Loaded Tater Tots smothered in bacon, ranch dressing, and cheese. This easy, loaded totchos appetizer is a crowd favorite.
It’s winter time, which means cold weather and comfort foods. On the coldest of days — those oh-so-cold days that make your teeth chatter when you step outdoors — my family likes to stay inside to watch movies and play our favorite board games. These are the days that call for some really delicious snacks like Loaded Tater Tots.
Speaking of Totchos, have you seen my Buffalo Chicken Totchos recipe? It’s TO DIE FOR!
Loaded Tots are also the perfect game-day food. I love making this on Football Sunday. Another great snack for game day is Sheet Pan Nachos. The secret to the best nachos is in the sauce! Nom. Nom. Nom.
See how easy it is to make these loaded tots:
If it is game-day grub you are looking for, be sure to also check out these recipes for homemade Hot Dog Chili, Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches, and Easy 4-Layer Dip.
Tater Tots cooked crispy then smothered and covered with a cheesy, ranch and bacon topping. Seriously. Doesn’t that sound AMAZING right now?
Loaded Totchos are basically Nachos… only way better.
Does It Have To Be Tots?
Nope! Because potatoes are so versatile, you can substitute pretty much any form of them in this recipe. The tots work well though because they are easy to share and snack on. Of course, you could go with french fries if they’re more your speed. You could even try using hash browns, which are pretty much larger, flatter versions of tater tots. You could dress each hash brown individually. And yes, if you’re a traditionalist, you can apply the same toppings to a jacket potato, though that would create more of a side dish than something snacky.
Ingredients
- 32 oz. tater tots, enough to fill an 11×17 baking sheet
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup (or more) shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled
Instructions
- HEAT oven to 425ºF. Place the tater tots in an even layer on an 11×17 baking sheet.
- Bake tots according to package directions, until golden brown and crispy.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix sour cream and dressing.
- Spread sour cream mixture over cooked tater tots. Sprinkle with cheese, bacon and parsley.
- Return to the oven for just a couple of minutes, until cheese has begun to melt. Serve immediately.
FAQs
The original KRAFT Recipe on SamsClub.com calls for 4 slices of Oscar Mayer Bacon, but my family really like bacon, A LOT, so I added a bit more. Their ratio of sour cream and dressing is a little different than my own, as well. I bumped up the ranch ratio a bit since my family like it so much.
I had intended to use fresh chopped chives like the original recipe calls for. I usually do, but I forgot to pick some up for the store. Parsley is a great substitute if you don’t have chives. Just use whatever herbs you have on hand.
I recommend using Parchment paper to line the pan. Cleaning up baked-on cheese is difficult. Why waste the elbow grease.
Spray the tots with cooking spray or brush them lightly with oil before putting them in the oven.
Of course! I prefer cheddar but you can use whichever kind you want. Monterey jack would work well.
How To Store Loaded Tater Tots
You can keep the tots refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Or you can freeze them by putting them in an airtight container then placing that container in a bag. They should keep for up to 3 months. When you want to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight or on the ‘defrost’ setting on your microwave. Then warm them in the oven on 350 F for 10-15 minutes. You can also warm them up in a pan on the stovetop on a medium temperature.
Be sure to try these other delicious recipes:
Slow Cooker Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs | Cheeseburger Soup | Rigatoni Pasta Bake
Loaded Totchos Recipe
Ingredients
- 32 oz. Tots Potatoes enough to fill an 11×17 baking sheet
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 cup Ranch Dressing
- 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup or more Shredded Cheese (I prefer Cheddar but use whichever kind of cheese you like.)
- 6 slices Bacon cooked, crumbled
Instructions
- HEAT oven to 425ºF. Place TATER TOTS in an even layer on an 11×17 baking sheet. Bake TATER TOTS according to package directions, until golden brown and crispy.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix sour cream and dressing.
- Spread sour cream mixture over cooked TATER TOTS. Sprinkle with cheese, bacon and parsley. Return to the oven for just a couple of minutes, until cheese has begun to melt. Serve immediately.
You might also like:
Game Day Half-Time Brownies
Layered Taco Casserole
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Melt
4 Killer Hot Dog Recipes to Kick Off Summer
Just discovered these recently at a local sports bar…they added a layer of green chili – I couldn’t get enough – they were so good!!
I love this!!! What an easy delish potato dish!!! Thanks for sharing
Sally
I saved this recipe as my boyfriend found this and wanted to try them. Let me tell you, they did not disappoint. I made them as a snack for watching football and they may be my new go-to snack. These were to die for!!
I was trying to figure out what totchos were at first LOL! That looks really good! I might make this for the Superbowl party!
i’ll be adding jalapenos (pickled), pico de gallo (fresh chopped jalapenos, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice), chunky guacamole, sour cream (with lime zest + juice, mega-amount of chopped cilantro, adobo or Tabasco Scorpion sauce to taste), LOTS more grated cheese (sharp cheddar + Monterey Jack), and a veritable shower of chopped green onions. i also do a Frito Pie Burrito with similar ingredients but rolled up in a large flour tortilla — the Fritos go in between the pico de gallo and the grated cheeses.
Such a fun idea. They look tasty. I will give them a shot
Oh, my goodness, these look delicious. I would eat the entire thing myself.
Absolutely scrumptious!
I adore you two! Recipes that are tasty, quick, and simple. Bring them on!