Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers – Holiday Finger Food Recipe
Introduction
Greetings, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the world of irresistible finger foods with our Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers. These bite-sized morsels of crispy, cheesy goodness are perfect for holiday gatherings, game day parties, or any occasion that calls for crowd-pleasing snacks. As a chef who’s traversed culinary landscapes across the globe, I can assure you that these little bites pack a flavor punch that’s universally adored.
Why is it Perfect for You?
tater tot appetizer loaded tot recipe party finger food gluten-free appetizer holiday bites cheese bacon tater tots finger food easy appetizers are the ultimate solution for busy hosts. They’re quick to prepare, customizable, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, making them a safe choice for guests with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients List
◾ 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
◾ 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
◾ 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
◾ 1/2 cup sour cream
◾ 1/4 cup chopped green onions
◾ 1 tsp garlic powder
◾ 1/2 tsp black pepper
◾ Optional: jalapeños, ranch dressing
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Arrange the Tater Tots
Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overlapping to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Step 3: Season and Bake
Sprinkle the tater tots with garlic powder and black pepper. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Remove the tater tots from the oven and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take the Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. Top with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions. For an extra kick, add some jalapeños if desired.
Nutritional Information
These appetizers are undeniably indulgent, but everything in moderation, right? Here’s a rough breakdown per serving (assuming 10 servings):
◾ Calories: 280
◾ Total Fat: 18g
◾ Saturated Fat: 7g
◾ Cholesterol: 35mg
◾ Sodium: 560mg
◾ Total Carbohydrates: 22g
◾ Dietary Fiber: 2g
◾ Protein: 10g
Calories per Person
Each serving of these delectable Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers contains approximately 280 calories.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For a lighter version, consider these modifications:
◾ Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon
◾ Opt for low-fat cheese and sour cream
◾ Add more vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach
◾ Use sweet potato tots for added nutritional value
Serving Suggestions
These tater tot appetizer loaded tot recipe party finger food gluten-free appetizer holiday bites cheese bacon tater tots finger food easy appetizers are best served hot and fresh. Arrange them on a platter with small serving forks or toothpicks. For dipping enthusiasts, offer extra sour cream or ranch dressing on the side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
◾ Overcrowding the baking sheet, which can lead to soggy tots
◾ Underbaking the tater tots – they should be golden and crispy
◾ Adding too many toppings, which can make them difficult to eat as finger food
◾ Serving them cold – these are best enjoyed straight from the oven
Storing Tips for the Recipe
While these appetizers are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the tater tots and toppings separately in advance, but I recommend assembling and baking just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Are these appetizers gluten-free?
Most tater tots are naturally gluten-free, but always check the packaging to be sure. All other ingredients in this recipe are typically gluten-free.
Can I freeze these appetizers?
While possible, freezing may affect the texture. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or store in the refrigerator for short-term keeping.
What other toppings can I use?
Get creative! Try pulled pork, chili, or even a vegetarian version with grilled vegetables and plant-based cheese.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry the tater tots at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, then add toppings and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Conclusion
Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers are the perfect blend of comfort food and party fare. They’re easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a crowd-pleasing snack, these crispy, cheesy bites will not disappoint. So, preheat that oven and get ready to impress your guests with this irresistible finger food!
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
