Tater Tot Bites are crispy little nuggets that are both fun and tasty! Perfect for snacking or as a side dish, these bites are made with golden tater tots, cheese, and maybe a sprinkle of spices.
Every bite is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside—who wouldn’t love that? I like to dip them in ketchup or ranch for an extra zing. You might just end up eating the whole plate! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: The base of this recipe, use frozen tater tots for convenience. You can substitute them with hash browns if preferred, but keep in mind the texture will be a bit different.
Cheddar Cheese: While I recommend sharp cheddar for a bold flavor, feel free to swap it out for mozzarella or pepper jack if you want a milder or spicier kick!
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a crispy texture and great taste. If you’re going vegetarian, try using cooked mushrooms or crispy chickpeas instead for a similar crunch.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess to the bites. Greek yogurt can be a healthier swap, giving you the same creamy texture with added protein. You can also use a non-dairy yogurt for a vegan option.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Tater Tot Bites?
The key to crispy tater tot bites is in the baking process. Here’s how to ensure they come out perfectly crispy every time:
- Preheat your oven well. A hot oven helps achieve that golden crunch.
- Partially cook the tater tots first. This softens them enough to mix, but allows them to crisp up during baking.
- Don’t overfill the muffin tin. Press the mixture just enough to hold its shape but leave some space for the edges to crisp up.
- Cool a bit before removing them. Letting them rest for a few minutes helps the bites firm up and makes them easier to take out.
With these simple tips, you’ll create deliciously crunchy Tater Tot Bites that everyone will love!
How to Make Tater Tot Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray or oil for the muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 20 minutes to bake, so plan for around 30 minutes total before your delicious Tater Tot Bites are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or lightly coat it with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Tater Tots:
Take the frozen tater tots and partially cook them according to the package instructions—this usually means cooking them for about half of the recommended time. The goal is to soften them, not make them fully crispy just yet!
3. Mix Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened tater tots, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon (save some for garnish if you’d like), sour cream, garlic powder (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently mix everything until it’s well combined.
4. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the mixture evenly into the mini muffin tin, pressing down slightly to form little round bites. Don’t fill them all the way to the top—leave some room for them to rise and get crispy!
5. Bake the Bites:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the tater tot bites are golden brown and crispy.
6. Cool and Remove:
Once they’re done baking, carefully take the muffin tin out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. After cooling, gently remove each tater tot bite from the tin.
7. Add Toppings:
Top each bite with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of extra crumbled bacon, and some chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these tasty Tater Tot Bites warm as a snack or appetizer. They’re perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces, like ketchup or ranch dressing!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and savory Tater Tot Bites!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Tater Tots?
Yes, you can make your own tater tots using fresh potatoes! Simply peel, grate, and squeeze out excess moisture from the grated potatoes. Then, season and bake them until crispy before following the rest of the recipe. Just keep in mind that they may take a bit longer to cook than frozen tater tots.
How Do I Store Leftover Tater Tot Bites?
Store any leftover Tater Tot Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just check the packaging of your tater tots to ensure they are gluten-free. Most brands of frozen tater tots are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always good to double-check!
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with Tater Tot Bites?
Tater Tot Bites taste fantastic with a variety of dipping sauces! Popular choices include ketchup, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, and sriracha mayo for a spicy kick. Feel free to get creative and use your favorites!
