Loaded Tater Tots

Loaded tater tots are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! This easy recipe starts with toasty tater tots topped with creamy ranch dressing, melted cheese, and crispy bacon, then baked to perfection. It’s a fun appetizer for game day or a casual side dish that everyone will love.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword potato side dish, potatoes

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Servings

Calories 456kcal

Author Elizabeth Rodriguez

Ingredients

4-5 Slices Crispy Cooked Bacon chopped (see notes 1)
18-20 ounces Frozen Tater Tots cooked to package directions
Pinch Salt
Pinch Black Pepper
1-2 tablespoons Ranch Dressing adjust to taste
3-4 ounces Shredded Colby Jack Cheese hand shredded off the block is recommended (see notes 2 & 3)
1-2 teaspoons Green Onions for garnish

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.

Notes

Cooking Bacon: Here are three quick methods:
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange bacon slices without overlapping. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Line a microwave-safe plate with 2 paper towels. Place bacon slices on top, cover with 2 more paper towels, and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes. Check and continue cooking in 1-2 minute intervals until crispy.
- Skillet/Stovetop: Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crisp.
- Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon.
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.
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.

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