If you have a soft spot for all things crispy, cheesy, and downright irresistible, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe. Imagine perfectly golden tater tots, each one threaded like little treasures on a skewer, then smothered with melted cheddar, topped with crispy bacon bits, and finished off with bright, fresh green onions and a drizzle of cool sour cream. It’s like your favorite loaded baked potato got a fun, shareable twist that’s perfect for game day, parties, or any snack attack craving that needs something special and totally comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture you’ll want to dive into right away. Each element adds something unique—crispiness, creaminess, smokiness, and freshness—making every bite a little party in your mouth.
- Frozen tater tots: The golden, crispy base that gives these skewers that perfect crunch and comfort factor.
- Bacon slices: Cooked until crisp and crumbled, bacon adds smoky, savory goodness that complements the cheddar beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the hot tots, creating gooey, cheesy pockets that tie it all together.
- Sour cream: A cool, creamy topping that balances the salty and crispy with its luscious tang.
- Green onions: Fresh and vibrant, they add a pop of color and a mild oniony bite to finish off.
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden): Essential for threading the tots and creating that fun, shareable presentation.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Helps keep everything from sticking to the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all those already amazing flavors.
How to Make Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to getting your tater tots crispy on the outside while soft and fluffy inside. Line a baking sheet with foil and give it a quick spritz of nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless.
Step 2: Thread the Tater Tots
Grab your skewers and start sliding the frozen tater tots onto them, about 6 to 8 per skewer. This is the fun part—arranging those golden nuggets in neat little rows is oddly satisfying and sets the stage for an irresistible presentation.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
Lay your skewers carefully on the prepared baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through to ensure even crispiness all around. The smell wafting through your kitchen at this point is pure magic.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bacon
Right after removing the skewers from the oven, sprinkle each one generously with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon crumbles. Don’t be shy here—those toppings are where the flavor really shines.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Return the skewers to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes to let the cheddar melt into gooey perfection. Watch closely—once that cheese is beautifully melted, it’s time to take them out.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream and Green Onions
Let your skewers cool just a bit, then drizzle sour cream over the top and sprinkle with sliced green onions. This adds a cool, fresh contrast to the warm, savory layers below and makes each bite feel balanced and bright.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Finally, season with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe warm, and watch how quickly they disappear at your table.
How to Serve Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe pop even more, think about adding a dollop of guacamole or a spattering of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce can also add a delightful kick.
Side Dishes
These skewers can stand alone as a hearty snack but pair exceptionally well with a crisp garden salad, tangy coleslaw, or crunchy raw veggies with dip. They also make a fun companion to lighter fare like grilled chicken or a summery fruit salad if you want to balance things out.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual get-together, arrange the skewers upright in a sturdy jar or glass for an eye-catching display that invites guests to grab and go. You can even serve them over a bed of lettuce or kale for added color and texture, or slice them into “bites” if you prefer finger foods without the skewers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them so the cheddar melts again and the tots regain a bit of their crunch before serving.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked skewers by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat your skewers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to revive their crispy exterior, or use a toaster oven if you have one handy. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the best texture and cheesy meltiness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade tater tots for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade tater tots work wonderfully. Just make sure they’re firm and partially cooked so they hold up well on the skewers and crisp nicely in the oven.
What’s the best type of cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is classic here because of its rich flavor that melts beautifully. However, you can experiment with pepper jack for a spicy twist or a blend of cheeses to mix things up.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply leave out the bacon and consider adding other toppings like sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to keep that savory depth.
Are wooden skewers okay to use?
Definitely use wooden skewers, but be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning in the oven.
How do I keep the tater tots crispy after baking?
Serving immediately after baking is best to enjoy the crispy exterior. If you need to hold them, keep them warm on a wire rack in a low oven to maintain crispness and avoid sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe is pure joy on a stick—perfect for sharing, snacking, or adding a fun twist to your usual comfort food lineup. Once you try it, it’s hard not to make these a go-to for every casual gathering or cozy night in. So go on, gather your favorite people, fire up the oven, and dive into these cheesy, crispy delights that bring together all the flavors you love in one super satisfying bite!
Print
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (6–8 skewers)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Loaded Tater Tots on Shareable Skewers make a perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. Crispy baked tater tots are threaded onto skewers, topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, sour cream, and fresh green onions for an irresistible flavor combination that’s easy to prepare and fun to share.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the skewers. Thread about 6 to 8 frozen tater tots onto each skewer, ensuring they fit snugly but aren’t overcrowded.
- Bake the tater tots. Place the skewers evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the skewers once midway through baking to ensure all sides become golden and crispy.
- Add cheese and bacon. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the hot tater tots on each skewer with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon to allow the cheese to melt from the residual heat.
- Melt the cheese. Return the skewers to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts thoroughly and starts to bubble slightly.
- Finish with toppings. Take the skewers out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle sour cream evenly over the tots and garnish with sliced green onions for freshness.
- Season and serve. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Serve the loaded tater tot skewers warm for a delicious, shareable snack that’s sure to satisfy.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning in the oven.
- Feel free to customize toppings with jalapeños, ranch dressing, or chives for extra flavor.
- Use metal skewers for easier handling and no soaking required.
- Enjoy immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
