Loaded Tater Tot Skewers Recipe

Alright, let’s dive into the delicious world of Loaded Tater Tot Skewers! As someone who’s always on the lookout for crowd-pleasing appetizers that are both easy to make and utterly irresistible, this recipe quickly became a family favorite in my kitchen. The combination of crispy tater tots, melty cheddar, savory bacon, and fresh green onions is simply magical. My kids, who can sometimes be picky eaters, devoured these skewers, and my husband declared them a “game day must-have.” What I love most is how customizable they are – you can easily adjust the toppings to suit your taste, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, need a fun snack for movie night, or are looking for a guaranteed hit at your next potluck, these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are sure to be a winner. Get ready to experience a burst of flavor and texture in every bite!

Ingredients

This recipe relies on simple, readily available ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up whenever the craving strikes. Let’s take a closer look at each component and why they work so well together in these irresistible skewers.

• 48 Tater Tots, Frozen: The star of the show! Frozen tater tots provide that perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior that we all know and love. Using frozen tater tots is key for convenience and achieving the right texture when baked. You can typically find bags of frozen tater tots in the freezer section of any grocery store. For this recipe, we are using a standard size tater tot. If you prefer, you could experiment with different varieties like mini tater tots or even seasoned tater tots for a slightly different flavor profile. Just be mindful that cooking times might need to be adjusted slightly depending on the size and type of tater tot you choose.
• ½ Cup Cheddar Cheese, Freshly Grated: Cheddar cheese brings that classic cheesy goodness that complements the savory tater tots and bacon perfectly. Freshly grated cheese is highly recommended over pre-shredded cheese for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it melts much smoother and more evenly, creating that gooey, delicious cheese pull we all crave. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose to prevent clumping, which can hinder melting. Secondly, freshly grated cheese generally has a richer, more pronounced flavor. For this recipe, a medium or sharp cheddar works wonderfully, providing a nice balance of flavor without being overpowering. However, feel free to experiment with different types of cheddar cheese, such as mild cheddar for a milder flavor or extra sharp cheddar for a bolder taste. You could also consider using a blend of cheeses, like cheddar and Monterey Jack, for a more complex flavor.
• 8 Slices Bacon, Finely Chopped: Bacon adds a smoky, salty, and undeniably delicious element to these skewers. The crispy bacon bits provide a wonderful textural contrast to the soft tater tots and melted cheese. For this recipe, we recommend using regular-cut bacon. Thick-cut bacon can be a bit too chewy and may not crisp up as nicely when baked on the skewers. When chopping the bacon, aim for small, even pieces to ensure they distribute evenly over the tater tots and cook consistently. You can cook the bacon in a skillet on the stovetop, in the oven, or even in the microwave. Oven-baked bacon is a great option for hands-off cooking and less mess. If you’re looking for a slightly leaner option, you can use turkey bacon, although the flavor and texture will be slightly different. For vegetarian options, consider using vegetarian bacon bits or even crumbled tempeh bacon for a smoky and savory element.
• 2 Green Onions, Chopped: Green onions, also known as scallions, bring a fresh, mild oniony flavor and a vibrant pop of color to the finished skewers. They add a touch of freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon. When chopping green onions, use both the white and green parts for a fuller flavor. The white part has a slightly stronger onion flavor, while the green part is milder and fresher. Make sure to chop them finely so they distribute evenly over the skewers. If you don’t have green onions on hand, you could substitute with chives for a similar mild onion flavor or even finely chopped red onion for a slightly sharper taste. However, green onions are truly the perfect finishing touch for these loaded tater tot skewers.
• Sour Cream, to Taste: Sour cream is the classic dipping sauce for tater tots, and it pairs perfectly with these loaded skewers. Its cool, tangy creaminess provides a wonderful contrast to the warm, savory flavors of the tater tots, cheese, and bacon. Serve sour cream on the side for dipping, allowing everyone to add as much or as little as they like. You can also get creative with your dipping sauces! Ranch dressing, cheese sauce, spicy mayo, or even guacamole would be delicious alternatives or additions to sour cream. Consider setting up a dipping sauce bar with a variety of options for your guests to choose from.

