The Ultimate Loaded Tater Tots with Turkey Bacon Recipe

Crispy golden tater tots smothered in melted cheese and turkey bacon deliver an irresistible comfort food experience that will make taste buds dance with joy.

These loaded tater tots pack a punch of flavor in every single bite.

Crunchy on the outside and perfectly tender inside, they transform a simple side dish into a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Salty turkey bacon adds a delightful smoky dimension to the classic potato treat.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of textures and rich, savory notes.

You’ll love how quickly these come together for game day, movie night, or spontaneous snacking.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns ordinary tater tots into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Why Loaded Tater Tots With Bacon Always Win

• Quick Comfort Feast: Whip up a mouthwatering loaded appetizer that transforms simple frozen tater tots into a crowd-pleasing sensation with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customizable Delight: Easily swap ingredients like bacon type, cheese, or toppings to match personal preferences or dietary needs, making this recipe super flexible and adaptable.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Uses just a few kitchen tools, involves simple steps, and requires minimal washing up, ensuring maximum enjoyment with minimal post-cooking hassle.

What Goes Into Bacon Loaded Tater Tots

• Tater Tots: Crispy potato bites that make the perfect base for this delicious dish.
• Turkey Bacon: Lean and flavorful alternative to traditional bacon.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty goodness that adds creamy richness.

• Sour Cream, Ranch Dressing: Tangy and creamy combination for extra flavor.
• Green Onions: Fresh and zesty topping that adds a pop of color.

• Aluminum Foil, Nonstick Spray: Kitchen helpers for easy preparation and cleanup.

How to Make Loaded Tater Tots at Home

Step 1: Crisp Up the Tots

Preheat the oven following the tater tot package instructions.

Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Spread frozen tater tots in a single layer and bake until they turn golden and extra crispy.

Step 2: Whip Up Ranch Sauce

In a small bowl, blend sour cream and ranch dressing until smooth and creamy.

Set the sauce aside for later use.

Step 3: Sizzle the Turkey Bacon

Heat a skillet over medium temperature.

Cook turkey bacon until it becomes wonderfully crisp and crunchy.

Chop the cooked bacon into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese Layer

Switch the oven to broil setting.

Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the baked tater tots.

Return to the oven for 3-4 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden blanket.

Step 5: Dress Up the Tots

Remove the cheesy tater tots from the oven.

Drizzle with prepared ranch sauce.

• Chopped turkey bacon
• Sliced green onions

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Plate the loaded tater tots immediately while hot.

Add extra ranch on the side for dipping if desired.

Enjoy this crispy, cheesy, bacon-topped treat right away!

Tips for Crispy, Cheesy Tater Tots

• Use parchment paper instead of aluminum foil for extra crispiness and easier cleanup.
• Pat turkey bacon dry before cooking to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Shred cheese directly from the block for smoother, more even melting compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Replace tater tots with cauliflower tots or roasted cauliflower florets for a lighter, lower-carb alternative.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the cheese before melting for an extra depth of flavor.

Keeping Loaded Tots Fresh and Crispy

• Store leftover loaded tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sogginess.
• Restore crispiness by spreading tots on a baking sheet and warming at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
• For quick reheating, use microwave for 30-45 seconds. Expect softer texture compared to oven method.
• Add fresh green onions and extra cheese after reheating to revive the original flavor and texture.

Great Sides for Bacon Loaded Tater Tots

• Perfect Drink Pairing: Craft a Cold Amber Ale that complements the rich, crispy tots with its malty backbone and smooth finish.
• Flavor-Boosting Beverage: Brew a Tangy Hard Cider to cut through the cheesy, creamy textures and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Complementary Wine Choice: Select a Crisp Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity that balances the heaviness of the loaded tater tots.
• Side Sip Suggestion: Mix a Spicy Bloody Mary that echoes the dish's savory profile and adds a zesty kick to each bite.

Creative Toppings for Loaded Tater Tots

• Vegetarian Loaded Tots: Replace turkey bacon with crispy plant-based bacon bits or roasted mushroom crumbles for a meat-free version.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt and use dairy-free cheese shreds, keeping the ranch flavor with almond-based ranch dressing.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tater tots with roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining the loaded style with cheese, bacon alternatives, and green onions.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients like tots, bacon, and sauces are certified gluten-free, offering a safe version for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• Are tater tots healthy?

While not a health food, this recipe uses turkey bacon and can be a lighter version of traditional loaded tots. Baking instead of deep-frying reduces oil content, and you can control portion sizes.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, choose gluten-free tater tots and ensure your ranch dressing is gluten-free. Check labels carefully to confirm ingredient compatibility.

• What cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is classic and melts wonderfully. Monterey Jack or a cheese blend also provides great flavor and melting properties for loaded tater tots.

• How do I get my tater tots extra crispy?

Use a baking sheet with aluminum foil, spread tots in a single layer without overcrowding, and bake at a high temperature. Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the tots inside.

Loaded Tater Tots With Turkey Bacon Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Loaded Tater Tots with Turkey Bacon blend crispy potato bites with savory bacon and melted cheese for an irresistible comfort snack. Guests will devour these crowd-pleasing bites that promise maximum flavor in every delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 package (32 ounces / 907 grams) frozen tater tots
• 4 slices turkey bacon

Protein Toppings:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 green onions, chopped

Cooking Essentials:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Nonstick cooking spray

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven according to tater tot package instructions and prepare a foil-lined baking sheet with nonstick spray. Distribute frozen tater tots in a uniform layer and bake until achieving a golden, crispy texture.
2. Combine sour cream and ranch dressing in a small mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and thoroughly blended. Set the ranch sauce aside for later use.
3. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and cook turkey bacon until it reaches a crisp, crunchy consistency. Transfer to a cutting board and finely chop into bite-sized pieces.
4. Once tater tots are fully baked, activate the oven’s broil setting. Generously distribute shredded cheese across the surface of the tots, then return to the oven for 3-4 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a bubbly appearance.
5. Remove the cheesy tater tots from the oven and create a decorative drizzle of the prepared ranch sauce over the melted cheese layer. Sprinkle chopped turkey bacon and thinly sliced green onions across the top for added flavor and visual appeal.
6. Serve immediately while hot, offering additional ranch dressing on the side for those who enjoy extra dipping sauce. Recommend consuming while the tots remain crisp and cheese stays melted.

Notes

• Crispiness Hack: Spread tater tots with space between each to ensure maximum crunchiness and even baking.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Replace turkey bacon with turkey breast slices and use low-sodium cheese to reduce salt content.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap turkey bacon with crispy tempeh bacon or roasted mushroom bits for plant-based protein alternative.
• Healthier Sauce Option: Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt to decrease calories while maintaining creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg