Loaded tater tots are a super fun appetizer or game day snack, and they couldn't be easier to make! With crispy tater tots, bacon bits, melted cheese and a kick of spice from the jalapeños, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
If you're looking for the perfect game day snack or just something fun and easy to whip up, these loaded tater tots are a must-try!
Imagine crispy tots topped with melty cheese, crunchy bacon, a little kick from jalapeños, and a sprinkle of fresh scallions-basically, all the good stuff from nachos, but with tots. (That's why they're called "totchos", too). They're seriously addictive and so simple to make.
Just pop the tots in the oven, cook up some bacon, add all the toppings, and let the oven do the rest. Before you know it, you'll have a warm, cheesy snack that no one can resist.
Why you'll love this loaded tater tots
- It's ridiculously easy with just a handful of ingredients and barely any prep.
- You get all the good stuff-crispy, cheesy, savory, with a little kick.
- Perfect for sharing, but honestly, you might not want to!
What you'll need
Tater tots - Frozen tots are the way to go here; they get perfectly crispy, and no extra work for you!
Bacon - Thick-cut bacon is my favorite because it stays nice and crunchy, but use whatever you have on hand. Pancetta works great, too!
Cheddar cheese - Sharp cheddar melts like a dream and gives that cheesy punch, though any good melty cheese will do the trick.
Jalapeños - Pickled jalapeños add the perfect tangy kick!
Scallions - These add a fresh pop of color and flavor that ties everything together!
Pro tip
For extra flavor, toss the tater tots with a sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika before baking.
How to make loaded tater tots
This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spray a baking sheet with olive oil.
Cook the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil until crispy, then set it aside on a paper towel.
Spread the frozen tater tots on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
Top the tots with cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and scallions, then bake for a few more minutes until the cheese melts. Serve hot!
Substitutions and variations
- Switch up the cheese. Cheddar is great, but you could also use Pepper Jack for a little heat, Monterey Jack for extra melt, or mozzarella for that gooey, stretchy texture.
- Try different meats. If you don't like bacon, try ground beef, shredded chicken, crumbled sausage, or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Add extra toppings. Throw on some diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or even a little avocado for a fresh Tex-Mex twist.
- Drizzle with sauces-For even more flavor, Top with ranch, BBQ, sour cream, cheese sauce, or salsa.
Helpful tips for the best loaded totchos
- Don't crowd the baking sheet - spread the tots out so they can get nice and crispy; if they're all squished together, they'll end up steaming and won't crisp up.
- Flip the tots halfway through for that perfect, even crunch on all sides.
- Dice the jalapeños, scallions, and any extras finely so they'll spread evenly over the tots without making them too heavy.
- The loaded tater tots are best served immediately, but if you have to reheat them, do it in the oven for 5-10 minutes.
If you've tried this loaded tater tots recipe, please rate it and leave a comment below! I'd love to hear how it turned out.
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Loaded Tater Tots
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon olive oil or olive oil spray
- 5 oz bacon diced
- 1 pound frozen tater tots
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons sliced jalapeños roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and give a baking sheet a quick spray with olive oil.½ teaspoon olive oil
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with a quick spray of olive oil. Add the diced bacon and cook until it's nice and crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.5 oz bacon
- Spread out those frozen tater tots in a nice, even layer. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they're golden and super crispy.1 pound frozen tater tots
- Once the tots are ready, top them with the shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, jalapeños, and scallions.½ cup cheddar cheese2 tablespoons sliced jalapeños2 tablespoons chopped scallions
- Return the baking sheet to the oven for a few minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve up the loaded tater tots while they're hot.
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