Instructions

Making these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers is incredibly simple and straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create this crowd-pleasing appetizer in no time.

1. Bake the Tater Tots According to Package Instructions: The first and most crucial step is to bake the tater tots to golden perfection. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the tater tot package, which is often around 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. It’s important to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can steam the tater tots instead of baking them, resulting in soggy bottoms. If necessary, use two baking sheets or bake in batches. Follow the package instructions for baking time, which is typically around 25-30 minutes. Flipping the tater tots halfway through baking is essential for ensuring even browning and crispiness on all sides. This step helps to achieve that signature crispy exterior that is key to the success of these skewers. Keep an eye on the tater tots towards the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary. You want them to be golden brown and crispy, but not burnt.
2. Cool the Tater Tots Slightly: Once the tater tots are baked and perfectly golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This cooling period is important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it makes the tater tots easier to handle without burning your fingers when you’re threading them onto skewers. Secondly, slightly cooled tater tots are less likely to crumble or fall apart during the skewering process. Don’t let them cool down completely, though, as you want them to still be warm enough to melt the cheese later on. A cooling time of about 5-10 minutes should be sufficient.
3. Thread Tater Tots onto Skewers: Now comes the fun part – assembling the skewers! Once the tater tots are cool enough to handle, gently thread 4 to 6 tater tots onto each skewer. The number of tater tots per skewer will depend on the size of your skewers and your personal preference. Wooden skewers or metal skewers both work well for this recipe. If using wooden skewers, it’s a good idea to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning in the oven. When threading the tater tots, be gentle to avoid breaking them. You can thread them straight through the center or slightly off-center for a more visually appealing look. Space the tater tots out slightly on the skewer to allow for even cheese and bacon distribution.
4. Assemble and Bake Again: Arrange the assembled tater tot skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper makes for easy cleanup and prevents the skewers from sticking. Now it’s time to load them up with all the delicious toppings! Sprinkle the freshly grated cheddar cheese generously over the tater tots on each skewer. Make sure to distribute the cheese evenly so that every tater tot gets a cheesy blanket. Next, sprinkle the finely chopped bacon bits over the cheese. Again, distribute them evenly for maximum bacon flavor in every bite. Finally, sprinkle half of the chopped green onions over the bacon. We’re using half now and reserving the other half for garnish after baking to maintain their fresh flavor and vibrant green color. Place the loaded skewers back in the preheated oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey and the toppings are heated through. Keep a close eye on them during this second bake to prevent the cheese from burning.
5. Garnish and Serve Immediately: Once the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, remove the Loaded Tater Tot Skewers from the oven. Garnish them with the remaining chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and visual appeal. Serve them immediately while they are hot and cheesy. These skewers are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the tater tots are crispy, the cheese is melted, and the bacon is sizzling. Serve with a side of sour cream for dipping, or offer a variety of dipping sauces as mentioned earlier. Arrange the skewers on a platter for an attractive presentation and watch them disappear!

Nutrition Facts

These Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are a delicious treat, perfect for indulging in moderation. Here’s a general overview of the nutritional information per serving. Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

• Servings: 8
• Calories Per Serving (Approximate): 220-250 calories

Approximate Breakdown Per Serving:

• Total Fat: 15-18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7-9g
• Cholesterol: 30-40mg
• Sodium: 300-400mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15-20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
  • Sugars: 1-2g
• Protein: 8-10g

Important Considerations:

• These values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used. For example, using a lower-fat cheese or turkey bacon will reduce the fat content.
• The calorie count does not include the sour cream, as it is served “to taste.” Adding sour cream will increase the calorie and fat content. A typical serving of sour cream (2 tablespoons) can add approximately 60-80 calories and 6-8g of fat.
• This recipe is intended as an appetizer or snack and should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Portion control is key to enjoying treats like these in moderation.

