Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are a fun and tasty twist on a classic favorite. These skewers are packed with crispy tater tots, melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a dollop of creamy sour cream, all threaded onto sticks for easy snacking. They have the perfect mix of crunchy, gooey, and salty that anyone who loves comfort food will appreciate.
I love making these for casual get-togethers or game days because they’re so easy to share and always disappear fast. One little tip I have is to make sure the tater tots are extra crispy before threading them onto the skewers, so they hold their crunch and don’t get soggy under all that cheesy goodness. It’s super satisfying to bite into whatever part of the skewer you choose!
My favorite way to serve these loaded skewers is with a side of ranch or a spicy dipping sauce. They make a great appetizer or party snack that brings everyone together without much fuss. Honestly, these skewers remind me of fun times with friends and family, where no one worries about napkins—they just enjoy the mess and flavor.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Tater tots
- The star of this recipe! Use frozen ones for convenience and the perfect crispy texture. If you want a healthier twist, try air-frying them instead of baking.
- Cheddar cheese
- Sharp cheddar melts nicely and adds great flavor. You can swap with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend if you prefer a milder taste.
- Bacon
- Crispy bacon gives a salty crunch. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based bacon or smoked tempeh bits. Turkey bacon also works well for less fat.
- Sour cream
- Adds creaminess and balances the saltiness. Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want less fat but still creamy texture.
- Green onions
- They add freshness and a bit of bite. If you don’t have green onions, chives or finely diced mild white onion are good alternatives.
How Do I Keep Tater Tots Crispy When Loaded and Baked?
Crispiness is key to enjoying these skewers! To keep tater tots crispy under all the toppings, follow these tips:
- Bake tater tots first at high heat until golden and crispy before skewering.
- Let them cool slightly before threading to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for even air flow and less moisture buildup.
- Add cheese and pops back in oven for just a few minutes until melted, so tots don’t soften too much.
- Serve immediately after adding bacon and sour cream for the best crunchy-cheesy bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven – for baking the tater tots crispy and melting cheese perfectly.
- Baking sheet – to spread tater tots out so they crisp evenly without sticking.
- Parchment paper or foil – helps with easy cleanup and keeps tots from sticking to the pan.
- Wooden skewers – soak them in water first to stop burning and make threading easier.
- Spoon or squeeze bottle – for drizzling sour cream neatly over the skewers.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a spicy kick that livens up the tots.
- Use diced ham or cooked chorizo instead of bacon for a meaty twist with different flavors.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or jalapeños between tots on the skewers for extra color and crunch.
- Top with a drizzle of BBQ sauce or sriracha mayo instead of sour cream for a tangy or spicy change.
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 32 frozen tater tots
- 8 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for drizzling)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: finely diced red onions for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30-35 minutes total. You’ll spend 20-25 minutes baking the tater tots until crispy, a few minutes threading them onto skewers, then 3-5 minutes more baking with cheese and toppings. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a tasty snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Tater Tots:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen tater tots out on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden and crispy. Let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
2. Make the Skewers & Add Cheese:
Thread 8 tater tots evenly onto each soaked wooden skewer. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots on each skewer.
3. Melt Cheese & Add Toppings:
Return the skewers to the oven and bake for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Take them out and immediately sprinkle crumbled bacon on top. Drizzle sour cream over the skewers, then garnish with green onions. Serve warm, optionally with diced red onions on the side.
Can I Use Frozen Tater Tots Straight from the Bag?
Yes! Bake the frozen tater tots directly without thawing. Just follow the baking time on the package to ensure they get crispy before assembling the skewers.
How Do I Keep the Skewers From Burning in the Oven?
Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using. This helps prevent them from burning while baking.
Can I Make Loaded Tater Tot Skewers Ahead of Time?
You can bake the tater tots and prepare the bacon in advance, then assemble and melt the cheese right before serving. For best crispiness, serve immediately after adding the toppings.
What’s a Good Dip to Serve with These Skewers?
Sour cream is traditional, but ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or BBQ sauce make excellent dipping options to complement the flavors.