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.

Ingredients

• Tater tots – Use frozen tater tots for this simple recipe and cook them to package directions.
• Cheese – 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.
• Bacon – Homecooked real bacon is best for this recipe since there are only a handful of ingredients, we want them all to shine.
• Seasoning and condiments – Ranch dressing adds extra flavor to the potatoes and works perfectly with the cheese and bacon. A little salt and black pepper season the tots after baking.
• Garnish – Green onions add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor to this dish. Chives and parsley can be substituted.
• See the recipe card for ingredient quantities and preparation.

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.

Cook’s Notes

1. Following are three cooking methods to make 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. Check out step by step instructions on how to make oven bacon.
• 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.

2. 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. But for recipes where there is cheese sauce, and a smooth melt is essential like this broccoli mac and cheese or this chorizo cheese dip than hand shredding is advised.

Storing and reheating instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended.
• To reheat, place them on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil (do not wrap) and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a few seconds until hot.
• Leftovers should be heated to a temperature of at least 165°F. For more information on food storage and safety guidelines visit U.S. Department of Agriculture and foodsafety.gov.