For more precise nutritional information, you can use online nutrition calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. Remember, these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are all about enjoyment and indulgence!

Preparation Time

One of the great things about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare. Perfect for those times when you need a delicious appetizer in a hurry!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

This includes:

• Chopping the bacon into small pieces.
• Grating the cheddar cheese (if using a block).
• Chopping the green onions.
• Assembling the skewers (threading tater tots).
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

This includes:

• Baking the tater tots initially (approximately 20-25 minutes).
• Baking the loaded skewers again to melt the cheese (approximately 5-7 minutes).
• Total Time: 35 minutes

From start to finish, you can have these mouthwatering Loaded Tater Tot Skewers ready to serve in just about 35 minutes! This makes them an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings, game day snacks, or whenever you’re craving a quick and satisfying appetizer. The minimal prep time and relatively short cook time make this recipe a winner for busy cooks and anyone who appreciates delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit any occasion. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving presentation and make them a hit:

• Classic Dipping:
  • Sour Cream: The quintessential pairing! Serve a generous bowl of sour cream alongside the skewers for dipping. You can enhance plain sour cream by stirring in a pinch of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
  • Ranch Dressing: Another crowd-pleasing classic. Ranch dressing’s creamy, herby flavor complements the savory skewers beautifully. Offer both regular and spicy ranch options for variety.
• Elevated Dipping Sauces:
  • Cheese Sauce: Take the cheesy factor up a notch with a warm cheese sauce like nacho cheese or queso. Homemade or store-bought both work well.
  • Spicy Mayo or Aioli: For a kick of flavor, serve with spicy mayo or aioli. Sriracha mayo, chipotle aioli, or even a simple garlic aioli would be delicious.
  • BBQ Sauce: A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce provides a fantastic contrast to the savory skewers. Offer different BBQ sauce varieties, like classic, honey BBQ, or a smoky chipotle BBQ.
  • Guacamole or Avocado Crema: For a fresh and creamy option, serve with guacamole or avocado crema. The coolness of the avocado balances the richness of the skewers.
• Presentation Ideas:
  • Platter Perfection: Arrange the skewers artfully on a platter lined with parchment paper or fresh greens like lettuce or parsley for a visually appealing presentation.
  • Skewer Stand: Use a skewer stand or a tall glass filled with rice or beans to hold the skewers upright, making them easy for guests to grab.
  • Individual Servings: For a more formal setting, serve 2-3 skewers per person on individual plates with a small ramekin of dipping sauce on the side.
• Occasion-Based Serving:
  • Game Day: These skewers are perfect for game day gatherings! Serve them alongside other game day favorites like wings, nachos, and sliders.
  • Party Appetizer: Ideal for parties and get-togethers. They are easy to eat standing up and require no utensils, making them perfect for mingling.
  • Kid-Friendly Snack: Kids love tater tots, and these skewers are a fun and appealing way to serve them. Make them a hit at children’s parties or family movie nights.
  • Casual Dinner Side: While primarily an appetizer, these skewers can also be served as a fun and flavorful side dish for casual dinners like burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken.
• Garnish Enhancements:
  • Fresh Herbs: Beyond green onions, consider garnishing with chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives for added freshness and visual appeal.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat and color.
  • Everything Bagel Seasoning: A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning adds a savory, crunchy, and flavorful finish.

By considering these serving suggestions, you can transform your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers from a simple snack into a standout appetizer that is sure to impress your guests and satisfy any craving.

