Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are fun and easy bites perfect for any gathering! Just imagine crispy tater tots topped with cheese, bacon, and your favorite toppings all on a stick.
These tasty treats are a hit at every party! I love serving them with a side of ranch for dipping—who can resist that combination? Plus, they are super easy to make and share!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots are the key ingredient here for that perfect crispy exterior. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try sweet potato tots instead.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar brings great flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an extra kick. Vegan cheese is a great substitute if you prefer dairy-free options.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a nice crunch. You can swap it with turkey bacon or leave it out for a vegetarian version. Crispy fried onions also make a tasty alternative.
Sour Cream: A classic topping, but if you’re avoiding dairy, consider using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream. I love adding a bit of lime juice for extra zest!
Green Onions: These provide a fresh, mild onion flavor. If you’re out, chives make a great substitute. Just remember they’re more delicate, so use a bit more!
How Do You Assemble Loaded Tater Tot Skewers for the Best Result?
Assembling these skewers is simple and very satisfying! Here’s how to do it right:
- Once the tater tots are baked and slightly cooled, they become easier to handle. Thread them gently onto the skewers, aiming for about 8 per skewer.
- Make sure to leave a little space between the tots when you thread them. This helps them stay crispy and allows toppings to nestle in.
- After adding cheese, make sure to watch them closely in the oven. You want the cheese to melt perfectly without burning. A 5-minute bake is usually enough, but keep an eye on it!
How to Make Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 32 oz frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 green onions, sliced thinly
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 8 wooden skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30-35 minutes total! You’ll need around 25 minutes for baking the tater tots and an extra 5-10 minutes for assembling the skewers and adding toppings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) or follow the instructions on your tater tots package. This ensures they will turn out nice and crispy!
2. Bake the Tater Tots:
Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them according to the package directions for about 20-25 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy. Yum!
3. Prepare the Bacon:
While your yummy tater tots are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once cooked, remove it from the pan and crumble it into small pieces.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the tater tots are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully thread about 8 tater tots onto each wooden skewer.
5. Add Cheese:
Place your loaded tater tot skewers back on a baking sheet. Now, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the tater tots on each skewer. The more cheese, the better!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Put the baking sheet back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes, just enough time for the cheese to melt and become gooey. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
7. Drizzle with Sour Cream:
Remove the skewers from the oven and take a moment to admire your delicious creation. Drizzle sour cream over the cheesy tots. It adds a creamy touch!
8. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sliced green onions generously on top of the loaded tots. These toppings add wonderful flavor and a bit of crunch!
9. Garnish and Serve:
For a final touch, arrange diced tomatoes around the skewer platter. Now, your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are ready to be served!
10. Enjoy Your Skewers!
Serve these tasty morsels warm and enjoy every bite with friends and family. They are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Toppings on the Skewers?
Absolutely! You can customize your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with various toppings. Consider adding jalapeños for some heat, sliced olives, or even a sprinkle of chili powder. The sky’s the limit!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again.
Can I Prepare These Skewers in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the skewers ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Just add the cheese right before you put them in the oven for melting.
What Should I Serve with Loaded Tater Tot Skewers?
These skewers are great on their own, but you can serve them with dipping sauces like ranch, buffalo sauce, or barbecue sauce for extra flavor. Pair them with a fresh salad for a complete meal!