Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

Introduction

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are the ultimate party appetizer, combining crispy tater tots with savory toppings for a fun and delicious snack. These skewers are fully loaded with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions, offering a bite-sized version of a classic loaded potato. Whether you’re hosting a game day, having a backyard barbecue, or just craving a comfort food snack, these skewers will surely impress your guests and satisfy your hunger.

I first made these when I was looking for a fun twist on the classic loaded potato, and they became an instant hit. The combination of crispy tater tots and savory toppings makes every bite irresistible. You can customize the toppings to suit your taste—add jalapeños for a spicy kick or drizzle with ranch dressing for extra flavor.

The best part is how easy these are to make. Just skewer your tater tots, add your toppings, and bake until everything is golden and melty. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or just indulging in a snack on your own, Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time!

Perfect for:

• Game day parties
• Family gatherings
• BBQs and cookouts
• Casual snack time
• Potlucks and picnics

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

Here’s why Loaded Tater Tot Skewers will become your go-to appetizer:

• Crispy and Golden: The tater tots are perfectly crispy on the outside, with a soft and fluffy interior, making them the perfect base for the loaded toppings.
• Easy to Make: These skewers are simple to assemble and can be baked in the oven or grilled for an extra smoky flavor.
• Finger Food Fun: Skewering the tater tots makes these loaded bites easy to serve and eat, making them perfect for sharing at parties.
• Versatile: This recipe can be modified to suit dietary preferences, from using vegetarian bacon to adding different types of cheese or even switching up the dipping sauces.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 skewers
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 7g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers:

• 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if wooden)

Ingredient Highlights

• Tater Tots: The star of the show, tater tots are golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering the perfect base for the loaded toppings.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheddar cheese adds richness and a sharp flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory bacon and tangy sour cream.
• Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon provides a salty crunch, complementing the creamy cheese and smooth sour cream.
• Green Onions: Fresh green onions offer a burst of freshness and a mild onion flavor to balance the richness of the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Loaded Tater Tot Skewers:

Prepare the Tater Tots:

1. Cook the Tater Tots: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake according to package instructions, typically 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
2. Prepare the Skewers: While the tater tots are baking, soak the wooden skewers in water for about 10-15 minutes to prevent burning. If using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
3. Prepare the Toppings: While the tater tots bake, crumble the cooked bacon, shred the cheese, chop the green onions, and set the sour cream aside in a small bowl for dipping.

Assemble the Skewers:

4. Skewer the Tater Tots: Once the tater tots are cooked, allow them to cool slightly for handling. Thread the tater tots onto the skewers, about 5-6 tater tots per skewer, leaving a little space between them.
5. Add the Toppings: After all the tater tots are skewered, sprinkle them with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return the skewers to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish: Remove the skewers from the oven and top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.

Serve:

7. Serve and Enjoy: Place the skewers on a platter and serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey. Optionally, serve with additional sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce on the side.

How to Serve Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are a fun and delicious appetizer that can be served in many different ways:

• As a Party Appetizer: Serve these skewers on a platter with toothpicks or dipping sauces for easy snacking during parties or gatherings.
• As a Side Dish: These skewers can be served as a side dish alongside burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats for a hearty and indulgent meal.
• With a Dipping Sauce: Pair these skewers with ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or BBQ sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• As a Snack: Enjoy these skewers as a quick and tasty snack while watching your favorite show or during casual hangouts.

Additional Tips for Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

Here are some tips to make your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers perfect every time:

• Use Frozen Tater Tots: For ease and convenience, frozen tater tots work best for this recipe, but you can also use homemade tater tots if you prefer.
• Customize the Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. Add jalapeños for heat, switch up the cheese for a different variety, or even use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
• Grill for Extra Flavor: If you’re grilling, preheat the grill to medium heat and cook the skewers for a smoky twist. Make sure to watch them closely to avoid burning.
• Pre-Cook the Bacon: For the best texture and flavor, make sure to cook the bacon until crispy before crumbling it for the skewers.
• Use a Large Baking Sheet: Spread the tater tots evenly on a large baking sheet to ensure they bake evenly and get crispy all around.

Recipe Variations for Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

Here are 10 variations you can try for Loaded Tater Tot Skewers:

• Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Skewers: Add pieces of cooked buffalo chicken along with the cheese and bacon for a spicy twist.
• Tex-Mex Tater Tot Skewers: Top with shredded Mexican cheese, crumbled chorizo, and a dollop of guacamole or salsa for a Tex-Mex-inspired flavor.
• BBQ Tater Tot Skewers: Add BBQ sauce along with cheddar cheese and crispy bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian Tater Tot Skewers: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and black beans for a vegetarian option.
• Cheesy Jalapeño Tater Tot Skewers: For a spicy kick, top with jalapeños and melted pepper jack cheese.
• Poutine Tater Tot Skewers: Drizzle with brown gravy and top with cheese curds for a fun twist on the classic poutine.
• Mediterranean Tater Tot Skewers: Add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired topping.
• Sausage Tater Tot Skewers: Add cooked sausage slices for an extra meaty topping.
• Italian Tater Tot Skewers: Add mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and fresh basil for an Italian flavor.
• Cheese and Spinach Tater Tot Skewers: Add sautéed spinach and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a delicious green veggie version.

Freezing and Storage Skewers

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked and skewered tater tots before baking them with cheese. To freeze, lay the assembled skewers flat on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or on a grill to regain the crispiness.

Special Equipment for Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers easier:

• Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers will help you assemble the tater tots for easy serving.
• Baking Sheet: Use a large baking sheet to bake your tater tots and melt the cheese.
• Oven: An oven is the best way to cook the tater tots to a crispy perfection and melt the cheese.
• Grill (optional): If you’re grilling the skewers, a grill adds an extra smoky flavor.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for toppings and seasonings.
• Tongs or Spatula: These will help you flip or arrange the skewers without disturbing the toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions for Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

1. Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the skewers ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Bake or grill them just before serving.
2. Can I make these skewers vegetarian?
   Yes, simply omit the bacon and use vegetarian toppings like sautéed mushrooms, avocado, or veggies.
3. Can I bake the skewers instead of grilling them?
   Yes, the oven is the easiest way to cook the skewers, but grilling will add a smoky flavor if you prefer.
4. How do I reheat leftover skewers?
   Reheat the skewers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted again and the tater tots are crispy.
5. Can I freeze the skewers?
   Yes, freeze the assembled skewers before baking and cook them from frozen when you’re ready.

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Conclusion

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are the ultimate snack or party appetizer, taking the beloved tater tot to the next level. Crispy, golden tater tots are threaded onto skewers and topped with all the classic baked potato fixings—cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions. The best part? You can customize them however you like, adding your favorite toppings or dipping sauces for the perfect bite.

These skewers are easy to make and even easier to devour, making them ideal for everything from casual gatherings to big celebrations. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.

I can’t wait to see how your skewers turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!