If you’re looking for a snack that packs all the flavor and fun into one irresistible bite, the Loaded Tater Tots on Shareable Skewers Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine crispy, golden tater tots threaded onto skewers, topped with melted cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, tangy sour cream, and fresh green onions—perfect for parties, family dinners, or any casual get-together where sharing and snacking go hand in hand. This dish takes the beloved comfort food you already adore and transforms it into a visually fun and deliciously shareable masterpiece everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role: crispy tater tots bring a satisfying crunch, cheddar cheese provides gooey richness, and bacon adds a savory punch. Fresher elements like sour cream and green onions balance everything with cool creaminess and a slight bite. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this crowd-pleaser:
- Frozen tater tots: Use a 32 oz bag for plenty of skewers packed with crispy tots.
- Bacon: Eight slices cooked and crumbled add that irresistible smoky crunch.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: One and a half cups melt perfectly on top of the tots.
- Sour cream: Half a cup to drizzle over for creamy tang.
- Green onions: Two stalks, sliced thinly for a fresh finish and vibrant pop of color.
- Skewers: Metal or wooden skewers work; soak wooden ones beforehand to prevent burning.
- Nonstick cooking spray: To keep everything from sticking to your pan.
- Salt and pepper: To taste—never underestimate the power of seasoning!
How to Make Loaded Tater Tots on Shareable Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). This high heat ensures your tater tots become golden and crispy. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with foil to make cleanup a breeze and give it a light spray of nonstick cooking spray so your tots don’t stick and bake evenly.
Step 2: Thread the Tater Tots
Grab your skewers and start threading about 6 to 8 tater tots onto each one. This is where that fun shareable aspect comes in—the skewers make it easy for everyone to grab and enjoy without needing utensils. Make sure the tots are evenly spaced to cook uniformly.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
Arrange the skewers on your prepared baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through to get an even golden crisp all around. Keep an eye on them—once they’re crispy and perfectly browned, they’re ready for the next delicious step.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bacon
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the skewers generously with shredded cheddar cheese and bacon crumbles. The heat from the tots will start melting the cheese even before you go back into the oven. This gooey, melty cheesy layer is the heart of the Loaded Tater Tots on Shareable Skewers Recipe.
Step 5: Melt It All Together
Return the sheet to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes. This short bake melts the cheese perfectly, bonding it with the tots and bacon for that iconic loaded taste in every bite.
Step 6: Add the Final Touches
Once out of the oven, give the skewers a moment to cool slightly so the toppings aren’t too hot to handle. Then drizzle sour cream over each skewer and sprinkle with fresh sliced green onions, adding creaminess and a burst of freshness that complements the savory components beautifully.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Don’t be shy here, as seasoning ties all the flavors together. Serve the skewers warm, hand them around, and watch how the Loaded Tater Tots on Shareable Skewers Recipe becomes the star of your gathering!
How to Serve Loaded Tater Tots on Shareable Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the classic sour cream and green onions, you can elevate the presentation and flavor with a dash of smoked paprika, a sprinkle of crispy fried onions, or even a little chopped jalapeño for heat. These simple additions can personalize the dish and make every bite even more exciting.
Side Dishes
Loaded Tater Tots on Shareable Skewers pair beautifully with lighter sides like crisp garden salads or coleslaw, balancing the richness. For a heartier meal, serve with grilled chicken wings or a juicy burger to keep the comfort food vibe going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Try standing the skewers in a narrow vase filled with coarse salt or whole peppercorns for a fun, upright presentation. Alternatively, serve them laid across a wooden board accompanied by small bowls of extra sour cream, spicy ketchup, or ranch dressing for dipping. Presentation can turn these tots into a conversation-starting centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your skewers, wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making a tasty quick snack or meal prep option.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the skewers, it’s best to assemble and bake the tater tots first without adding the cheese and toppings. Once cooled, individually wrap each skewer in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Use within 1 month for best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap and place skewers on a baking sheet in a preheated 375°F oven until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again, about 10 to 12 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tots soggy rather than crispy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
While you can make your own tots from fresh potatoes, the convenience of frozen tots is part of what makes this recipe so easy and reliably crispy. Homemade tots will work but may require adjustments in cook time and plating.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and offers that classic loaded flavor. However, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend for a new twist on the taste.
Are these skewers kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the fun presentation and hand-held size. Just be sure to cut the skewers if needed for younger children to make eating safe and easy.
How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning in the oven?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading tots. This helps them resist burning under the high heat of the oven.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding cooked mushrooms or caramelized onions for a smoky, savory element instead. You could also use a vegetarian bacon substitute.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Tater Tots on Shareable Skewers Recipe is pure joy on a stick, perfect for sharing with friends and family while delivering cozy comfort and bold flavors. Whether for game day, a casual dinner, or a fun appetizer, it’s sure to become one of your go-to crowd-pleasers. I can’t wait for you to try it and witness the smiles it brings to your table!
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Loaded Tater Tots on Shareable Skewers 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
Loaded Tater Tots on Shareable Skewers are a fun and delicious appetizer featuring crispy baked tater tots threaded onto skewers, topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and fresh green onions. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these flavorful skewers offer an easy way to serve a classic comfort food with a shareable twist.
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 Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Thread Tater Tots: Thread about 6 to 8 frozen tater tots onto each skewer, creating a fun and shareable presentation.
- Bake Tater Tot Skewers: Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the skewers from the oven and immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the hot tater tots.
- Melt Cheese: Return the skewers to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Cool: Take the skewers out of the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle the sour cream over the top and scatter sliced green onions for freshness and color.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the loaded tater tot skewers warm and enjoy as a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- You can soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to baking to prevent burning.
- For a spicier kick, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder before baking.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with your favorite melting cheese such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
- These skewers can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven before serving.
- Use cooked bacon to avoid extra grease on your tater tots.
