Introduction

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are a fun, creative twist on the classic loaded tater tots, offering a playful way to enjoy this beloved snack. Imagine crispy, golden tater tots threaded onto skewers, then piled high with all your favorite toppings—melted cheese, crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. Each bite is a perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and savory flavors, making these skewers a hit at any gathering.

The first time I made Loaded Tater Tot Skewers, I was surprised by how easy they were to prepare, yet how impressive they looked when they came out of the oven. The smell of crispy tater tots combined with the savory aroma of melted cheese and bacon made my kitchen feel like a party itself. As I arranged the skewers, I could already tell these were going to be a crowd favorite, and the moment I took my first bite, I knew I had created something special.

What I love most about these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers is how versatile they are. You can customize them to suit any taste or dietary need—try swapping the bacon for turkey bacon or adding a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor. They’re perfect for game day, a casual party, or even a fun family dinner. No matter how you serve them, these skewers are guaranteed to bring smiles and empty plates, making them the ultimate snack for any occasion.

Perfect for:

Game day snacks
Party appetizers
Family gatherings
Movie nights
Creative side dishes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Loaded Tater Tot Skewers will be your new go-to party snack:

Crispy and Flavorful: The tater tots are crispy on the outside while soft and pillowy on the inside, making every bite a perfect mix of textures.
Customizable Toppings: With endless topping options, you can create your own loaded tater tot skewers tailored to everyone’s taste—whether you like extra cheese, spicy jalapeños, or a dollop of guacamole.
Fun to Eat: Serving tater tots on skewers adds a playful element that makes them even more enjoyable to eat, especially at parties or gatherings.
Perfect for Sharing: The skewers are easy to pass around and share, making them a great addition to any social event.
Versatile: These skewers can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course when paired with your favorite dipping sauces.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers:

32 oz frozen tater tots (about 40-45 tots)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 strips turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Ingredient Highlights

Tater Tots: These are the heart of the recipe, providing a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, fluffy interior that everyone loves.
Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheddar adds a rich, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy tater tots.
Turkey Bacon: Crumbled turkey bacon provides a savory, crispy crunch without the heaviness of regular bacon.
Sour Cream: Adds a cool and creamy element to balance the rich and savory flavors.
Green Onions: These offer a fresh, sharp bite that complements the richness of the cheese and bacon.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Loaded Tater Tot Skewers:

Prepare the Tater Tots:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Cook the Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake according to the package instructions, usually for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip the tots halfway through to ensure even crisping.
Season (Optional): Once cooked, sprinkle the tater tots with ranch seasoning for extra flavor, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the Toppings:

Cook the Turkey Bacon: While the tater tots are baking, cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the bacon on a paper towel and crumble it into small pieces.
Shred the Cheese: Shred the cheddar cheese or use pre-shredded cheese for convenience.

Assemble the Skewers:

Thread the Tater Tots: Once the tater tots are cooked and crispy, thread them onto the soaked wooden skewers, about 5-6 tots per skewer. Make sure to leave a bit of space between each tot for easy handling and even topping.
Top the Skewers: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots while they are still hot, allowing it to melt slightly. Follow with crumbled turkey bacon and a drizzle of sour cream.
Garnish: Top with chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and color.

Serve the Skewers:

Serve Immediately: Serve the loaded tater tot skewers while they’re still warm. Enjoy as an appetizer or snack with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or spicy mayo.

How to Serve

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some ideas:

As Appetizers: Serve the skewers as a fun and shareable appetizer at a party or dinner gathering. They’re perfect for nibbling while mingling with guests.
For Game Day: Set up a game-day snack station with loaded tater tot skewers, chips, and dip. They’re guaranteed to be a hit during the big game.
With Dipping Sauces: Serve alongside a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo for an extra burst of flavor.
With Salad: Pair the skewers with a fresh salad for a lighter meal option. The contrast of flavors will make for a delicious combination.
As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside burgers, hot dogs, or grilled meats as a creative twist on traditional fries or potato side dishes.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are a success:

Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave space between the tater tots on the skewers to ensure they cook evenly and that the toppings stay in place.
Use Soaked Wooden Skewers: Soaking the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using them helps prevent them from burning during cooking.
Keep Toppings Warm: To prevent the cheese from hardening, keep your toppings warm while you assemble the skewers. You can place the bacon in the oven to stay warm or use a microwave-safe dish to heat the cheese.
Try Different Cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
Customize the Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Try adding jalapeños for heat, sautéed onions for extra flavor, or even guacamole for a creamy twist.

Recipe Variations

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

BBQ Chicken Skewers: Top your tater tots with shredded BBQ chicken, cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce for a savory and smoky flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Skewers: Add buffalo chicken on top of the tater tots, followed by blue cheese crumbles and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Mexican-Inspired Skewers: Layer the tater tots with seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, salsa, and sour cream for a taco-inspired version.
Veggie Skewers: Top your tater tots with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Breakfast Skewers: Add scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, and shredded cheese to your tater tot skewers for a fun breakfast option.
Pizza Skewers: Top the tots with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and mini pepperoni for a pizza-inspired snack.
Tex-Mex Skewers: Add guacamole, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños for a spicy Tex-Mex twist.
Cheesy Garlic Skewers: Top the tots with garlic butter, mozzarella cheese, and parsley for a cheesy garlic bread version.
Philly Cheesesteak Skewers: Add thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and melted provolone cheese for a Philly cheesesteak-inspired treat.
Cajun Skewers: Season your tater tots with Cajun spices, then top with shrimp, bell peppers, and a creamy Cajun sauce.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: If you have leftovers, you can freeze the tater tot skewers before adding the toppings. To freeze, cook the tater tots, thread them onto the skewers, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for storage. Reheat in the oven and add toppings when ready to serve.
Storage: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for the best crispiness before serving.

Special Equipment

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

Wooden Skewers: Use soaked wooden skewers for easy assembly and to prevent burning during cooking.
Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet is perfect for cooking the tater tots evenly in the oven.
Skillet: A skillet is useful for cooking the turkey bacon until crispy.
Shredder or Grater: Use a shredder or grater to easily shred your cheese for a smooth, meltable topping.
Microwave-Safe Dish: A microwave-safe dish is helpful for keeping your toppings warm as you assemble the skewers.

FAQ Section

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, you can use regular bacon if you prefer. Just cook it until crispy, drain the fat, and crumble it as needed.
Can I make these skewers in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve. Add the cheese and sour cream just before serving.
How do I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy?
Be sure not to over-soak the tater tots and serve them while they’re still hot and crispy.
Can I use frozen diced potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes will work well in place of tater tots. Just cook them according to the package instructions and thread them onto the skewers.
Can I make these skewers vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the bacon and load up the skewers with your favorite vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.

Conclusion

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are the ultimate snack for any occasion, combining crispy tater tots with a variety of delicious toppings to create a fun and shareable treat. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a casual meal, these skewers are sure to impress with their bold flavors and satisfying crunch. The customizable nature of the recipe allows you to get creative with your favorite toppings, making each skewer a unique and delightful bite.

Perfect for serving as an appetizer, side dish, or even a snack, these skewers are the definition of comfort food. From creamy cheese to savory bacon, and fresh herbs to tangy sauces, the possibilities for flavor combinations are endless. It’s a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and it’s bound to become a staple at your gatherings.

I can’t wait to see how your Loaded Tater Tot Skewers turn out! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram so I can see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to share any tweaks or topping combinations you tried in the comments below!