Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

Introduction

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are a fun and creative way to enjoy everyone’s favorite comfort food—tater tots. These skewers take crispy, golden tater tots and pile them high with delicious toppings like melted cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives. They make for an easy appetizer, party snack, or a fun twist on a classic dinner. Perfect for any gathering, these skewers offer all the flavors of a loaded baked potato in a handheld, shareable form.

I made these for a casual get-together with friends, and they were an instant hit. The combination of crispy tater tots and gooey cheese is irresistible, and the bacon adds the perfect crunch. The best part is how customizable they are—you can add extra toppings like jalapeños, guacamole, or even chili to make them your own. The skewers also make serving a breeze, and everyone can grab their own without any mess.

What’s great about these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers is that they’re surprisingly simple to put together, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a fun, shareable snack, these skewers will never disappoint!

Perfect for:

• Party appetizers
• Game day snacks
• Family dinners
• Potlucks
• Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

Here’s why Loaded Tater Tot Skewers will become your new favorite snack:

• Crispy and Savory: The tater tots are perfectly crispy, giving them a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy and savory toppings.
• Customizable: You can load your skewers with any toppings you like, from cheese and bacon to veggies or even a drizzle of ranch dressing.
• Fun to Eat: Serving tater tots on skewers adds an interactive and fun element to any meal or snack.
• Quick and Easy: These skewers are easy to assemble and cook, making them the perfect last-minute treat or side dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of tater tots and classic loaded potato toppings is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories (based on 6 servings)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers:

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: ranch dressing, jalapeños, green onions, or guacamole

Ingredient Highlights

• Tater Tots: These crispy little potato bites are the perfect base for all your favorite toppings, adding both flavor and texture to each bite.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar provides a creamy and sharp flavor that melts beautifully over the tater tots.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon crumbles bring a savory, smoky element to the skewers.
• Sour Cream: Adds a cool and creamy finish, balancing the richness of the cheese and bacon.

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 400°F (200°C). Arrange the frozen tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake according to the package instructions, usually for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
2. Prepare the Skewers: While the tater tots are baking, prepare your skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10-15 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.

Assemble the Skewers:

3. Assemble the Skewers: Once the tater tots are cooked, allow them to cool slightly. Carefully slide them onto the skewers, alternating with layers of crumbled bacon and shredded cheese. You can add 4-5 tater tots per skewer, depending on the size of the skewer and the amount of toppings.
4. Melt the Cheese: Arrange the assembled skewers on a baking sheet and place them back in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Add the Toppings:

5. Add the Finishing Touches: Remove the skewers from the oven. Drizzle each skewer with a generous spoonful of sour cream, then sprinkle with chopped chives. If desired, add optional toppings such as jalapeños, green onions, or a drizzle of ranch dressing.
6. Serve: Serve the skewers immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is still melted.

How to Serve Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are a fun and versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

• As an Appetizer: These skewers are perfect for parties, game day, or as a fun snack before dinner.
• With Dips: Serve with additional dips on the side, such as ranch, guacamole, or salsa.
• As a Side Dish: Pair these loaded tater tots with burgers, grilled chicken, or any other main dish for a hearty and flavorful side.
• For Meal Prep: These skewers can be prepped ahead and then baked just before serving for a quick and easy dinner or snack.

Additional Tips for Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

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

• Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave space between the tater tots on the skewer to ensure even cooking and easier assembly.
• Experiment with Toppings: Add your favorite toppings such as jalapeños, avocado slices, or even shredded lettuce to customize your skewers.
• Use a Non-stick Pan: If using wooden skewers to bake, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the cheese from sticking.
• Preheat the Skewers: If you’re making these for a larger group, preheat the skewers in the oven with cheese on top to ensure the cheese melts evenly before serving.
• Serve Immediately: These skewers are best served fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still gooey.

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 cooked shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce to the skewers for a spicy twist.
• BBQ Pulled Pork Tater Tot Skewers: Swap the bacon for pulled pork and drizzle with BBQ sauce for a southern-inspired version.
• Tex-Mex Tater Tot Skewers: Add diced tomatoes, avocado, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a fresh, Tex-Mex style.
• Veggie Loaded Tater Tot Skewers: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for a vegetarian option.
• Cheesy Jalapeño Tater Tot Skewers: Add fresh jalapeño slices for some heat and top with extra cheese.
• Steak and Tater Tot Skewers: Add thin slices of grilled steak in between the tater tots for a more substantial, meaty option.
• Breakfast Tater Tot Skewers: Top the skewers with scrambled eggs, bacon, and melted cheese for a breakfast-inspired dish.
• Cheddar Ranch Tater Tot Skewers: Drizzle ranch dressing over the skewers and sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese for an extra indulgent treat.
• Spicy Sriracha Tater Tot Skewers: Drizzle sriracha sauce over the skewers for a bold, spicy kick.
• Mushroom and Swiss Tater Tot Skewers: Add sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for a savory, earthy variation.

Freezing and Storage for Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

• Freezing: To freeze, assemble the skewers and bake the tater tots. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until hot.
• Storage: Store leftover loaded tater tot skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to warm through.

Special Equipment for Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

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

• Wooden or Metal Skewers: Use these to assemble the tater tots and toppings. Soak wooden skewers in water before using to prevent burning.
• Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet for cooking the tater tots and melting the cheese on the skewers.
• Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper: These can help prevent the skewers from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping and handling the skewers while assembling or serving.
• Grater: For shredding cheese quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh homemade tater tots, but make sure they are cooked until crispy before assembling the skewers.

Can I make the skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Can I substitute the bacon with something else?
Yes, you can use sausage, ground beef, or even vegetarian bacon as a substitute for bacon.

How do I prevent the cheese from sliding off?
Make sure the cheese is melted just enough to stick to the tater tots. You can also melt the cheese in the oven before adding it to the skewers.

Can I serve these skewers with a dipping sauce?
Yes, they’re perfect for dipping! Try ranch dressing, ketchup, or even guacamole.

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Conclusion

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are a fun and creative way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With crispy tater tots, melted cheese, and a variety of customizable toppings, these skewers are perfect for any occasion, from parties to casual dinners. They’re quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, making them a surefire hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers or a snack, these handheld delights are sure to please everyone.

This recipe is as simple to prepare as it is enjoyable to eat, making it ideal for everything from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. No matter how you choose to top them, these loaded tater tot skewers will be a crowd-pleaser.

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