Loaded Tater Tots

5 from 2 votes

These incredible loaded tots with cheese make for an incredibly savory appetizer that will please any crowd!

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Total Time35

Servings:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Spread the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
32 ounces frozen tater tots
Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the rack on a baking sheet. This setup allows the bacon to cook evenly.
8 slices bacon
Place both baking sheets in the oven. The bacon will likely need 15-20 minutes and the tater tots 25-30 minutes. Start checking the bacon around 12 minutes to ensure it doesn't overcook. Remove the bacon once it's crispy and let it cool slightly.
Slice the scallions and chop the bacon.
2 scallions
While the tater tots and bacon are in the oven, warm up the queso in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop until it's heated through and pourable, about 2-3 minutes.
1 cup queso
Once the tater tots are baked, transfer them to a large serving dish.
Evenly drizzle the warm queso over the crispy tater tots, then sprinkle the chopped bacon, drizzle the ranch dressing, and garnish with the scallions.
½ cup ranch dressing
Finish with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Salt and pepper to taste

Save time by using pre-cooked bacon or microwave-ready bacon. Just heat and crumble.
Buy pre-chopped scallions or chop them a day ahead to save prep time.
You may want to line the baking sheets with parchment or foil for easy cleanup, especially for the bacon.
Add sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for a Tex-Mex twist.
Skip the bacon and use black beans or plant-based bacon crumbles for a vegetarian version.
Add sliced jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, or sprinkle on crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Try a drizzle of barbecue sauce or buffalo sauce instead of ranch for a flavor twist.
Store leftover loaded tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serve as a game-day or party appetizer alongside extra dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or spicy queso.
Place the plain tater tots on a platter and set up a DIY topping station for guests to customize.
Reheat in the oven or an air fryer at 375°F until crispy, about 10 minutes. Microwaving is also an option but not recommended because the result will be soggy.
Freezing is not recommended unless you have cooked, plain tater tots. These can be frozen. Then thaw the tots overnight in the refrigerator, reheat them, and proceed with loading them up with toppings.

Reheat leftovers and pile them onto a plate. Add extra toppings like jalapeños, salsa, or shredded lettuce to create a loaded nachos-style dish.
Chop leftover tots and mix with scrambled eggs, diced peppers, and extra cheese for a hearty breakfast skillet.
Layer reheated tater tots with leftover toppings, plus some steamed broccoli or roasted veggies, for a quick meal.
Press leftover tots into a waffle maker for crispy tater tot waffles. Top with ranch, scallions, or other additional toppings.