Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in the kitchen, the unmistakable aroma of crispy tater tots wafted through the air, instantly transporting me back to carefree gatherings with friends. Today, I’m excited to share my Loaded Tater Tot Skewers, an easy-to-make appetizer that is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. With layers of golden, crunchy tater tots crowned with gooey cheese, savory bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions, these skewers offer a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Not only are they a fun party snack that kids and adults will rave about, but they also come together in a flash, making them perfect for your next get-together or game day festivities. Are you ready to elevate your appetizer game with these tasty treats? Let’s dive in! Why are Tater Tot Skewers So Irresistible? Quick and Easy: These skewers require minimal preparation, allowing you to whip them up in no time. Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love holding their own cheesy bites on a stick, making them perfect for parties or family movie nights. Savory Bliss: The combination of crispy tater tots, melted cheese, and crunchy bacon creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. Versatile Toppings: Feel free to get creative—experiment with your favorite flavors, like adding jalapenos for a spicy kick or trying out different cheeses. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a football party or a simple gathering with friends, these tater tot skewers are guaranteed to be the star of the show. For more fantastic appetizer ideas, don’t forget to check out my Ranch Garlic Skewers for another mouthwatering treat! Tater Tot Skewers Ingredients For the Skewers • Tater Tots – About 48 pieces are needed for skewering, providing the main structure for this delicious treat. • Cheddar Cheese – Choose a melting cheese for that gooey goodness; Monterey Jack also works wonderfully as a substitute. • Real Bacon Bits – They lend a savory depth of flavor; alternatively, you can use cooked crumbled bacon for a similar taste. • Green Onions – These add a fresh, mild onion flavor, but chives can replace them for a different twist. For the Dipping Sauce • Sour Cream – Perfect for dipping, adding cool creaminess; ranch dressing can be a flavorful alternative if you prefer a zesty kick. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Tater Tot Skewers Step 1: Bake the Tater Tots Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spread the tater tots evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 28 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure a golden, crispy exterior. Keep an eye on them towards the end; they should be perfectly crispy and lightly browned when done. Step 2: Cool and Handle Once baked, remove the tater tots from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period will make them easier to handle without risk of burning your fingers. As they cool, prepare your skewers and a clean parchment-lined baking sheet to assemble the tater tot skewers. Step 3: Assemble Skewers Carefully skewer 4 to 6 tater tots onto each stick, pressing them together gently for stability. Place the assembled skewers on the parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing space between them for even cooking. This arrangement helps ensure that your tater tot skewers maintain their shape while baking. Step 4: Add Toppings Now, it’s time to elevate your tater tot skewers! Generously sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over each skewer, followed by real bacon bits and half of the chopped green onions. Distributing the toppings evenly will enhance the flavor profile and visual appeal of your tater tot skewers. Step 5: Melt the Cheese Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes at 425°F (220°C), watching closely. The goal is to melt the cheese without letting it brown; around 6 minutes should achieve this perfect gooey texture that makes your tater tot skewers irresistible. Step 6: Final Touches After removing your tater tot skewers from the oven, sprinkle the remaining green onions on top for a burst of fresh flavor. This final touch not only adds color but also a refreshing crunch that balances the rich toppings. Step 7: Serve with Dipping Sauce Plate your delicious tater tot skewers while they’re still warm and serve them with a side of sour cream or your preferred dipping sauce. The creamy dip enhances each bite, making your tater tot skewers the ultimate comfort food treat perfect for sharing! What to Serve with Loaded Tater Tot Skewers Imagine a vibrant gathering where the aroma of delicious bites fills the air, creating an irresistible invitation for all to dig in. Creamy Ranch Dip: A cooling, zesty dip that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the tater tot skewers. Classic Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing add a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy skewers, enhancing your meal experience. Buffalo Chicken Wings: Spicy wings bring an exciting kick, balancing the comfort of cheesy tater tot skewers for an ultimate game day feast. Garlic Bread Sticks: Their crunchy, buttery exterior invites a delightful contrast to the soft tater tots, making every bite exciting. Grilled Veggie Platter: Offer a colorful assortment of grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a fresh, healthy side that rounds out the meal beautifully. Coleslaw: The crisp texture and tangy flavor of coleslaw provide a pleasant crunch that pairs wonderfully with the bite-sized delights. Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness enhances the savory tater tot skewers, creating a deliciously balanced combo that everyone will adore. Icy Lemonade: Quench thirst with a refreshing drink that cuts through the richness of the skewers—a fruity twist that brightens up your meal. Tater Tot Skewers Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative and customize your tater tot skewers; the possibilities are endless! Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapenos for a fiery twist that enhances the flavor profile. These tender yet spicy morsels create a great contrast with the cheesy goodness. Cheese Swap: Use Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor experience. The melting quality remains, but the taste takes on a whole new level of deliciousness. Breakfast Version: Substitute tater tots with mini scrambled eggs and cheese for a brunch-style skewering. Pair with a tangy hollandaise for a delightful morning dish! Veggie-Loaded: Toss in some colorful bell peppers or cherry tomatoes alongside the tater tots for a pop of freshness and nutrients. It brings a lovely crunch and vibrant colors to your skewers! BBQ Twist: Drizzle your skewers with smoky barbecue sauce before baking for a sweet and tangy flavor explosion. This gives a unique twist reminiscent of summer cookouts! Taco Style: Top with taco-seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese, then finish with avocado slices after baking. A fiesta on a stick, perfect for your next gathering! Creamy Dip Alternative: Instead of sour cream, try yogurt-based ranch or guacamole for a fresh and zesty dip that complements the savory flavors. Baked Potato Style: Incorporate sour cream, chives, and crispy fried onions on top. This way, each bite tastes like a loaded baked potato! For more fun skewer ideas, don’t forget to check out my Ranch Garlic Skewers and let your appetizer creativity flow! Storage Tips for Tater Tot Skewers Room Temperature: Tater tot skewers can be left at room temperature for up to 2 hours if serving. After that, they should be refrigerated to avoid spoilage. Fridge: Store leftover tater tot skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will help maintain their flavor while keeping them safe to eat. Freezer: If you need to freeze, wrap the skewers tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen tater tot skewers can last for up to 2 months. Reheating: To enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid using a microwave as it may result in sogginess, diminishing the joy of these tater tot skewers. Make Ahead Options These Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake the tater tots as directed, allow them to cool, then skewer 4 to 6 tater tots on each stick and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top with cheese, bacon bits, and half of the green onions. Cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, preheat the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes to melt the cheese perfectly, ensuring your tater tot skewers remain just as delicious as if they were freshly made! Expert Tips for Tater Tot Skewers Perfectly Cooked Tots: Ensure to follow package instructions for baking tater tots. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture making your tater tot skewers less enjoyable. Cheese Choice: Experiment with different melting cheeses for varied flavors. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese which can contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Skewering Technique: Use sturdy wooden skewers and avoid overcrowding. This allows for even heating and prevents the tater tots from falling off during baking. Customizable Flavor: Don’t hesitate to mix in your favorite toppings! Whether it’s fresh jalapenos or guacamole, customizing your tater tot skewers makes them even more delightful. Serving Warm: These skewers are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. If you have leftovers, reheat briefly in the oven to maintain their crispy texture. Tater Tot Skewers Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best tater tots for this recipe? Absolutely! When selecting tater tots, look for those that are golden brown and have a crispy texture, as these will create the best base for your skewers. Check the packaging for any additives or fillers you might want to avoid, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try to find sweet potato tater tots for a unique twist! What’s the best way to store leftover tater tot skewers? Very good question! Store your leftover tater tot skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their flavor and freshness. Just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing them up to avoid sogginess. Can I freeze tater tot skewers, and how should I do it? Of course! To freeze tater tot skewers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until they’re hot and crispy. Why did my cheese not melt properly on the skewers? I’ve been there! If your cheese isn’t melting the way you want, it could be due to using pre-shredded cheese that contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent smooth melting. I recommend using block cheese and grating it yourself for the best results. Also, keep a close eye on your skewers to avoid overcooking, as cheese can brown too quickly if left in the oven for too long. Are these tater tot skewers suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Yes, they are quite versatile! You can easily make these tater tot skewers gluten-free by ensuring your tater tots are marked as such. To make them vegetarian, skip the bacon bits and add your favorite vegetables for extra flavor. Just be mindful of any allergies to cheese or sour cream in your dipping sauces and consider using dairy-free alternatives when needed. These adjustments make the recipe enjoyable for everyone! Tater Tot Skewers: Cheesy Bites of Pure Comfort Bliss These Tater Tot Skewers are cheesy, crispy bites that make a perfect appetizer for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 36 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 56 minutes mins Servings: 6 skewersCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Skewers48 pieces Tater Tots providing the main structure1 cup Cheddar Cheese or Monterey Jack for substitute1 cup Real Bacon Bits or cooked crumbled bacon1 bunch Green Onions or chives for a different twistFor the Dipping Sauce1 cup Sour Cream or ranch dressing as an alternative Equipment Baking Sheetskewers Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Tater Tot SkewersPreheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spread the tater tots evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 28 minutes, flipping halfway through.Once baked, remove the tater tots from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes.Carefully skewer 4 to 6 tater tots onto each stick, pressing them together gently for stability.Generously sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over each skewer, followed by real bacon bits and half of the chopped green onions.Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, watching closely to melt the cheese without browning.After removing, sprinkle the remaining green onions on top for a burst of fresh flavor.Plate your tater tot skewers while they’re still warm and serve with a side of dipping sauce. Nutrition Serving: 1skewerCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 5mg NotesThese skewers are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Avoid using a microwave for reheating as it can affect their crispy texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!