Loaded Tater Tots

These loaded tater tots are baked with crisp bacon, sour cream, and shallots for a rich, cheesy, crowd-pleasing casserole great for tailgate snacking.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Calories: 257 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• 4 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 tablespoons sour cream, or to taste
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 1 (32 ounce) package frozen bite-size potato nuggets (such as Tater Tots®)
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 1.5 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Step 2

Bake in the preheated oven until lightly golden, 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 3

Spread potato nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Step 4

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook bacon in the hot skillet, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon on a paper towel-lined plate, then chop coarsely and set aside.

Step 5

Make sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir shallot in hot butter until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook until light golden, about 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and sour cream; stir until smooth and thick, about 5 minutes. Season with black pepper and nutmeg. Stir in 1 cup Cheddar cheese until fully melted.

Step 6

Transfer potato nuggets to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle bacon on top. Pour cheese sauce over nuggets. Cover with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven just until cheese melts, about 7 minutes. Garnish with green onions and sour cream to serve.