These Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are the fun twist you’ve been looking for! Packed with crispy tater tots, cheese, bacon, and your favorite toppings, they are a tasty treat for any occasion.
Honestly, who can resist tater tots on a stick? 😄 I love serving them with a side of dipping sauce—perfect for sharing or just for me enjoying alone. Don’t judge!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These are the heart of the dish! Frozen tater tots save time and are crispy when baked. If you’re looking for something homemade, try making your own using grated potatoes and baking them into small bites.
Cheese: I use cheddar cheese for its meltiness and sharp flavor. You can mix it up with a cheddar-jack blend or even use mozzarella if you prefer a milder taste. Vegan cheese works too for a dairy-free option!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds fantastic flavor and crunch. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you could substitute with cooked tempeh bacon or crispy chickpeas for a little crunch.
Sour Cream: It gives creaminess and a tangy kick. Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a lower-fat option. You may also try guacamole or a vegan sour cream if you prefer!
Green Onions: These add freshness and color. If you don’t have them on hand, chives or even regular onions can work, but use them sparingly as they’re stronger in flavor.
How Do You Get the Tater Tots Perfectly Crispy?
The key to crispy tater tots starts with baking! Here’s how to nail it:
- Always preheat your oven. This ensures an even cook right from the start.
- Spread the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming and sogginess.
- Flip them halfway through baking! This promotes even browning on all sides.
If you want extra crispiness, you can stick them under the broiler for a minute or two after baking. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 32 frozen tater tots (about 1 bag)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar-jack mix)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (scallions)
- Optional: ranch or other dipping sauce
- Wooden or metal skewers
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and bake, plus additional time if you want to cook your bacon from scratch. It’s a quick, fun snack that’s perfect for sharing and can be made in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is important because a hot oven means crispy tater tots! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Bake the Tater Tots:
Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them according to the package instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes, until they are golden and crispy. Remember to flip them halfway through baking to ensure they crisp up evenly!
3. Prepare the Bacon:
While the tater tots are baking, cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once done, drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble it into small pieces. This will add a delicious crunch to your skewers!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the tater tots are baked and cool enough to handle, take a skewer and thread on 8 tater tots. You can even mix and match with your favorite toppings as you go!
5. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tater tot skewers. Place them back in the oven or under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
6. Drizzle with Sour Cream:
Remove your cheesy tater tot skewers from the oven and drizzle sour cream over the top in a thin zig-zag pattern for fun and flavor.
7. Top It Off:
Finish by sprinkling the crispy bacon crumbles and chopped green onions on top of each skewer. This adds a pop of color and flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the loaded tater tot skewers immediately with ranch or your preferred dipping sauce alongside. They’re easy to grab and perfect for parties or game day!
Enjoy this fun and delightful appetizer or snack that’s loaded with all the best toppings of a loaded tater tot casserole but in easy-to-eat skewer form! Perfectly crispy and oh-so-delicious! 🎉
Can I Use Fresh Tater Tots Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh tater tots if you have them! Just slice potatoes into small, even pieces, season, and bake or fry them until crispy before assembling your skewers. Fresh tater tots may require adjustments in baking time, so keep an eye on them.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can use tempeh bacon, veggie bacon, or even crispy roasted chickpeas for crunch. For a more savory taste, sautéed mushrooms can also be a delicious substitution!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This will help maintain the crispiness!
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
You can prep the skewers by assembling them up to a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, pop them in the oven to melt the cheese and warm them up!