Crispy Loaded Tater Tots

Ingredients

• 1 bag Frozen Tater Tots (about 32 oz (900 g), store‑bought)
• 2 cup Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese (pre‑shredded; can be a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 8 slice Bacon (thick‑cut, diced after cooking)
• 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
• 4 stalk Green Onions (white and green parts, chopped)
• 1 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat)
• 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix (28 g packet)
• 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
• 2 tablespoon All‑Purpose Flour (for roux)
• 1 cup Whole Milk (room temperature)
• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded, for cheese sauce)
• 1 pinch Salt (to taste)
• 1 cup Pulled Pork (optional) (leftover, shredded)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

   Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the other ingredients.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 425°F

2. Arrange Tater Tots

   Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a cast‑iron skillet.

   Time: PT5M

3. Bake Tots

   Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: 425°F

4. Cook Bacon

   While the tots bake, add diced bacon to the cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat. Cook until crisp and the fat has rendered.

   Time: PT8M

5. Remove Bacon

   Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper‑towel‑lined plate. Leave the rendered fat in the skillet for the next step.

   Time: PT2M

6. Sauté Onions

   Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.

   Time: PT3M

7. Shred Cheese

   If not using pre‑shredded cheese, shred the Mexican blend and sharp cheddar now.

   Time: PT5M

8. Prepare Ranch Sour Cream

   In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, the ranch dressing mix packet, and half of the chopped green onions. Stir until smooth.

   Time: PT2M

9. Optional Deep‑Fry Tots

   Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep fryer or large pot. Fry the baked tots for 3‑4 minutes until extra‑crisp, then drain on paper towels.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 375°F

10. Make Cheese Sauce

    Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute (roux). Gradually whisk in milk, simmer 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in shredded sharp cheddar until melted. Season with a pinch of salt.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: medium heat

11. Assemble Loaded Tots

    Place the crispy tots on a serving platter. Drizzle with cheese sauce, sprinkle bacon bits, sautéed onions, and optional pulled pork. Dollop the ranch sour‑cream mixture on top and garnish with the remaining green onions.

    Time: PT5M

12. Serve

    Serve immediately while hot and crunchy.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

500

Protein

15 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

30 g

Fiber

3 g