Tasty Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers

Want a crowd-pleasing appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen? Try these Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers for a crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed bite. These little potato bites are topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy sour cream, making them the perfect snack for game days, parties, or any gathering.

This recipe is great for busy cooks or beginners who want to impress their guests with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and a simple baking method, you’ll have a dish that everyone will love. These bite-sized treats are addictive, delicious, and easy to make!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Small mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon for topping

Ingredients Overview

• Tater Tots: The crispy potato base that holds all the toppings.
• Cheese: A gooey layer of melted goodness.
• Toppings: Classic loaded flavors like bacon, sour cream, and green onions.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Directions

Step 1: Bake the Tater Tots

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spread tater tots evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 2: Add Cheese & Bacon

1. Remove the tater tots from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over them.
2. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top.
3. Return to the oven and bake for another 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

Step 3: Add Final Toppings & Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes.
2. Drizzle or dollop sour cream over the top.
3. Sprinkle with chopped green onions, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)

• Calories: ~320
• Fat: ~18g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Protein: ~10g

Expert Tips

• For Extra Crunch: Bake tater tots longer (30 minutes) for an extra crispy texture.
• Make It Spicier: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
• Dipping Sauce Ideas: Serve with ranch, sriracha mayo, or barbecue sauce for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use different cheese?
Yes! Pepper jack, mozzarella, or smoked gouda work great.

How do I keep them crispy?
Serve immediately, or reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5 minutes before serving.

Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook tater tots at 400°F for 15 minutes, then add cheese and toppings.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or air fry for 3 minutes to crisp them back up.
• Freezing: Not recommended once assembled, but you can freeze baked tater tots and reheat with toppings later.

Substitutions & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and a cashew-based sour cream.
• Taco-Style: Add taco seasoning and top with diced tomatoes and avocado.

Tasty Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers

Want a crowd-pleasing appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen? Try these **Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers** for a crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Baking sheet
• - Parchment paper or cooking spray
• - Small mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Spoon for topping

Ingredients

  

• - 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
• - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• - 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbled
• - 1/2 cup sour cream
• - 1/4 cup green onions chopped
• - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1/4 teaspoon paprika optional, for extra flavor

Instructions

 

• #### **Step 1: Bake the Tater Tots**
• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Spread tater tots evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
• #### **Step 2: Add Cheese & Bacon**
• Remove the tater tots from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over them.
• Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top.
• Return to the oven and bake for another 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
• #### **Step 3: Add Final Toppings & Serve**
• Remove from the oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes.
• Drizzle or dollop sour cream over the top.
• Sprinkle with chopped green onions, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
• Serve immediately and enjoy!