Loaded Totts Recipe

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease if baking.

Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the baking sheet (or place in the air fryer basket), leaving space so they crisp rather than steam.

Lightly toss or brush the tots with 1 tablespoon oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning or shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp. If air-frying, cook 15–20 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes, until crisp.

While the tots cook, make the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter until foaming but not browned.

Add 2 tablespoons flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to cook the raw flour taste and form a roux.

Slowly pour in 1 cup whole milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, whisking, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3–4 minutes.

Reduce heat to low. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar a handful at a time until fully melted and smooth.

Season the sauce with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon paprika (if using). If the sauce is too thick, return to low heat and whisk in up to 1–2 tablespoons more milk to reach desired pourable consistency.

Keep the cheese sauce warm over very low heat, stirring occasionally, or transfer to a small insulated container until ready to assemble.

Cook the bacon until crisp (pan-fry, bake at 400°F/200°C for 12–18 minutes, or microwave). Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.

Thinly slice 3 scallions, separating white and green parts if preferred. Mince chives if using.

When tater tots are hot and crispy, transfer them to a large ovenproof platter or leave on the baking sheet. Spoon or drizzle the warm cheese sauce evenly over the tots, using as much as desired to coat and melt between pieces.

Scatter the crumbled bacon evenly over the cheesy tots.

Sprinkle the sliced scallions and minced chives over the top.

Dollop 1/2 cup sour cream in several spots over the tots (or serve on the side). If you like a little heat, stir 1 teaspoon hot sauce into the sour cream before dolloping.

Optional final step: For extra melted cheese and a slightly baked finish, place the assembled platter under a preheated broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese bubbles—watch closely to avoid burning.

Serve immediately while hot and gooey. Provide additional sour cream, scallions, and hot sauce on the side for guests to customize.