The first time I made these, they disappeared faster than I could plate them.
If you are looking for an easy party finger food that tastes indulgent but requires almost no effort, these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are your recipe.
They hit the crunchy, salty, cheesy, and creamy notes in one bite — and they’re perfect for game day or a lazy weeknight snack.
I usually make a double batch and set out a bowl of sour cream for dipping.
They’re forgiving, swap-friendly, and ready in under 45 minutes from freezer to table.
If you like tater-tot classics, you’ll also enjoy a more casserole-style take like this tater tot casserole for a full meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super shareable: skewers make it easy to pass around at gatherings.
- Minimal hands-on time: most of the work is baking, not assembly.
- Crowd-pleasing flavors: smoky bacon + sharp cheddar + crispy tots = winner.
- Customizable: swap toppings to suit picky eaters or dietary needs.
The textures are what sell it. The tater tots provide a uniform, salty crisp exterior with a pillowy interior that contrasts beautifully with melted cheddar. The bacon adds a smoky crunch and the green onions bring a hit of freshness that cuts through the richness. Served warm with tangy sour cream, each skewer is a balance of temperature contrasts and complementary flavors.
"Five stars — made these for a Super Bowl party and everyone wanted the recipe. Crispy, cheesy, and totally addictive." — reader M.K.
Key Ingredients
Tater tots (frozen)
Tater tots are the base and they determine the final texture. Choose a brand that bakes up extra-crispy if you want a firmer bite; thicker tots hold together better on skewers.
Cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
Freshly grated sharp cheddar melts more evenly and won’t contain the anti-caking agents that sometimes stop low-moisture pre-shredded cheese from melting smoothly. Use a mid-sharp or sharp cheddar for a noticeable tang.
Bacon (finely chopped)
Crispy bacon delivers both texture and smoke. Buy center-cut or thick-cut bacon and finely chop and pre-cook until browned so it crisps further on the skewers without releasing excess fat.
Green onions (chopped)
Green onions are a bright, inexpensive way to add color and a mild onion note. Use both green and white parts for flavor variety and save half for garnish so the final skewers look fresh.
Full ingredient list:
- 48 tater tots (frozen)
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
- 8 slices bacon (finely chopped)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- sour cream (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the tater tots
Follow the package instructions to bake the tater tots.
I baked mine at 425°F for 28 minutes, flipping them once halfway through to promote even browning.
Pro Tip: Preheat the pan in the oven for a minute; a hot sheet helps the tots crisp on contact. You’ll know they’re ready when the outsides are evenly golden brown.
Step 2: Cool and skewer
Take the baked tots out of the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes so they’re safe to handle.
Once they’re cool enough, thread 4 to 6 tater tots onto each skewer.
Pro Tip: Use metal skewers or soak wooden skewers in water for 10–15 minutes to prevent burning. The tots should feel firm but still warm — too-hot will make them slide.
Step 3: Assemble on the baking sheet
Arrange the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle cheese over the tater tots, followed by bacon bits, and then scatter half of the chopped green onion across the skewers.
Pro Tip: Leave a little space between skewers so heat circulates and the cheese melts evenly. Visual cue: you should still see individual tots under the cheese before returning to the oven.
Step 4: Melt the cheese and finish
Place them back in the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the bacon is warmed.
Remove from the oven and garnish with the remaining green onions.
Serve with a side of sour cream for dipping.
Pro Tip: For a broiler finish, move the tray to the top rack for the last 45 seconds to 1 minute—watch closely to avoid burning. The cheese should be glossy and slightly bubbling.
Expert Tips for Success
- Temperature control matters: I recommend 425°F for the initial bake because it crisps the tots without drying them. If your oven runs hot, reduce by 15–25°F.
- Use freshly grated cheese: it melts into a smoother blanket. Pre-shredded cheese can look grainy and won’t string or bind as well.
- Crisp the bacon separately: cook the bacon in a skillet or bake on a sheet until evenly browned. Chop it finely so it sits nicely on the tots and doesn’t weigh them down.
- Assembly efficiency: line up all ingredients before you start threading so assembly becomes an assembly-line task, ideal for parties.
- Skewer size choice: 4–6 tots per skewer works well; larger skewers can be cumbersome to eat and may cool before guests can finish.
- Prevent sogginess: avoid stacking skewers; single-layer on parchment ensures air reaches each tot. If making ahead, don’t top with cheese until just before the reheating step.
- Make them dairy-free: swap cheddar for a melting dairy-free cheese and finish with a drizzle of dairy-free sour cream or tangy cashew cream.
- Shortcut for speed: use pre-cooked bacon bits if you’re short on time, but crisp them in a skillet for a minute to wake up the flavor.
- Tool tip: a small offset spatula helps you lift skewers off the sheet without scraping the melted cheese.
- Flavor layering: add a tiny pinch of smoked paprika on the cheese before the final bake for an extra smoky note without extra bacon.
Storage & Freezing
Fridge: Store cooled skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Line the container with parchment to absorb any residual oil and keep the cheese from sticking.
Reheating from fridge: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 6–8 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the tots are heated through.
A toaster oven works well for single skewers to keep them crispy.
Freezer: For longer storage, flash-freeze assembled (but not cheesed) skewers on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Freeze without sour cream or fresh onion; add those fresh after reheating.
Reheating from frozen: Bake directly from frozen at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, adding cheese in the last 5–7 minutes so it melts perfectly.
If you thaw overnight, follow the fridge reheating instructions.
Variations & Substitutions
- BBQ Loaded: Swap cheddar for smoked gouda and sprinkle chopped scallions and a drizzle of BBQ sauce after baking for a tangy-sweet twist.
- Vegetarian: Replace bacon with caramelized mushrooms or smoked tempeh crumbles to keep a smoky, meaty texture.
- Spicy kick: Mix a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder into the cheese before sprinkling, and serve with sriracha-mixed sour cream for dipping.
- Party platter: Thread smaller tots with cubes of ham and small pickle slices for a salty, tangy hors d’oeuvre.
If you like creative skewers, try pairing this snack with a lighter cheese-and-veg option like these feta skewers with cucumber for variety on the table.
Or keep things hearty by offering a pasta side like this loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta to make it a full meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What size skewers should I use?
Use 6-inch skewers for easy handling and portion control. Wooden skewers are fine if soaked; metal skewers are reusable and transfer heat faster, which helps warm the middle of the tots.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
You can pre-bake the tots and pre-cook the bacon, then assemble and finish under the broiler 10 minutes before guests arrive. Do not add green onion until after reheating to keep it fresh.
How do I prevent the tots from sliding on the skewer?
Choose firmer, crispier tots and thread them snugly without forcing. Allow the tots to cool slightly after baking so their exterior sets and grips the skewer better.
What are good dipping sauces besides sour cream?
Try ranch, chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, or a simple ketchup-mustard blend. A tangy crema (sour cream + lime + salt) brightens the richness beautifully.
Are these okay for kids?
Yes — use smaller portion sizes (3–4 tots) and mild cheddar. If kids are sharing, consider toothpick-length skewers and supervise younger children when eating skewers.
Final Thoughts
These Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are a ridiculously simple way to level up frozen tots into a shareable appetizer.
Once you master the basic assembly, the variations are endless and they become a stress-free party staple.
Conclusion
If you want another inspiration on the original idea and presentation, check out this playful recipe for Loaded Tater Tot Skewers | Tater Tot Kebabs Recipe which shows a similar party-ready style.
For alternative topping combos and serving suggestions, this write-up on Loaded Tater Tots on Shareable Skewers gave me a few plating ideas that work beautifully.
Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and pin this to your favorite party board on Pinterest.
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 48 pieces tater tots (frozen) Choose a brand that bakes up extra-crispy.
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (freshly grated) Use mid-sharp or sharp cheddar for tang.
- 8 slices bacon (finely chopped) Crispy bacon for texture and smoke.
- 2 pieces green onions (chopped) Use both green and white parts for flavor.
- to taste sour cream For dipping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake the tater tots according to package instructions, typically for 28 minutes. Flip halfway for even browning.
- Allow the baked tater tots to cool slightly for safe handling.
- Thread 4 to 6 tater tots onto each skewer.
- Arrange the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Assembly
- Sprinkle the cheese over the tater tots, followed by the bacon bits and half of the green onions.
- Bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese has melted.
- Garnish with the remaining green onions and serve with sour cream.
