Tater Tots Recipe

Preheat

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Position an oven rack to the middle position.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer, leaving small gaps so hot air circulates.

Season the tots evenly with 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and toss gently on the pan to coat (use a spatula to turn them so oil distributes).

Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through (at about 10–12 minutes), until tots are golden brown and crisp. For extra crispness, broil on high for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.

While tots are baking, preheat the broiler if you plan to melt cheese quickly. Crumble cooked bacon into small pieces and slice scallions. Mix sour cream with hot sauce to make a spicy sour cream; taste and adjust hot sauce to preference.

When tots are golden and crisp, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the tots, then scatter crumbled bacon on top.

Return the sheet to the oven and broil (or bake) for 1–3 minutes until cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and immediately season with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, if desired.

Finish by dolloping or drizzling the spicy sour cream over the tots, then sprinkle sliced scallions across the top.

In a small bowl combine ketchup, mayonnaise, smoked paprika and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until serving.

Serve the dipping sauce on the side with the loaded tater tots so guests can dip or spoon as desired.