These Tater Tot Bites are little nuggets of joy! Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re packed with flavor and super fun to munch on.
Perfect for parties or movie nights, I love to dip them in ketchup or cheese sauce. Honestly, once you start, it’s hard to stop eating them! 🍟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These are the star of the dish! Use frozen tater tots for convenience, but you can also try homemade tater tots if you feel adventurous.
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor. If you have dietary restrictions, feel free to use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Bacon: I love using crispy bacon for a crunchy element! For a vegetarian option, crispy chickpeas or cooked tempeh can be great substitutes.
Fresh Chives: Chives add a nice freshness. If you don’t have them, green onions can work in a pinch. Just chop them finely.
How Do I Make Sure My Tater Tot Bites Stay Crispy?
To get those Tater Tot Bites perfectly crispy, follow these tips:
- Preheat the oven properly. A hot oven helps create a crunchy exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Space the tater tots so they can crisp evenly.
- Mixing cheese with the tots before returning them to the oven helps the cheese melt and get a little crispy too!
Let them cool for a minute after baking, as they’ll crisp up slightly more. Enjoy your Tater Tot Bites with your favorite dips!
How to Make Tater Tot Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- Sour cream, for serving
- Ketchup, for serving
Time Estimate:
This delicious snack requires about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of baking time. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s worth every second for these crispy, cheesy bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your Tater Tot Bites will be nice and crispy. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the Tater Tots:
Take your frozen tater tots and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they have a little space between each one to get crispy all around.
3. Bake the Tater Tots:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake the tater tots for about 15 minutes. This is just to start the crisping process and get them warm.
4. Add the Cheese:
Once the 15 minutes are up, carefully take the tater tots out of the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each tot. It’s okay if some cheese gets on the baking sheet—more deliciousness!
5. Bake Again:
Return the baking sheet back to the oven and bake the tater tots for another 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese is completely melted and the tots are golden brown. This is when the magic happens!
6. Sprinkle with Toppings:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped chives over the cheesy tots. The heat will help the toppings stick!
7. Serve:
Arrange your delightful Tater Tot Bites on a serving platter. You can set a small bowl of sour cream and some ketchup right in the middle for dipping. Don’t forget to warm them for that added delicious touch!
8. Enjoy:
Serve warm and get ready to enjoy these crispy, cheesy, bacon-topped Tater Tot Bites. They are perfect for sharing (or not!) and will surely be a hit!
Can I Use Fresh Tater Tots Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can! If you have fresh tater tots, just adjust the baking time as needed. Keep an eye on them while they’re baking to ensure they cook all the way through and become crispy.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can use crispy chickpeas or tempeh bacon for that savory crunch. Just cook them until crispy before adding them to the tots!
How Do I Store Leftover Tater Tot Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to retain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the tater tots and toppings, then assemble them just before baking. This makes it easy to pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve them fresh. Just ensure the tater tots are thawed if using frozen.
