Loaded Tater Tots

Loaded tater tots is an easy recipe made with crispy tater tots, drizzled with ranch dressing, layered with cheese and crispy bacon, then baked until the cheese is melted. It can be served as a casual side dish or a fun appetizer.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword potato side dish, potatoes

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Servings

Calories 456kcal

Author Elizabeth

Ingredients

4-5 Slices Crispy Cooked Bacon chopped (see notes 1)
18-20 ounces Frozen Tater Tots cooked to package directions
Pinch Salt
Pinch Black Pepper
1-2 tablespoons Ranch Dressing adjust to taste
3-4 ounces Shredded Colby Jack Cheese hand shredded off the block is recommended (see notes 2 & 3)
1-2 teaspoons Green Onions for garnish

Instructions

Cook the bacon until crispy (see cook’s notes 1 for instructions for cooking bacon in the microwave, oven, or skillet, if needed). Then, chop them into small pieces to make bacon bits.
Line a baking sheet (we used a quarter sheet pan) with parchment paper for easy clean up, if desired. Arrange the tater tots on the pan in a single layer, without overlapping. Cook them using the package instructions until they are golden and crispy.
Remove the potato tots from the oven and sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Heat the oven to 350°F.
Layer half the cooked tater tots in a small baking dish (about 1 quart capacity). Place them close together without mounding.
Drizzle half of the ranch sauce over them.
Sprinkle with half of the cheese.
Then add half the bacon.
Repeat another layer with the remaining potatoes, ranch dressing, shredded cheese, and bacon.
Bake the loaded tater tots, uncovered, for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Top tater tots with the sliced green onions and serve.

Notes

Following are three cooking methods to cook bacon.
Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bacon on the baking sheet, without overlapping. Cook for 20-25 minutes, until it is cooked and crispy.
Microwave: Line a large, microwave safe plate with 2 good quality paper towels. Arrange the bacon slices on the plate and place 2 paper towels on top. Microwave for 3-4 minutes on high heat. Check on it by carefully lifting the paper towel. Give the bacon an additional 1-2 minutes and check it again. Continue until it's cooked crisp. Be careful removing the plate from the microwave. It will be hot!
Skillet/stovetop: Arrange bacon in a large skillet, without overlapping. Cook on medium heat until it’s crispy, turning occasionally.
When the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble or chop it.
We use Colby jack (an American marble cheese) but other good options include shredded cheddar, Monterey jack, Colby, and American (white or yellow). Use your favorite cheese as long as it melts well.
Shred your own cheese if possible because it will melt better. It’s not a deal-breaker in this easy recipe, so if you need to, use pre-shredded for convenience.

Nutrition