Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are the fun twist on the classic tater tots we all love! They are crispy, cheesy, and loaded with yummy toppings like bacon, cheese, and sour cream.
These little treats are perfect for parties or just a cozy night in. I love serving them with ranch dressing for a tasty dip. Trust me, they disappear fast! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots are the star here. They are easy to work with, but you can try homemade tater tots for a fresher taste if you have the time. Just make sure they’re cooked until crispy!
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a great crunch and flavor. If you need a vegetarian option, crispy chickpeas or tempeh bacon can work well as a tasty substitute.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic, but you can also use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick. A vegan cheese can work for a dairy-free option too.
Sour Cream: This provides creaminess. Greek yogurt can be a healthy substitute, or you can use a dairy-free sour cream if you prefer plant-based options.
Green Onions: Fresh green onions add brightness. If they aren’t available, chopped chives or even diced bell peppers can serve as good alternatives.
How Do I Ensure My Tater Tots Stay Together on Skewers?
Threading tater tots onto skewers can be tricky if they’re too hot or soft. Here’s a simple approach:
- Bake tater tots until golden and crispy, as the recipe indicates.
- Let them sit for a few minutes to cool slightly; this helps them firm up without losing crunch.
- Use wooden skewers that are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the tots, but be gentle while threading. Aim for 8 per skewer, ensuring they’re snug but not squished.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly assembled Loaded Tater Tot Skewers that are ready to be loaded with toppings!
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 32 oz frozen tater tots
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 green onions, sliced (green parts only)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30-35 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes on preparation and 20-25 minutes baking the tater tots until they’re nice and crispy. After that, it’s just a matter of assembling the skewers, which is super easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Tater Tots:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen tater tots out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Don’t forget to turn them halfway through to ensure they get all crispy all around!
2. Prepare the Bacon:
While your tater tots are baking, grab a skillet and cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once done, place the bacon on paper towels to drain, then crumble it into small pieces. Crispy bacon adds that delicious crunch!
3. Mix Your Spices:
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mix will really elevate those flavors!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
When the tater tots are baked and cooled enough to handle, it’s time to skewer! Carefully thread about 8 tater tots onto each wooden skewer. Make sure they are snug but not smashed. You want to keep that crispy texture!
5. Add the Goodies:
Place your assembled skewers on a serving platter. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots, followed by the crumbled bacon. Drizzle sour cream across them to make it super creamy, and then, don’t forget to sprinkle your spice mix over everything for an extra flavor kick!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off by garnishing your skewers with slices of green onions. Serve them warm, right away, and enjoy! If you’d like, you can also have some ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce on the side for extra deliciousness.
These Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are not only a hit at parties but also a fantastic snack for movie nights. Enjoy your cooking and, most importantly, enjoy your taste test!
Can I Use Fresh Tater Tots Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh tater tots, make sure to follow the same cooking instructions—bake them until they’re golden and crispy. The key is to ensure they’re cooked through before skewering!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can replace it with crispy chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture. You can also use vegetarian cheese for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again, rather than using the microwave to maintain that crunch!
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
You can prep the tater tots and cook the bacon ahead of time! Simply assemble the skewers and add toppings right before serving. This way, you can enjoy them warm and fresh!
