Hand holding a Loaded Tater Tot appetizer filled with cheese, bacon, and sour cream.

Tater Tot Appetizers Crispy Cheesy And Irresistible

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Tater Tot Appetizers are one of those recipes that instantly bring back warm memories of family gatherings and football nights. The sound of the oven timer, the smell of crispy golden tots, and the sight of bubbling cheese and smoky bacon created pure excitement. Each bite is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with creamy sour cream and fresh green onions. If you are searching for appetizers easy finger food ideas, these little appetizer bites will be your new favorite go-to snack.

Hand holding a Loaded Tater Tot appetizer filled with cheese, bacon, and sour cream.
Tater Tot Appetizers Crispy Cheesy And Irresistible b1511bded1034ff3b7a8dd5742d0d6e1Callie Brooks

Tater Tot Appetizers

These Tater Tot Appetizers are crunchy, cheesy bites loaded with bacon, sour cream, and green onions — the ultimate crowd-pleasing finger food for game day or any gathering!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 1 32 ounce bag frozen tater tots
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • optional toppings: jalapeños, ranch, hot sauce

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • oven
  • spoon or scoop
  • serving platter

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread frozen tater tots evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  2. Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot tots. Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until cheese is fully melted. Top with crumbled bacon.
  3. Transfer tots to a serving platter. Add dollops of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Add any optional toppings you like.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.9mg

Notes

Make ahead by baking plain tots and freezing them. For variety, try different cheeses or toppings like guacamole, jalapeños, or ranch. Present in a cast-iron skillet to retain warmth.

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Why you will love this recipe

Tater tot appetizers are versatile and perfect for any occasion. They make fantastic finger food appetizers for a party, football food for game day, or recipes appetizers and snacks for holiday gatherings. They are quick to prepare and require only a handful of ingredients, which makes them one of the best appetizer recipes you can serve. Pair them with quesadillas, nachos, or sliders and you will have a complete spread that everyone will enjoy.

Golden Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers filled with cheese, bacon, and sour cream.
Tater Tot Appetizers Crispy Cheesy And Irresistible Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers

Ingredients you will need

Here is a quick ingredient chart with helpful substitutions:

IngredientMeasurementSubstitution Tip
Frozen tater tots1 (32 ounce) bagSweet potato tots for a healthier option
Bacon6 slices, cooked and crumbledTurkey bacon or plant-based bacon
Cheddar cheese1 cup shreddedPepper jack for spice or mozzarella for extra melt
Sour cream1/2 cupPlain Greek yogurt for a lighter topping
Green onions1/4 cup choppedUse chives or parsley if preferred
Optional toppingsJalapeños, ranch, hot sauceSalsa, guacamole, or barbecue sauce

These simple ingredients come together to make appetizer bites that are quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.

How to make tater tot appetizers step by step

  1. Bake the tots: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread frozen tater tots evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
  2. Add cheese and bacon: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot tots. Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted. Immediately add the crumbled bacon on top.
  3. Top and serve: Transfer to a serving platter. Add dollops of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Include optional toppings like jalapeños or ranch dressing. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

How to serve appetizer bites

Tater tot appetizers shine when served fresh out of the oven. They are ideal as football food during game day, as appetizers easy finger food for potlucks, or even as part of holiday spreads. Arrange them on a platter with dips like ranch or guacamole. Create a tot bar for parties where guests can add their own toppings. Pair them with quesadillas or sliders for a fun and filling dinner idea.

Tips for perfect tater tots appetizers

  • Bake until crispy before adding cheese to avoid soggy tots.
  • Use parchment paper for simple cleanup.
  • Cook bacon ahead of time to save preparation minutes.
  • Add toppings only at the end so they stay fresh and flavorful.
  • Present them in a cast-iron skillet to keep them warm and rustic.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Undercooked tater tots will not hold toppings, so bake until fully crispy.
  • Overcrowding the pan keeps tots from crisping evenly.
  • Adding sour cream or fresh herbs too early causes them to wilt.
  • Using only one type of cheese limits flavor, so mix in different varieties.

Storage and reheating instructions

If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Do not microwave as it makes them soggy. For freezing, bake the plain tots first, allow them to cool, and freeze in bags for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 400°F until hot and then add cheese and toppings.

Storage MethodHow LongReheating Tip
Refrigerator3 daysReheat in oven at 375°F for 10 minutes
Freezer2 monthsBake from frozen at 400°F until hot

Conclusion

Tater Tot Appetizers are crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. They are the perfect choice for finger food appetizers, football food, or holiday parties. If you want recipes appetizers and snacks that are guaranteed to disappear quickly, this recipe is your best option. Save it now and bring these appetizer bites to your next get-together for guaranteed smiles.

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