As the sun started to set on my backyard patio, I couldn’t wait to fire up the grill and get these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers sizzling. It was the perfect summer evening to gather my friends and family around the table for some tasty, shareable bites. The aroma of crispy bacon and melted cheddar had everyone’s mouths watering in anticipation.
I’ll never forget the look on my nephew’s face when I handed him his first Loaded Tater Tot Skewer. His eyes lit up with pure delight as he took that first delicious bite. “Aunt Sarah, these are the best things I’ve ever eaten!” he exclaimed, his mouth full of cheesy goodness. From that moment on, I knew this Loaded Tater Tot Skewers recipe was a keeper.
Why This Loaded Tater Tot Skewers Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
There’s something truly special about these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers that sets them apart from your average tater tot dish. It’s all in the way the flavors and textures come together in each perfectly bite-sized piece. The crispy golden-brown exterior of the tater tots provides the ultimate contrast to the gooey, melted cheddar cheese and savory crumbled bacon on the inside. And when you top it all off with a cool dollop of creamy sour cream, it’s a flavor explosion in your mouth.
The secret is in the simple yet genius idea of skewering the tater tots instead of just serving them on a plate. Not only does this make them incredibly fun and easy to eat, but it also allows the flavors to meld together in a way that you just can’t achieve any other way. Plus, the wooden skewers make for a beautiful and impressive presentation that’s perfect for parties and gatherings.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers is using high-quality, flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
- 24 tater tots – The foundation of this dish, tater tots provide the perfect vessel for all the delicious toppings. Look for a brand that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – This melty, savory cheese is the glue that holds the tater tots and toppings together. Opt for a sharp cheddar for maximum flavor.
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled – Crispy, salty bacon adds an irresistible savory note and wonderful texture.
- 1/4 cup sour cream – Cool, creamy sour cream balances out the rich flavors and provides a refreshing contrast.
- 12 wooden skewers – These are essential for assembling the Loaded Tater Tot Skewers and making them easy to grab and eat.
Step-by-Step Loaded Tater Tot Skewers Instructions
Preparing Your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
In just 25 minutes total (5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time), you can have a platter of these delectable Loaded Tater Tot Skewers ready to serve. All you’ll need is a baking sheet, a mixing bowl, and a few simple kitchen tools.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2- In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the 24 tater tots with the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until the tots are evenly coated.
3- Carefully thread 2 tater tots onto each of the 12 wooden skewers, spacing them about an inch apart.
4- Arrange the skewered tater tots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5- Remove the Loaded Tater Tot Skewers from the oven and top each one with a sprinkle of the 4 sliced bacon, crumbled.
6- Finish by dolloping a small amount of the 1/4 cup sour cream on top of each skewer. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips to help you nail this Loaded Tater Tot Skewers recipe every time:
- Use frozen tater tots for maximum crispiness. Avoid using homemade or fresh tots, as they won’t hold their shape as well on the skewers.
- Shred the cheddar cheese yourself for the best melty texture. Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes have a waxy or dry quality.
- Cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy before crumbling it. This will give you the perfect salty, crunchy topping.
- Spread the skewered tater tots out in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and maximum crispness.
Serving and Storing Your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
Perfect Pairings for Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
These Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, serving up to 12 people. They pair beautifully with an ice-cold beer or a crisp white wine for a casual get-together. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a fresh green salad or some grilled chicken or shrimp. And let’s not forget the classic pairing – a big batch of homemade guacamole for dipping!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are easy to make ahead and store for later. Once baked, let the skewers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the skewers on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the unbaked Loaded Tater Tot Skewers. After assembling the skewers but before baking, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen skewers to a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake the frozen skewers at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
Creative Loaded Tater Tot Skewers Variations
The great thing about this Loaded Tater Tot Skewers recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few tasty variations to try:
- Southwestern Loaded Tater Tot Skewers: Top the skewers with diced jalapeños, salsa, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
- Barbecue Chicken Loaded Tater Tot Skewers: Shred some barbecue chicken and add it to the skewers along with the cheese and bacon.
- Loaded Veggie Tater Tot Skewers: Swap the bacon for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
- Loaded Breakfast Tater Tot Skewers: Top the skewers with scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Making Loaded Tater Tot Skewers Diet-Friendly
To make these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers a little lighter, try using reduced-fat cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free tater tots. And for a vegan take, swap the cheese and bacon for plant-based alternatives like shredded vegan cheese and crumbled tempeh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese besides cheddar?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses. Just make sure the total amount is still 1 cup.
Q: How long do I need to bake the Loaded Tater Tot Skewers?
A: The total baking time is 20 minutes at 400°F. This ensures the tater tots get nice and crispy while the cheese melts to perfection.
Q: Can I make these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make them in advance! The unbaked skewers can be frozen for up to 3 months, or the baked skewers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the oven before serving.
Q: How many Loaded Tater Tot Skewers does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 12 Loaded Tater Tot Skewers, each with 2 tater tots per skewer, for a total of 24 tater tots.
Q: What should I do if the tater tots start to fall off the skewers while baking?
A: If the tater tots seem loose on the skewers, try using a toothpick to gently poke a hole through the center of each tot before threading them onto the skewers. This will help them stay in place during baking.
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
These Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are the ultimate game day or party appetizer! Crispy tater tots are loaded with melted cheese, crumbled bacon, and a creamy dollop of sour cream for a flavor-packed bite that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
– 24 tater tots
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 12 wooden skewers
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Thread 2 tater tots onto each wooden skewer.
3. Place the tater tot skewers on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the skewers from the oven and top each one with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of crumbled bacon.
5. Return the skewers to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
6. Remove the skewers from the oven and dollop a small amount of sour cream on top of each one.
7. Serve the Loaded Tater Tot Skewers immediately, while hot and crispy.
Notes
For an extra crispy tater tot, you can pre-bake the tater tots for 5-10 minutes before assembling the skewers. You can also try different cheese varieties or add diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are the ultimate game-day snack, party appetizer, or anytime indulgence. With their crispy, cheesy, bacon-y goodness, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So what are you waiting for? Grab those tater tots, fire up your oven, and get ready to wow your friends and family with this delicious recipe. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your Loaded Tater Tot Skewer creations!
