Who doesn’t love a deliciously crispy, cheesy, and bacon-loaded snack? These Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are a fun and creative way to serve up all the flavors of your favorite comfort foods in an easy-to-handle presentation. Perfect for game days, parties, or even a fun family dinner, this dish is guaranteed to bring smiles and full stomachs to the table.
Not only are these skewers incredibly tasty, but they’re also a breeze to prepare, making them a go-to recipe for busy days or last-minute get-togethers. With just a few simple ingredients and a touch of creativity, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing appetizer ready in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Easy to Make: Requires only a handful of pantry staples and minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, potlucks, and gatherings, these skewers are always a hit.
• Customizable: You can tweak the toppings and flavors to suit any taste.
• Fun to Eat: The skewer presentation makes it easy and mess-free to serve and enjoy.
Variations:
• Spicy Skewers: Add jalapeño slices or drizzle with sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Loaded Veggie: Top with diced bell peppers, black beans, or corn for a veggie-packed option.
• Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a unique twist.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or even BBQ sauce for variety.
Ingredients:
• Tater Tots: Crispy and golden, the foundation of this dish.
• Bacon: Adds smoky, salty goodness to every bite.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty, gooey, and full of flavor.
• Ranch Seasoning: Elevates the flavor with a tangy herb mix.
• Green Onions: Optional garnish for freshness and a pop of color.
• Sour Cream: For dipping, providing a cool and creamy contrast.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set it to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Bake the Tater Tots: Spread tater tots in a single layer and bake according to package instructions until crispy and golden.
3. Cook the Bacon: Fry or bake the bacon until crispy, then chop it into small pieces.
4. Assemble the Skewers: Let the tater tots cool slightly, then carefully thread them onto skewers, about 6-7 tots per skewer.
5. Top the Skewers: Sprinkle ranch seasoning, bacon bits, and cheddar cheese over the skewers.
6. Melt the Cheese: Return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with green onions and serve with sour cream for dipping.
Substitutes:
• Cheese: Replace cheddar with your favorite cheese blend or dairy-free alternative.
• Bacon: Use turkey bacon or a plant-based substitute for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Tater Tots: Sweet potato tots or veggie tots work just as well.
Storage:
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the tater tots soggy.
FAQs:
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the skewers and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 12 hours. Bake them right before serving for best results.
2. How can I make this gluten-free?
Check that your tater tots, cheese, and ranch seasoning are certified gluten-free. Most brands are, but double-check the labels.
3. What if I don’t have skewers?
No problem! Simply layer the ingredients on a baking dish and bake as a loaded tater tot casserole instead.
These Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are versatile, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or just a midweek treat, this recipe is sure to impress!
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 bag of tater tots
- 8 slices of bacon chopped
- 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning
- Skewers
- Green onions chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Tater Tots: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on a large baking sheet. For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, consider lining the sheet with parchment paper.
- Bake Tater Tots: Cook the tater tots according to the package instructions until they are deep golden brown, typically 20-30 minutes.
- Cook Bacon: While the tater tots are baking, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Oven-baking is a convenient method, but stovetop works as well.
- Assemble Skewers: Once the tater tots are done, allow them to cool slightly for 2-5 minutes. Thread 6-7 tater tots onto each skewer.
- Season and Add Toppings: Place the assembled skewers back onto the baking sheet. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the tater tots, followed by the crispy bacon pieces and grated cheddar cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Serve immediately, preferably with a side of sour cream ranch dip for dipping.
