If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing snack that is utterly irresistible and full of flavor, let me introduce you to these Loaded Tater Tot Party Skewers. Crispy, cheesy, and topped with savory bacon bits and fresh green onions, these skewers transform simple frozen tater tots into a decadent treat perfect for any gathering. The combination of warm melted cheddar, smoky bacon, and a cool sour cream drizzle will have everyone reaching for seconds before you know it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it delightfully straightforward, relying on a few key ingredients that come together to deliver maximum taste and texture. Each component plays a special role: crispy tater tots provide the perfect base, cheddar cheese adds gooey richness, bacon contributes that smoky crunch, green onions brighten it up with freshness, and sour cream ties everything together with a creamy tang.
- Frozen tater tots: The golden, crispy foundation that’s easy to bake and even easier to love.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly over the tots, adding a sharp and creamy layer.
- Cooked bacon, crumbled: Brings a smoky, salty punch that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
- Sliced green onions: Adds a pop of color and a mild oniony freshness to balance the richness.
- Sour cream: For drizzling, it cools the palate and adds a luscious finishing touch.
- Wooden appetizer skewers: Essential for threading the tots and making this snack fun and easy to eat.
How to Make Loaded Tater Tot Party Skewers
Step 1: Bake the Tater Tots
Start by baking your frozen tater tots at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and irresistibly crispy. This high-heat baking ensures the perfect crunchy exterior that holds up nicely on the skewers while locking in every bit of that soft, fluffy potato center.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
Once baked, take your wooden appetizer skewers and thread about 4 to 5 crispy tater tots onto each one. Placing them side by side on a lined baking tray makes it easier to add toppings evenly and prepare for the next step.
Step 3: Top With Cheese and Bacon
Now for the best part—generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon over each skewer. The cheese will melt atop the hot tots, and the bacon adds that must-have savory crunch. Pop them back into the oven for 3 to 4 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt into a gooey blanket covering each tot.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Remove your Loaded Tater Tot Party Skewers from the oven and immediately drizzle sour cream over them. Then sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh burst of flavor and color contrast. These little details make all the difference!
How to Serve Loaded Tater Tot Party Skewers
Garnishes
To elevate these skewers even further, consider garnishing with a pinch of smoked paprika, fresh chives, or even a light drizzle of hot sauce. Each garnish layer adds a new twist and brings out different sides of this fun and flavorful snack.
Side Dishes
Loaded Tater Tot Party Skewers shine best alongside simple sides like a crisp green salad or creamy coleslaw. These options brighten up the plate and provide a refreshing balance to the rich, cheesy skewers, turning your snack into a more complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your skewers standing upright in a tall glass or ceramic pot filled with coarse salt or uncooked rice for a playful display. Alternatively, arrange them on a platter with small bowls of extra sour cream, ranch dressing, or guacamole for dipping—making it an interactive and fun party spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), store your Loaded Tater Tot Party Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Be sure to keep the sour cream separate or add it fresh when reheating to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked tater tots, freezing assembled and topped skewers isn’t ideal because of the cheese and sour cream. Instead, freeze leftover baked tater tots alone in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed container for up to one month. Reheat and assemble freshly when ready.
Reheating
The best way to reheat these skewers is in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the tots soggy and the cheese rubbery. Add toppings like sour cream and green onions fresh after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for its sharpness and meltability, feel free to experiment with pepper jack for some heat, mozzarella for gooey stretch, or even a smoky gouda to deepen the flavor profile.
Are these skewers suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! Tater tots are usually gluten-free—but always check the packaging to confirm. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making these skewers a fun option for those avoiding gluten as long as your toppings are safe.
What’s the best way to cook the bacon?
For crispy bacon that crumbles easily, bake it on a wire rack in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes. This keeps it crunchy without the mess of frying and gives you perfect crumbles for topping your skewers.
Can I make these vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, skip the bacon and add extra cheese or substitute with sautéed mushrooms or crispy fried onions for texture and flavor. You can also include diced bell peppers for a fresh crunch.
How do I keep the skewers from sliding off?
Make sure your tater tots are well baked and slightly cooled before threading. Thread the tots tightly and evenly, pressing gently to create stability, so they don’t spin or slide around while serving or eating.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and endlessly satisfying about Loaded Tater Tot Party Skewers. They’re the perfect handheld treat that elevates a simple side into a tasty party sensation. Once you try them, these skewers will quickly become your go-to for game days, family get-togethers, or any time you want to wow your guests with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. So grab those tots and get skewering—your next favorite snack awaits!
PrintLoaded Tater Tot Party Skewers
Loaded Tater Tot 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 game days, these skewers combine savory flavors and textures in a convenient handheld snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Skewers
- 32 frozen tater tots
- Wooden appetizer skewers
Toppings
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tbsp sliced green onions
- ¼ cup sour cream (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Bake the Tater Tots: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 20–25 minutes until they are golden brown and crisp.
- Assemble the Skewers: Once the tots are cooled slightly, thread 4 to 5 tater tots evenly onto each wooden appetizer skewer. Lay the skewers on a lined baking tray.
- Add Toppings and Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon evenly over the tater tot skewers. Return the tray to the oven for an additional 3–4 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skewers from the oven and drizzle sour cream over them. Garnish with the sliced green onions. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cook the bacon ahead of time and crumble it finely for easy topping.
- Use firm wooden skewers to hold the tots securely without breaking.
- For a spicier version, sprinkle some chili powder or jalapeño slices before melting the cheese.
- These skewers are best served immediately to enjoy the crispy texture and melted cheese.