Growing up, my family had a standing tradition of gathering around the kitchen table every Sunday for a hearty brunch. It was a time for us to reconnect, swap stories, and indulge in some of our favorite comfort foods. One dish that was always a huge hit was my mom’s famous Loaded Tater Tot Skewers.
These delightful bites were the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and savory. The tender tater tots were loaded with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh chives, all skewered together for easy dipping and sharing. It didn’t matter if we were hosting a big family gathering or just enjoying a cozy morning at home – these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers were always the star of the show.
I can still remember the aroma of the bacon sizzling and the sound of the tater tots crisping up in the oven. And the first time I tried dipping one of those cheesy, bacon-y bites into a cool, tangy ranch dressing? Pure heaven. To this day, Loaded Tater Tot Skewers remain one of my all-time favorite comfort food indulgences.
Why This Loaded Tater Tot Skewers Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
What makes this Loaded Tater Tot Skewers recipe truly special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy, golden-brown tater tots provide a sturdy base that’s ready to be loaded up with all the good stuff. The melted cheddar cheese adds a creamy, gooey element that perfectly complements the salty, smoky bacon. And the fresh chives contribute a lovely pop of color and subtle onion flavor to round out the dish.
But the real secret behind these skewers is in the technique. By carefully prepping and assembling the ingredients, you end up with a handheld appetizer that’s easy to eat, visually appealing, and downright irresistible. The skewers make it simple to serve up perfectly portioned bites, ensuring that every guest gets the full flavor experience in every single bite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 24 frozen tater tots: The foundation of this dish, tater tots provide the perfect canvas for the loaded toppings. Look for high-quality, crispy tots that will hold up well on the skewers.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: This melty, flavorful cheese is the glue that binds all the ingredients together, creating that signature gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Crispy, salty bacon adds a delightful savory element and irresistible crunch to the skewers.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: A sprinkle of fresh chives provides a pop of color and mild onion flavor, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.
- Wooden skewers: The skewers are the key to transforming this dish into a fun, portable appetizer that’s easy to serve and eat.
Step-by-Step Loaded Tater Tot Skewers Instructions
Preparing Your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, this Loaded Tater Tot Skewers recipe is a breeze to whip up. You’ll need a baking sheet, a knife and cutting board, and some wooden skewers to get started.
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.
2- Bake the tater tots for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and golden brown. Remove the tots from the oven and let them cool slightly.
3- While the tots are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate, then crumble or chop it into small pieces.
4- In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. The warm tater tots will help melt the cheese as you assemble the skewers.
5- Thread 2 tater tots onto each wooden skewer, then top with a sprinkle of the cheese and bacon mixture. Finish by sprinkling a bit of the chopped fresh chives over the top.
6- Arrange the loaded tater tot skewers on a serving platter and get ready to wow your guests with this irresistible appetizer!
Pro Tips for Success
- Frozen tater tots work best for this recipe, as they have a crispy exterior that holds up well on the skewers. Avoid using fresh or homemade tots, as they may be too soft.
- For extra flavor, try using a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Precook the bacon until it’s extra crispy to ensure it maintains its texture when baked with the tater tots.
- Use wooden skewers that are at least 6 inches long to provide plenty of room for assembling the loaded tater tots.
Serving and Storing Your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
Perfect Pairings for Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
This Loaded Tater Tot Skewers recipe is perfect for serving as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties, game days, or casual get-togethers. The recipe yields 12 servings, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.
For the ultimate flavor pairing, serve the skewers with a cool, creamy dipping sauce like ranch, sour cream, or even a zesty chipotle mayo. A crisp, refreshing beer or a tangy lemonade would also make a delightful accompaniment.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are best enjoyed fresh, but you can easily make them ahead of time to save on prep. Simply assemble the skewers up to 1 day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake the skewers at 400°F for 10-15 minutes to warm them through and crisp up the tater tots.
For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the assembled skewers. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag. Frozen skewers will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake straight from the freezer at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
Creative Loaded Tater Tot Skewers Variations
While the classic combination of cheddar, bacon, and chives is hard to beat, there are endless ways to put a creative spin on Loaded Tater Tot Skewers:
- Southwest-Style: Top the tots with pepper jack cheese, crumbled chorizo, and diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Veggie-Packed: Swap the bacon for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Italian-Inspired: Use mozzarella cheese, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil for a Mediterranean twist.
- Breakfast-Style: Top the tots with scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, and shredded cheddar for a morning-inspired treat.
Making Loaded Tater Tot Skewers Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tater tots and make sure your bacon is also gluten-free.
- For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, swap the tater tots for roasted cauliflower florets or zucchini coins.
- To make it vegan, use plant-based cheese shreds and leave out the bacon, or try crumbled tofu or tempeh as a meat alternative.
No matter how you choose to customize your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers, the key is to have fun and get creative with your favorite flavors and ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular potatoes instead of tater tots?
A: While you can certainly use roasted potato cubes or wedges as a substitute, tater tots work best for this recipe. The crispy, compact shape of the tots helps them hold up well on the skewers.
Q: How long do I need to bake the tater tots?
A: The total baking time for the tater tots is 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, to ensure they’re crispy and golden brown before assembling the skewers.
Q: Can I make the Loaded Tater Tot Skewers in advance?
A: Yes, you can assemble the skewers up to 1 day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. For longer storage, you can also freeze the assembled skewers for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Loaded Tater Tot Skewers recipe yields 12 servings, with 2 skewers per serving. The recipe is easily scalable if you need to feed a larger crowd.
Q: What should I do if the tater tots get too crispy or burnt?
A: If the tater tots start to brown too quickly, simply tent the baking sheet with foil to prevent further browning. You can also try reducing the oven temperature by 25°F if you find the tots are burning on the outside before the inside is fully cooked.
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for parties and gatherings. Crispy tater tots are skewered and topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh chives for a flavorful and satisfying bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
– 24 frozen tater tots
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
– Wooden skewers
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the frozen tater tots on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
3. Remove the tater tots from the oven and let them cool slightly.
4. Thread 3-4 tater tots onto each wooden skewer.
5. Top each skewer with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped fresh chives.
6. Place the loaded tater tot skewers back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve the Loaded Tater Tot Skewers warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier version, you can add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the tater tots before baking. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack or mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With their irresistible combination of crispy tater tots, melted cheese, salty bacon, and fresh chives, these handheld bites are bursting with flavor in every single bite.
Whether you’re hosting a big game day bash or just looking for a tasty snack to enjoy at home, these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to wow your guests with this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how you’ve made these skewers your own!
