Save to Pinterest Enjoy golden baked tater tots, crispy on the outside, soft inside, layered with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Crispy beef bacon bits add a savory depth complemented by thinly sliced spring onions and a dollop of creamy sour cream. This crowd-pleasing snack comes together quickly with simple oven baking and stovetop crisping methods, perfect for sharing or indulging. Optional fresh herbs and black pepper bring added brightness and flavor to this hearty, irresistible dish.
The first time I made these loaded tater tots was during a Super Bowl party when I realized halfway through that I had forgotten to buy regular bacon. The beef bacon in my freezer turned out to be a happy accident that everyone actually preferred. Now it is the only way my family will eat them, and the beef bacon adds this incredible savory depth that pairs perfectly with the melting cheese.
Last winter my friend Sarah came over for a casual dinner and we ended up making three batches because we could not stop eating them straight off the baking sheet. The cheese gets into all the crispy nooks and the sour cream cuts through the richness just enough. Now whenever she visits, she does not even ask what is for dinner anymore.
Ingredients
- 800 g (28 oz) frozen tater tots: Do not thaw them first, they crisp up better when baked straight from frozen
- 180 g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor contrast against the mild tots
- 60 g (½ cup) shredded mozzarella cheese: This creates that beautiful cheese pull everyone loves
- 120 g (4 oz) beef bacon, diced: The halal friendly alternative that actually tastes incredible
- 4 spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced: Use both the white and green parts for maximum flavor
- 120 ml (½ cup) sour cream: Full fat sour cream creates the best creamy contrast
- Freshly ground black pepper: A generous grind right before serving makes all the difference
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives: The pop of green color makes these look restaurant quality
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
- Crisp the Tots:
- Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through so every side gets golden and perfectly crunchy.
- Cook the Beef Bacon:
- While the tots bake, cook the diced beef bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until crispy, then drain on paper towels.
- Add the Cheese:
- Pull the crispy tots from the oven and sprinkle both cheeses evenly over them, then return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until melted and bubbling.
- Top and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and immediately scatter the crispy beef bacon and sliced spring onions over the top, then add dollops of sour cream and serve right away.
Save to Pinterest These became our Friday night tradition during a particularly difficult year when we needed something simple to look forward to. My kids started calling them Friday Totchos and now the recipe has been shared with everyone in our neighborhood.
Making Ahead for Parties
You can cook the tater tots and beef bacon up to two hours before serving, then just reheat everything at 200°C (400°F) for 5 minutes before adding the cheese and final toppings. This keeps them perfectly crispy without drying them out.
Cheese Blends That Work
While cheddar and mozzarella is the classic combination, I have discovered that adding a handful of pepper jack creates an amazing kick that spice lovers always request. Just keep the ratio of two parts mild cheese to one part flavored cheese so it does not overwhelm the dish.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serve these as the main appetizer with toothpicks on the side, or turn them into a full meal by adding a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Pickled jalapeños add a bright acid that cuts through all the cheese
- Diced tomatoes and black olives transform these into Mediterranean style loaded tots
- A drizzle of chipotle sauce over the sour cream creates an incredible smoky finish
Save to Pinterest These loaded tater tots have become my go to for feeding a crowd because they disappear faster than anything else I make. There is something about that combination of crispy potato, melted cheese, and salty beef bacon that makes people gather around the platter every single time.
