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If you are looking for a snack that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Loaded Tater Tots with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe is exactly what you need. These crispy golden tots smothered in a luscious, velvety cheddar cheese sauce, sprinkled generously with smoky bacon crumbles and fresh green onions, strike the perfect balance between comfort food and indulgence. Every bite bursts with contrasting textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more—whether for game day, a casual get-together, or simply a satisfying treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the crispy tater tots acting as the sturdy base to the creamy cheese sauce that brings everything together with a smooth, flavorful touch.
- Tater tots (1 bag, frozen): The crispy, golden foundation here, perfect for soaking up all the delicious toppings.
- Bacon (6 slices, cooked and crumbled): Adds irresistible smoky crunch that elevates every bite.
- Sour cream (for serving): Brings a cool, creamy tang that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Green onions (for serving): A fresh, mild onion flavor and pop of green color that brightens the entire dish.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): For the roux base of the cheese sauce, ensuring a silky texture without overpowering flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Combines with butter to thicken the cheese sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Milk (1 cup, 2% recommended): The creamy liquid that makes the cheese sauce smooth and luscious.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, grated): The star of the sauce, offering rich, tangy cheese flavor in every bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings balance to the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth to the cheese sauce.
- Cayenne pepper (to taste): Introduces just the right amount of heat to spice things up without overwhelming the other flavors.
How to Make Loaded Tater Tots with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Tater Tots
Start by baking your tater tots according to the package directions, using a sheet pan for even crispiness. Getting a perfectly golden and crunchy exterior sets the stage for all the amazing toppings to come. Patience here rewards you with that irresistible crunch we’re all craving.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
Meanwhile, cook your bacon slices until they reach the level of crispness you prefer. Let them cool fully before crumbling. This step is critical because those smoky, crispy bits will add a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese sauce and tender tots.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce Roux
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about one minute until it becomes slightly golden. This roux base is what thickens and gives body to the cheese sauce, so don’t rush this step—it’s the foundation for that luscious texture.
Step 4: Add the Milk and Thicken the Sauce
Slowly whisk in the milk, keeping the heat steady as the mixture thickens. This should take about four minutes. Watching it transform into a creamy, velvety sauce right before your eyes is almost as satisfying as the final dish itself.
Step 5: Incorporate the Cheese and Seasonings
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the grated sharp cheddar cheese gradually, stirring well after each addition until fully melted and combined. Stir in salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. This is where the sauce truly shines—rich, bold, and perfectly balanced with a touch of heat.
Step 6: Assemble Your Loaded Tater Tots with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe
Arrange your baked tater tots on a serving plate and pile on the warm cheese sauce. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon generously over the top, followed by dollops of sour cream and a scatter of chopped green onions. Serve immediately for that peak combination of melty cheese, crispy tots, and fresh garnishes.
How to Serve Loaded Tater Tots with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe
Garnishes
While sour cream and green onions are classic finishes, you can also add a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, a dash of smoked paprika, or even a few sliced jalapeños if you like a bit more heat. Each garnish adds a subtle layer of flavor that personalizes the dish to your taste.
Side Dishes
This recipe works wonderfully as a hearty appetizer or a main dish paired with crunchy celery sticks, a crisp side salad, or even a serving of tangy coleslaw to balance the richness of the cheese sauce and bacon. The contrast in textures keeps the meal exciting and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these loaded tots in individual small cast iron skillets for a rustic touch or pile them high in a casual picnic basket for sharing with friends. You can even stuff them into a baked potato topping bar alongside various additions like guacamole, chili, or extra cheese for a fun twist on loaded baked potatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover loaded tater tots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the toppings and sauce separate if possible, to preserve the crispness of the tots before reheating.
Freezing
While the tater tots themselves freeze well, the cheese sauce can sometimes separate upon thawing. If you want to freeze, freeze the tots alone in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a bag; make the cheese sauce fresh when you reheat. This way, you can pull together the Loaded Tater Tots with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe quickly anytime.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the tots in a hot oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness before reheating the cheese sauce gently on the stovetop. Once warm, drizzle the sauce over the tots and add your bacon, sour cream, and green onions for a nearly fresh taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar delivers classic flavor, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoked gouda for a unique twist. Just keep the cheese finely grated to ensure smooth melting.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to bacon for this recipe?
Yes! You can easily swap the bacon with smoked tempeh crumbles, soy bacon, or even crispy roasted chickpeas to bring in some texture and a hint of smokiness without meat.
Can I make the cheese sauce dairy-free?
Definitely. Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, paired with a dairy-free cheddar-style cheese. Just be mindful that the sauce may vary slightly in texture and flavor but still tastes delightful.
How spicy should I make this dish with the cayenne pepper?
The cayenne pepper is optional and adjustable. Start with a small pinch and increase to your preference. The goal is to add just a subtle background heat that complements the flavors without overshadowing them.
What’s the best way to keep the tater tots crispy when making this dish?
Bake the tater tots directly on a sheet pan without overcrowding so air circulates well, achieving maximum crispiness. Avoid covering them with cheese sauce too early; instead, assemble just before serving to keep textures perfect.
Final Thoughts
The Loaded Tater Tots with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe is one of those irresistible dishes that feels both nostalgic and exciting every time you make it. The delightful crunch, creamy cheese sauce, and savory bacon, all brightened by fresh green onions, make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to dive in and customize it to your own flavor preferences. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Loaded Tater Tots with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Loaded Tater Tots are a delicious and indulgent appetizer or snack featuring crispy baked tater tots topped with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, crispy crumbled bacon, sour cream, and fresh green onions. This easy-to-make recipe combines savory, creamy, and crunchy elements for a perfect crowd-pleaser that can be served as a hearty snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Tater Tots
- 1 bag tater tots (frozen, approx. 32 oz)
Bacon Topping
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Green onions (chopped, for serving)
Instructions
- Bake the Tater Tots: Preheat your oven and bake the frozen tater tots according to the package instructions on a sheet pan until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Cook and Crumble Bacon: While the tater tots bake, cook the bacon slices in a skillet until they reach your desired level of crispness. Allow them to cool slightly, then crumble into small pieces.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns slightly golden.
- Thicken the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, which should take about 4 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps and the sauce has a smooth texture.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese, adding it a quarter cup at a time and mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Loaded Tater Tots: Place the baked tater tots on a serving plate. Top evenly with the creamy cheese sauce, then sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top. Add dollops of sour cream and finish with a sprinkling of chopped green onions. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with your favorite melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk, and bake bacon alternatives like turkey bacon.
- Make sure to bake tater tots until fully crisp for the best texture contrast with the creamy sauce.
- Prepare bacon and cheese sauce ahead to reduce assembly time if serving a crowd.