Additional Tips for Perfect Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

To ensure your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are absolutely perfect every time, here are five additional tips that will elevate your recipe and guarantee delicious results:

1. Achieve Maximum Crispiness for Your Tater Tots: Crispy tater tots are the foundation of a great skewer. To maximize crispiness, consider these techniques:
   • Oven Rack Placement: Bake the tater tots on the middle rack of your oven for even heat distribution.
   • Spacing is Key: Ensure the tater tots are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of baking.
   • High Heat Baking: Baking at a slightly higher temperature, like 425°F (220°C), helps achieve a crispier exterior. Always follow package instructions as a primary guide and adjust slightly if needed.
   • Air Fryer Option: For even crispier results, consider using an air fryer. Air fry frozen tater tots according to your air fryer’s instructions, usually around 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Air frying often yields an extra crispy texture compared to oven baking.
   • Preheat the Baking Sheet: For extra crispy bottoms, preheat the baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. This will give the tater tots a hot surface to start cooking on immediately.
2. Cheese Choice Matters – Explore Flavor Profiles: While cheddar is classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses to create unique flavor combinations:
   • Monterey Jack: Offers a mild, buttery flavor and excellent melting properties, creating a gooey and creamy cheese pull.
   • Pepper Jack: For a spicy kick, use Pepper Jack cheese. The jalapeño peppers add a delightful heat that pairs well with bacon and tater tots.
   • Colby Jack: A milder alternative to cheddar, Colby Jack provides a smooth, mellow cheesy flavor that is kid-friendly and still delicious.
   • Mozzarella: For a classic cheesy flavor and stringy texture, mozzarella is a great choice. It melts beautifully and creates those irresistible cheese strings.
   • Cheese Blends: Create your own custom blend! Combine cheddar with Monterey Jack for a balanced flavor, or try a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone for a more complex cheesy experience.
   • Freshly Grated is Best: Always opt for freshly grated cheese over pre-shredded for smoother melting and better flavor.
3. Bacon Beyond Basic – Flavor and Cooking Techniques: Bacon is a key component, so maximize its flavor and texture:
   • Bacon Variety: Experiment with different types of bacon. Maple bacon adds a touch of sweetness, peppered bacon brings a spicy edge, and thick-cut bacon provides a meatier bite.
   • Crispy Bacon is Key: Ensure your bacon is cooked until crispy. Soggy bacon will detract from the overall texture of the skewers.
   • Cooking Methods for Bacon:
     • Oven-Baked Bacon: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, arrange bacon slices in a single layer, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. Oven baking is less messy and allows for hands-off cooking.
     • Stovetop Bacon: Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain excess grease on paper towels.
     • Microwave Bacon: For speed and convenience, microwave bacon between paper towels in 30-second intervals until crispy.
   • Vegetarian Bacon Alternatives: For vegetarian guests, use vegetarian bacon bits or crumbled tempeh bacon. These options provide a smoky, savory flavor similar to bacon.
4. Make-Ahead Magic for Easy Entertaining: These skewers can be partially or fully prepared ahead of time, making them ideal for parties and gatherings:
   • Prepare Components in Advance: Cook the bacon, grate the cheese, and chop the green onions ahead of time. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
   • Assemble Skewers Ahead (Partially): You can thread the tater tots onto skewers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. However, for best texture, bake the tater tots just before assembling and baking with toppings.
   • Assemble and Bake Later (Partially): You can assemble the skewers with tater tots, cheese, and bacon and store them, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. Bake them just before serving.
   • Reheating Tips: If you need to reheat leftover skewers, the oven or air fryer is best. Bake or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through and cheese is melted again. Microwave reheating is not recommended as it can make the tater tots soggy.
5. Flavor Boosters and Creative Topping Variations: Customize your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with exciting flavor boosters and topping variations:
   • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese and bacon mixture for a subtle heat. Diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) can be added for a bolder spicy kick. Drizzle hot sauce over the finished skewers.
   • Herbaceous Delight: Incorporate fresh herbs like chopped parsley, cilantro, thyme, or rosemary into the cheese and bacon mixture or as a garnish.
   • Garlic Goodness: Add garlic powder to the tater tots before baking or incorporate roasted garlic cloves into the topping mixture for a savory garlic flavor.
   • Pulled Pork or Chicken: For a heartier skewer, add shredded pulled pork or chicken to the toppings. BBQ pulled pork or seasoned shredded chicken would be delicious additions.
   • Chili Topping: Top the skewers with a spoonful of your favorite chili for a comforting and flavorful twist.
   • Caramelized Onions: Sweet and savory caramelized onions add depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness that complements the savory skewers.
   • Pico de Gallo or Salsa: For a fresh and vibrant topping, add a spoonful of pico de gallo or salsa after baking.
   • Dessert Skewers? (Sweet Variation): While this recipe is savory, you could even explore a sweet variation! Cinnamon sugar coated tater tots drizzled with caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt could be a fun and unexpected dessert skewer.

