Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe
If you are craving a snack that brings all the cheesy, crispy, and savory goodness of loaded appetizers into one fun shareable bite, then the Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine golden tater tots threaded perfectly on skewers, topped with smoky bacon, melty cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream, and fresh green onions for that pop of color and zing. This dish not only satisfies comfort food cravings but also turns casual get-togethers into tasty celebrations with its irresistible mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together the Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe couldn’t be simpler because each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that perfect combo of crispiness, creaminess, and smoky flavor. Let’s look at the essentials that come together beautifully to create this crowd-pleaser.
- Frozen tater tots: The star of the show, giving you that iconic crispy potato base that’s easy to cook and loved by everyone.
- Bacon slices: Cooked and crumbled to add a wonderful smoky crunch that pairs perfectly with the tots.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Provides melty, gooey richness that binds all the flavors and keeps things ultra cheesy.
- Sour cream: Adds a cool, creamy tang that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Green onions: Freshly sliced for a mild sharpness and vibrant green color that brighten every bite.
- Skewers: Either metal or wooden (the latter soaked to avoid burning), perfect for threading and sharing these delightful bites.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your tots don’t stick to the baking sheet and crisp up beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: To season just right and bring out the best in every ingredient.
How to Make Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Tray
Start by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is perfect for getting the tater tots crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then coat it lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and help with browning.
Step 2: Thread the Tater Tots onto Skewers
Take your skewers and carefully thread about 6 to 8 tater tots on each one. This not only makes them fun to eat but also ensures even cooking. It’s like creating bite-sized loaded bites that everyone can easily grab and enjoy.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Place the skewers on your prepared baking sheet and let them bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remember to turn them once halfway through so they brown evenly on all sides. This step is where your tater tots transform into those perfectly crispy nuggets you love.
Step 4: Add the Cheddar Cheese and Bacon
Once your tots are golden and crispy, take the skewers out of the oven and immediately sprinkle a hearty amount of shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top. The residual heat will start melting the cheese beautifully, preparing for the next quick bake.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese to Perfection
Return the skewers to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, just enough time to get that cheddar bubbling and melty. This is the moment these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe truly come to life with gooey cheese oozing over smoky bacon pieces.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream and Green Onions
Remove the skewers from the oven and let them cool slightly so you don’t lose the creamy sour cream to heat immediately. Drizzle each skewer with sour cream and sprinkle freshly sliced green onions on top for that final punch of flavor and color.
Step 7: Season and Serve Warm
Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste. These Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe are best served warm—ready to delight your guests or family with every bite.
How to Serve Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Enhancing these skewers with extra garnishes like a sprinkle of smoked paprika, a drizzle of spicy ranch dressing, or even a handful of crispy fried onions can elevate the flavor profile and visual appeal. These additions invite more layers of taste to an already irresistible dish.
Side Dishes
Serve these skewers alongside fresh vegetable crudités or a tangy coleslaw to balance out the richness. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette can also complement the heaviness of the bacon and cheese perfectly, creating a well-rounded plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the skewers upright in a tall jar or vase filled with coarse salt or beans—this makes a festive display that’s easy for guests to grab from. You could also lay them on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of dipping sauces like chipotle mayo or garlic aioli for a fun interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap the skewers tightly in aluminum foil or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining much of their taste and texture.
Freezing
To freeze, place the baked skewers on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen skewers can last up to 1 month, perfect for prepping snacks ahead of time.
Reheating
Reheat your skewers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the tots soggy instead of crispy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade tater tots for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade tater tots will work wonderfully if you prepare them crispy enough before skewering. Just keep an eye on cooking times since they may differ slightly from frozen ones.
Are these skewers suitable for outdoor grilling?
Yes! Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe can be finished on the grill to add a smoky char. Just be sure to use metal skewers or soaked wooden ones and monitor closely to prevent burning.
What dipping sauces pair well with these skewers?
Classic favorites include ranch, spicy mayo, honey mustard, or even a tangy barbecue sauce. Each adds a distinct complementary flavor and makes the snack even more exciting.
Can I make these skewers vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a smoky, savory twist that still delivers big flavor.
How many skewers does this recipe make?
This recipe typically makes about 6 skewers with 6 to 8 tater tots each, perfect for sharing with a small group or family of six.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a playful, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing snack, look no further than the Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe. It’s an absolute joy to make and share, bringing comfort and indulgence to any occasion. Give it a try and watch how quickly these crispy, cheesy, and savory skewers disappear from your table!
Print
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Loaded Tater Tots on Shareable Skewers are a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Crispy baked tater tots are threaded onto skewers, then topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions for a flavorful, shareable treat.
Ingredients
Skewered Tater Tots
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Thread tater tots onto skewers: Carefully thread about 6 to 8 frozen tater tots onto each skewer, making sure they fit snugly but not too tight.
- Bake tater tots: Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the skewers once halfway through baking to ensure all sides become golden and crispy.
- Add cheese and bacon: Remove the skewers from the oven and immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon evenly over the tater tots on each skewer.
- Melt the cheese: Return the baking sheet with the skewers to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheddar cheese has fully melted and is bubbly.
- Finishing touches: Remove skewers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle sour cream over the loaded tater tots and sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for added flavor and freshness.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the loaded tater tot skewers warm, perfect for sharing and snacking.
Notes
- Use metal skewers or wooden skewers soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning in the oven.
- For extra crispiness, turn the skewers carefully halfway through baking.
- Customize toppings by adding jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or other favorite ingredients.
- To make ahead, cook the bacon and shred the cheese in advance for quicker assembly.
- Serve immediately for best texture as the cheese and tater tots are freshest and crispiest right out of the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
