Easy Cheesy Loaded Tater Tots Recipe

These loaded tater tots combine crispy tater tots, warm queso, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch dressing.

Creating a delicious snack that’s perfect for movie night, football Sunday, or any casual gathering.

Quick Info About This Recipe

Type: App, Side, Snack
Cuisne: American
Time: 35-40 minutes
Number of ingredients: 6
Diets & Allergens: Gluten Free, Dairy Free Contains: none of the type 9 allergens.
Equipment needed: Baking sheet with wire rack (optional)

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Helpful Product Links for This Recipe

Nonstick Pan and Cooling Rack Set
KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears
Primal Kitchen No Dairy Plant Based Queso

About the Ingredients

Ingredients for making loaded tater tots.

Frozen tater tots – we used Ore Ida gluten free
Slices of bacon – chopped
Queso – we used Primal Kitchen plant based queso
Ranch dressing – we used homemade dairy free ranch
Scallions – thinly sliced (green onions)
Salt and pepper to taste

Be sure to see the printable recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, instructions and tips!

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). If the instructions on your tater tot package suggest a different temperature, adjust the oven temperature so both the tater tots and bacon cook properly.

Step 2: Prepare the Tater Tots and Bacon

Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Follow the package directions to bake them, typically for 20-25 minutes, until they turn golden and crispy.

Bacon: Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on a rack placed over a baking sheet. This helps the bacon cook evenly and stay crispy.

Bake Tater Tots and Bacon: Put both baking sheets in the oven. Bake the bacon for 15-20 minutes until crispy, but start checking at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking. Once done, let the bacon cool slightly, then chop it into pieces.

Step 3: Prep the Other Ingredients

Prepare Scallions and Bacon: Slice the scallions and chop the cooled bacon.

Warm the Queso: Heat the queso in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes until it’s warm and easy to pour.

Step 4: Assemble the Loaded Tater Tots

Move the baked tater tots to a large serving dish when they’re done.
Pour the warm queso evenly over the crispy tots.
Sprinkle the cooked, chopped bacon on top.
Drizzle ranch dressing over the bacon and tots.
Add sliced scallions as a garnish.
Season lightly with salt and pepper, then serve right away while everything is warm and delicious.

Time Saving Shortcuts

Bacon Bits: You can use pre-cooked bacon bits in order to save time chopping the bacon.
Easily Cut Green Onions: Use clean kitchen scissors to quickly cut the scallions.
Prep the Ranch: If making your own homemade ranch, do this ahead of time and allow the flavors to meld in the fridge before using.

Expert Tips

For Crispy Tots: Bake your tater tots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet for the best results. Follow the package instructions for temperature and cook time, typically 20-25 minutes. Adjust as needed to make sure the bacon is crispy as well.
Warm the Cheese Sauce: Heat the queso over medium heat or in a small bowl in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until smooth and pourable.
Remove Excess Grease: After cooking the bacon, let it rest on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
Use Favorite Nacho Toppings: Add extras like shredded cheddar cheese or a vegan version, pinto beans or black beans, or even taco seasoning to take these loaded tater tots to the next level.
Try the Air Fryer: For extra crispy tater tots, cook them in the air fryer until you achieve a golden brown finish.

Substitutions & Variations

Cheese Sauce Alternatives: Swap the queso for shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or your favorite vegan shredded cheeses for a customizable cheesy layer.
Dairy-Free Options: Use dairy-free ranch dressing and queso for a totally dairy-free snack.
Add Protein: Top with cooked ground beef, black beans, or real bacon bits for a heartier dish.
Mix It Up: Try sweet potato tater tots or add a sprinkle of chili powder or hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Loaded Baked Potato Vibes: Add toppings like vegan sour cream, red onion, or blue cheese (we like the goat milk version) for a loaded baked potato-inspired variation.
More Toppings: You can add whatever you like to these tots like olives, spicy peppers, pickled banana peppers, diced tomatoes etc.

️ Serving Suggestions

Main: Pork Ribs in the Air Fryer
Dessert: Peanut Butter Cookies

Serving a large family meal? Serve these tots with a delicious grilled pork salad with cucumber for a filling dinner that everyone will love.

Storage & Reheating

To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the tater tots and toppings separately, then reheat and assemble just before serving.

What are some great additions to this recipe?

Try adding shredded vegan cheese, taco seasoning, or your favorite nacho toppings like pinto beans or olives.

Can I use homemade tater tots?

Absolutely! While frozen tater tots are convenient, homemade tater tots bring a personal touch to this easy recipe.

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