By implementing these additional tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating Loaded Tater Tot Skewers that are not only delicious but also perfectly crispy, flavorful, and customized to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Loaded Tater Tot Skewers to help you troubleshoot and achieve perfect results every time:

Q1: Can I use mini tater tots for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can definitely use mini tater tots! Mini tater tots are a great option for smaller skewers or for making bite-sized appetizers. You may need to adjust the number of tater tots per skewer and the cooking time slightly. Mini tater tots will likely cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them during both baking stages. They are also fantastic for kids as they are easier to handle and eat.

Q2: Can I make these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers in an air fryer?

A: Absolutely! Air fryers are excellent for making crispy tater tots and melting cheese. To air fry Loaded Tater Tot Skewers:

1. Air fry the frozen tater tots according to your air fryer’s instructions until they are almost fully cooked and crispy (usually around 400°F/200°C for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through).
2. Thread the tater tots onto skewers.
3. Arrange the skewers in the air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer).
4. Sprinkle cheese and bacon bits over the tater tots.
5. Air fry for another 3-5 minutes at 350°F/175°C, or until the cheese is melted and gooey and the toppings are heated through.
6. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.

Air frying will likely result in even crispier tater tots and a quicker cooking time for the second bake.

Q3: Can I prepare these skewers completely ahead of time and then bake them later?

A: While you can assemble the skewers ahead of time, it is best to bake them just before serving for optimal texture and crispiness. Baking them too far in advance and then reheating can make the tater tots soggy. However, you can prepare the individual components (cook bacon, grate cheese, chop green onions) ahead of time and assemble and bake the skewers closer to serving time. If you must prepare them fully ahead, bake them until the cheese is just melted, then store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and cheese is melted again, but be aware they might not be as crispy as freshly baked skewers.

Q4: What are some good dipping sauce alternatives to sour cream?

A: There are many delicious dipping sauce alternatives to sour cream! Some excellent options include:

• Ranch Dressing: A classic and crowd-pleasing choice.
• Cheese Sauce (Nacho Cheese or Queso): For extra cheesy goodness.
• Spicy Mayo or Aioli: For a creamy kick of heat.
• BBQ Sauce: Sweet and smoky flavor.
• Guacamole or Avocado Crema: Fresh and creamy option.
• Marinara Sauce: For a pizza-inspired flavor profile.
• Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: For a bolder, tangy flavor (especially good if you add buffalo sauce to the skewers!).

Feel free to offer a variety of dipping sauces to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Q5: Can I customize the toppings beyond cheese, bacon, and green onions?

A: Absolutely! Customizing the toppings is one of the best parts of this recipe. Get creative and experiment with different flavors! Some topping ideas include:

• Pulled Pork or Chicken: For a heartier skewer.
• Chili: A spoonful of chili on top.
• Caramelized Onions: Sweet and savory addition.
• Jalapeños (Fresh or Pickled): For a spicy kick.
• Different Cheeses: Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, mozzarella, etc.
• Different Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, thyme, etc.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: For a savory and crunchy topping.
• Pico de Gallo or Salsa: For a fresh and vibrant topping (added after baking).

Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor the toppings to your favorite flavors and what you have on hand. The possibilities are endless!

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