it can make them soggy. The oven method ensures they remain crispy and delicious.
• If you have leftover toppings like bacon, cheddar cheese, or sour cream, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the tater tots first, then add the toppings just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted again.
  5. For extra crispiness, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the tater tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
  4. Check to make sure they are heated through and the cheese is melted.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the tater tots on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. Be cautious as the cheese can get very hot.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the tater tots in the skillet in a single layer.
  4. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and the cheese is melted.
  5. For extra crispiness, remove the lid for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

• Oven: Used to bake the tater tots until they are golden and crispy, and to melt the cheese.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to spread the tater tots in a single layer for even cooking.

• Spatula: Useful for spreading the tater tots evenly on the baking sheet and for removing them once they are cooked.

• Cheese grater: Used to shred the cheddar cheese if it is not pre-shredded.

• Knife: Necessary for chopping the green onions and crumbling the cooked bacon.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the green onions and crumbling the bacon.

• Mixing bowl: Can be used to hold the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions until they are ready to be used.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of the sour cream and chopped green onions.

Pre-cook bacon: Cook and crumble the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge to save time.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to cut down on prep work.

Line baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to line your baking sheet, making cleanup quicker.

Microwave tater tots: Start by microwaving the tater tots for a few minutes before baking to reduce oven time.

Prep toppings in advance: Chop green onions and measure out sour cream beforehand to streamline the assembly process.