You are about to begin on a delicious journey to create Crispy Cheese and Bacon Tater Tots that will delight your taste buds and impress your friends. This recipe combines the comforting crunch of tater tots with the savory flavors of cheese and bacon, resulting in a snack that’s simply irresistible. With just a few ingredients and some straightforward steps, you can whip up this tasty treat in no time!
Crispy Cheese and Bacon Tater Tots
A deliciously crispy appetizer featuring golden tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, perfect for any gathering.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 40 min
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (approximately 8 slices)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Bake the tater tots for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crispness.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese-covered tater tots.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Add optional toppings like sour cream and chopped green onions if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Protein: 12 g
Rate This Recipe
Average Rating: 0 (0 votes)
Facebook PinterestTo get started, gather the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking. I usually start by preheating my oven to 425°F (220°C). This hot oven will ensure that my tater tots become perfectly crispy. If you prefer to use an air fryer, you can prepare them at the same temperature.
Next, I line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Once the oven is preheated, I spread the frozen tater tots evenly on the baking sheet. To make them extra crispy, I like to spray them lightly with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil over the top. A little oil goes a long way in achieving that perfect golden-brown finish!
Now, I place the baking sheet in the oven and allow the tater tots to bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden. Halfway through the cooking time, I like to flip the tater tots so they cook evenly on all sides.
Once the tater tots are out of the oven, it’s time for the fun part! I sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the hot tater tots. Then, I return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
While the tots are in the oven, I take a moment to season them with the garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to my liking. This adds a delicious flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and bacon perfectly.
Finally, I carefully take the baking sheet out of the oven, and my Crispy Cheese and Bacon Tater Tots are ready to serve! I like to let them cool for a couple of minutes before plating them. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or buffalo sauce.
Now, you can sit back and enjoy your homemade masterpiece. These tater tots are perfect for parties, game days, or a fun snack at home. Happy cooking!
