This loaded tater tots recipe is a delicious, finger-lickin’ snack the whole family will love.
Tater tots are baked under a cheesy queso sauce with bacon, green onions, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
These Loaded Tater Tots are a Well-Loved Snack Because…
- It’s a hassle free dish using frozen tater tots and pre-made queso.
- Crispy tots, gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and creamy ranch combine for a comfort food dish that will please any crowd.
- Switch up the toppings in this loaded tater tots recipe for a customizable appetizer.
- Keep those leftovers for meal planning or a quick reheat-and-eat snack the next day.
Easy Ingredients
Tater Tots: Grab a bag of frozen tots, no need to thaw. Stock up on tots because this recipe will become a family fave in no time. No tots? Try hashbrowns, frozen potato wedges, or waffle fries.
Bacon: Bacon is always best, but diced ham, shredded chicken, pulled pork, or leftover taco meat are also delish. Omit the meat and use a can of drained and rinsed black beans for a vegetarian version that’s just as crispy, gooey, and satisfying.
Cheese: Queso can be found in mild, medium, or spicy. Add extra cheese like a Mexican blend or mozzarella if you like.
Ranch Dressing: A drizzle of ranch dressing adds a tangy bite against the rich flavor of the queso, or try sour cream or Greek yogurt instead. Blue cheese dressing is another alternative.
Toppings and Add-Ons
The possibilities are endless. Go nacho-style and top tots with sliced jalapenos, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of salsa or sour cream. Or make fully loaded pizza tots with pepperoni slices, sliced olives, and loads of melty mozzarella cheese.
How to Make Loaded Tater Tots
- Bake tater tots and bacon.
- Chop bacon and mix with green onions (full recipe below).
- Warm queso in the microwave.
- Layer tater tots with queso, ranch dressing, bacon mixture and green onion.
Leftovers?
- Keep loaded tater tots in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat them in the microwave, then transfer them to the broiler so they get crispy again. Add freshly warmed queso and serve.
Serve It With…
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Loaded Tater Tots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 package tater tots about 32 ounces
- 8 slices bacon chopped
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 cup queso
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste, optional
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F, or as directed on the tater tot package.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread the tater tots in a single layer on the baking tray.
- Line a second baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the baking tray.
- Place both baking trays into the oven. Cook bacon for 15-20 minutes, or until crisp, checking after 12 minutes to ensure it doesn't overcook. Remove bacon once it's crisp. Bake tater tots according to package instructions, approximately 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven.
- Once the bacon is done, slice the green onion and chop the cooked bacon.
- Meanwhile, warm the queso in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop until it's heated through and pourable, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the tater tots are baked, transfer them to a large serving dish.
- Drizzle tater tots with warm queso, sprinkle with bacon, drizzle with ranch dressing, then garnish with green onions. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for 3 days.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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