Loaded Tater Tots Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded Tater Tots are the ultimate comfort food—crispy, golden tots topped with gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions. Perfect as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or indulgent side dish, they bring bold flavor and satisfying crunch in every bite. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

frozen tater tots
shredded cheddar cheese
cooked bacon, crumbled
sour cream
green onions, sliced
olive oil or cooking spray
salt and pepper to taste

directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Spread the tater tots in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Season with salt and pepper.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the tots are golden and crispy.

Remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot tots.

Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.

Remove from oven and immediately top with crumbled bacon, dollops of sour cream, and a generous sprinkle of green onions.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Use pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Top with pulled pork or ground beef for a hearty version.
Swap sour cream for ranch or chipotle mayo.
Use sweet potato tots for a twist.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Avoid microwaving, as it may make the tots soggy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade tater tots?

Yes, homemade tots work great—just make sure they’re crispy before adding toppings.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon or use plant-based alternatives.

What other toppings can I try?

Try black beans, diced tomatoes, guacamole, or even chili.

Can I prepare this in an air fryer?

Yes, cook the tots in the air fryer at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, then add toppings.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If your tater tots and toppings are certified gluten-free, then yes.

How do I keep them crispy?

Make sure the tots are spaced out on the baking sheet and fully cooked before adding cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep toppings in advance.

How do I make it more filling?

Add protein like grilled chicken, taco meat, or a fried egg on top.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes—try gouda, fontina, or even blue cheese for different flavor profiles.

Are these kid-friendly?

Very! Just customize the toppings to suit their tastes.

Conclusion

Loaded Tater Tots are a fun, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s easy to whip up anytime. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these crispy, cheesy bites are sure to impress. Customize them to your heart’s content and enjoy every crunchy, savory forkful.

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