Loaded Tots Recipe

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbs olive oil and sprinkle 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss lightly to coat and arrange so tots have space around them for crisping.

Bake according to package instructions for extra-crispy tots, about 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crisp.

While the tots bake, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and drain. When cool, chop into bite-sized pieces. Reserve 1 tbs bacon drippings in the skillet; discard the rest.

If using ground beef: raise heat to medium-high, add the 1/4 lb ground beef to the reserved 1 tbs bacon drippings, season with 1/2 tsp onion powder and 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, 4–6 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set aside with the chopped bacon.

If not using ground beef: simply set the chopped bacon aside for topping.

Make the quick sauce: in a small bowl combine 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tbs mayonnaise, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1 tsp lime juice and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir until smooth and taste-adjust as needed. If you prefer thinner sauce, add 1–2 tsp water or more lime juice.

When tots are nearly done (with 3–4 minutes remaining), remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup monterey jack evenly over the tots. Return to the oven for 3–4 minutes until cheese melts and becomes gooey.

Transfer the cheesy tots to a large serving platter or keep on the baking sheet. Scatter the chopped bacon (and cooked ground beef, if using) evenly over the melted cheese.

Drizzle the prepared sour cream sauce over the loaded tots in spoonfuls or use a squeeze bottle for even coverage.

Top with thinly sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, diced tomato and jalapeño slices as desired. Add pickled jalapeños and an extra 1/4 cup shredded cheese for garnish if using.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Provide extra sour cream sauce and hot sauce on the side.