Loaded Cheesy Bacon Tater Tot Bake

Cheesy goodness will take center stage in your next meal with this Loaded Cheesy Bacon Tater Tot Bake. If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort and oozes flavor, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is not only simple to assemble but also guarantees a hit at any gathering. Let me guide you step-by-step through this mouthwatering creation!

To start off, let’s gather the ingredients. You’ll need the following:

  • 2 pounds frozen tater tots
  • 1 pound bacon, diced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now that I have all my ingredients ready, the first thing I do is to preheat the oven. I set it to 425°F (220°C), which is ideal for achieving that crispy, golden tater tot topping.

Next, I take a large skillet and cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. This typically takes around 6-8 minutes. Once the bacon reaches the perfect crispiness, I transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, leaving just enough grease in the skillet to add flavor. With that in mind, you might want to consider how crispy you prefer your bacon.

While the bacon cooks, I line a large baking dish with the frozen tater tots. Here, I like to spread them out evenly to ensure every bite gets that delicious creaminess and crunch. Once the bacon is done, I sprinkle it evenly over the tater tots.

Next, it’s time to mix the fantastic cheesy sauce! In a medium bowl, I combine the sour cream, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. After that, I fold in one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well to ensure everything is coated. This cheesy concoction is what makes this bake irresistible!

Now, I pour the cheesy mixture evenly over the tater tots and bacon, making sure to cover them thoroughly. The last touch is to sprinkle another cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Who doesn’t love more cheese, right?

Once everything is assembled, I pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the tater tots are golden and crispy. I love checking on it halfway through; the aroma fills the kitchen, making it difficult to wait!

When the bake is finished, I take it out of the oven and sprinkle fresh green onions on top for that extra burst of flavor and color. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy this dish as a main course or a fantastic side dish. Either way, I promise you it will be devoured!

In the final consideration, my Loaded Cheesy Bacon Tater Tot Bake combines crispy, cheesy elements that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Now, it’s your turn to wow your family and friends with this delightful meal!