Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

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Introduction

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers take comfort food to the next level, turning crispy, golden tater tots into a fun and flavorful handheld snack. Skewered and topped with melted cheese, crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions, these skewers deliver all the savory satisfaction of loaded potato skins with a creative twist. Perfect as a party appetizer, a game-day treat, or a family-friendly side dish, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.

The first time I made these, I was amazed at how quickly they came together. Skewering the tater tots felt like assembling little works of art, and watching the cheese melt into gooey perfection under the broiler made my mouth water. When they were done, everyone loved being able to grab their own skewer, making them a hit with both kids and adults.

What I love most about Loaded Tater Tot Skewers is how customizable they are. You can add your favorite toppings—like jalapeños for a spicy kick, a drizzle of ranch for extra flavor, or even swap in sweet potato tots for a twist. Pair them with dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or spicy aioli for even more fun. No matter how you serve them, these skewers are a guaranteed way to make any occasion feel extra special.

Perfect for:

  • Game day snacks
  • Party appetizers
  • BBQs and cookouts
  • Family dinners
  • Casual gatherings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Loaded Tater Tot Skewers will become your new favorite snack:

  • Crispy and Golden: The tater tots are perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.
  • Customizable Toppings: From bacon and cheese to sour cream and chives, the topping possibilities are endless.
  • Handheld and Convenient: These skewers make it easy to serve and eat, perfect for parties or casual events.
  • Quick and Easy: You can prepare these skewers in under 30 minutes, making them a fast and delicious option for busy days.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: With familiar flavors and a fun presentation, these skewers are guaranteed to please everyone.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers:

  • 1 ½ lbs frozen tater tots
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 wooden or metal skewers

Ingredient Highlights

  • Tater Tots: The base of the skewers, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering the perfect foundation for toppings.
  • Bacon: Adds a savory, crispy crunch that complements the creamy toppings.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully on the tater tots, creating a cheesy, gooey layer.
  • Sour Cream and Ranch Dressing: Bring creamy and tangy flavors to balance the richness of the bacon and cheese.
  • Green Onions: Add a fresh, mild onion flavor to brighten up the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Tater Tots:

  1. Cook the Tater Tots: Preheat your oven according to package instructions and bake the tater tots until golden and crispy, about 20 minutes.
  2. Cool Slightly: Once cooked, allow the tater tots to cool slightly before assembling the skewers.

Prepare the Bacon:

  1. Cook the Bacon: While the tater tots are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pan, crumble into small pieces, and set aside.

Assemble the Skewers:

  1. Prepare the Skewers: Thread 5-6 tater tots onto each skewer, leaving some space between them for easy handling.
  2. Top with Bacon and Cheese: Once the skewers are assembled, sprinkle the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.

Melt the Cheese:

  1. Melt the Cheese: Place the skewers on a baking sheet and return to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the tater tots are heated through.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Add Toppings: Remove the skewers from the oven and drizzle with sour cream and ranch dressing. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
  2. Serve Immediately: Serve the loaded tater tot skewers while they’re hot, with extra dipping sauces on the side if desired.

How to Serve

  • As an Appetizer: Serve these skewers as a fun starter at your next party or game day gathering.
  • With a Side of Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dips such as ranch, barbecue sauce, or spicy ketchup for extra flavor.
  • As a Side Dish: Pair with grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches for a hearty side.
  • For a Snack: Perfect for enjoying while watching a movie or hanging out with friends.
  • In Individual Servings: Serve each skewer in a small dish or cup for a cute presentation at parties or BBQs.

Additional Tips

  • Use Toothpicks for Smaller Portions: If you prefer smaller servings, use toothpicks instead of skewers to make bite-sized portions.
  • Add Avocado or Guacamole: For a creamy twist, add slices of avocado or a dollop of guacamole on top of the tater tots.
  • Try Different Cheeses: Swap out cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
  • Bake in Batches: If making a larger batch, bake the skewers in multiple batches to ensure they cook evenly.
  • Top with Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick and extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Loaded Tater Tot Skewers:

  1. BBQ Pulled Pork Tater Tot Skewers: Top with pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and pickled onions for a savory twist.
  2. Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Skewers: Add shredded buffalo chicken, blue cheese crumbles, and celery for a wing-inspired version.
  3. Cheesy Ranch Tater Tot Skewers: Top with ranch seasoning, extra cheese, and crispy bacon for an extra cheesy snack.
  4. Mexican Tater Tot Skewers: Add salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños for a Tex-Mex twist.
  5. Philly Cheesesteak Tater Tot Skewers: Top with thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and melted provolone cheese.
  6. Vegetarian Tater Tot Skewers: Load with sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
  7. Poutine Tater Tot Skewers: Add gravy and cheese curds for a Canadian-inspired version.
  8. Breakfast Tater Tot Skewers: Top with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese for a breakfast-style treat.
  9. Mediterranean Tater Tot Skewers: Add hummus, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
  10. Cajun Tater Tot Skewers: Season with Cajun spices and top with grilled shrimp and a tangy dipping sauce.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Prepare the tater tot skewers, then freeze them before baking. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen when ready to serve.
  • Storage: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a crispy result.

Special Equipment

  • Skewers: Wooden, metal, or disposable skewers to thread the tater tots and toppings. Bamboo skewers work great if you want a more rustic look.
  • Air Fryer: For crispy tater tots in less time with minimal oil. It gives a perfect golden crunch without deep frying.
  • Baking Sheet: If you’re oven-baking your tater tots, a sheet with parchment paper can help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Tongs: To flip or carefully remove your tater tots from the fryer or baking sheet, preventing burns.
  • Meat Injector or Syringe: If you want to add sauces or fillings (like cheese or marinara) directly inside the tots, a small injector can work wonders.
  • Grill Basket: For grilling the skewers without losing any tots or toppings, a grill basket can hold everything together while providing even heat.
  • Basting Brush: Ideal for brushing sauces like BBQ or cheese sauce over the skewers for extra flavor and glaze.
  • Cheese Melter: If you’re adding cheese, a small cheese melter or broiler can help melt it perfectly without overcooking.
  • Non-stick Spray: To prevent the tater tots from sticking to the baking sheet, grill, or air fryer tray.
  • Serving Platter: A large platter or board to serve the loaded tater tot skewers in style, especially when using skewers for easy sharing.

FAQ

  1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots? Yes, you can use homemade or frozen diced potatoes, but the texture and flavor will be different from tater tots.
  2. Can I make these in advance? Yes, you can assemble the skewers ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
  3. Can I bake the skewers instead of frying? Yes, baking the tater tots in the oven is an easy and healthier option. Simply bake them according to package instructions before assembling the skewers.
  4. What other toppings can I use? You can add any toppings you like, such as chili, fried onions, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
  5. Can I make these vegetarian? Yes, simply skip the bacon and load the skewers with veggies, cheese, and your favorite condiments.

Conclusion

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are a delicious combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors that are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these skewers offer a fun and creative twist on classic comfort food. With their golden-brown crunch and customizable toppings, they’re perfect for any occasion.

Quick to prepare and endlessly versatile, these skewers can be topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, green onions, or anything else your heart desires. They’re easy to assemble and cook, making them an ideal choice for feeding a crowd or satisfying your craving for a fun and flavorful treat.

I can’t wait to see your Loaded Tater Tot Skewer creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you put your unique spin on this recipe. Don’t forget to share your favorite toppings in the comments. Happy cooking!

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