These Easy Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are fun bites that everyone will love! Imagine crispy tater tots piled high with cheese, bacon, and your favorite toppings—yum!
With a twist of a skewer, it’s a playful way to enjoy your tater tots. I can’t resist grabbing a few straight off the skewer while watching a movie! 🍿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These crispy treats are the star of this dish! You can replace them with hash browns if you’re looking for something different, but be aware they won’t hold together as well on skewers.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds great flavor, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for a kick. Cream cheese is another tasty option if you want something creamier!
Bacon: Crispy bacon offers a savory crunch. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey bacon works well too. For a vegetarian version, try using crumbled tempeh or mushrooms to add that umami flavor.
Green Onions: These add freshness and color. Chives could be a nice substitute for a milder taste. If you want something more vibrant, try adding some diced sweet bell peppers!
How Do I Properly Bake Tater Tots for Crispiness?
To get your tater tots golden and crispy, it’s essential to lay them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Crowding them can lead to soggy results! Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven to a hot 425°F (220°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Spread your tater tots evenly on the baking sheet; keep space between them.
- Flip them halfway through cooking for even browning (about 25-30 minutes).
Letting them cool slightly before skewering helps them maintain their shape. Enjoy crispy, golden tater tot skewers!
How to Make Easy Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Loaded Tater Tot Skewers:
- 32 oz frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For Serving:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (optional, for drizzling)
- BBQ sauce (optional, for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 35-40 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 30 minutes baking the tater tots and an extra 10 minutes assembling and finishing the skewers. Perfect for a quick and tasty snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure your tater tots bake up nice and crispy!
2. Bake the Tater Tots:
Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through to get them golden brown and crispy all around!
3. Cool and Skewer:
Once the tater tots are cooked, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly for easier handling. Carefully thread the tater tots onto the skewers, packing them close together. You can usually fit about 4-5 tater tots on each skewer.
4. Add Cheese and Bacon:
After all the tater tots are skewered, place them back onto a baking sheet. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over each skewer and top with the chopped bacon for that extra flavor!
5. Melt the Cheese:
Return the loaded tater tot skewers to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once they are ready, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve the skewers with sour cream on the side, and if you want, drizzle some ranch dressing or BBQ sauce on top. Enjoy your Easy Loaded Tater Tot Skewers!
Can I Use Fresh Tater Tots Instead of Frozen?
While frozen tater tots work best for this recipe, you can use fresh tater tots if you have them! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the package instructions since fresh tater tots might require less time in the oven.
Can I Substitute the Cheddar Cheese with Another Type?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap cheddar cheese for your favorite cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for a tangier flavor. Just keep an eye on the melting time, as different cheeses melt at varying rates.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover tater tot skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help retain the crispiness!
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the skewers and keep them assembled in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just bake them as directed when you’re ready to serve! This makes them a great option for parties or gatherings.
