Crabby Tots Recipe
Crispy barrel-cut tater tots baked golden and smothered with our signature crab blend, melted cheddar, and smoky bacon. Topped with jumbo lump crabmeat and finished with a touch of Old Bay for the perfect bite.
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Ingredients
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Tater Tots
Signature Crab Blend
Bacon & Cheese
Finishing & Garnish
Method
Tater Tots
Preheat and prep tots
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it. In a large bowl, toss the frozen barrel-cut tater tots with 1 tablespoon canola oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to coat evenly.
Arrange the tots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving small gaps so they crisp on all sides. Bake on the center rack for 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Timing may vary—use visual doneness (golden and crunchy).
Signature Crab Blend
Prepare crab mixture
While the tots bake, gently mix 6 oz lump crabmeat (for mixing) with 2 oz softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Dijon, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon Old Bay in a medium bowl. Fold in 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar and 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions. Season with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Fold gently — avoid breaking up the crab lumps too much.
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed: a squeeze more lemon brightens it, or a pinch more Old Bay adds zip.
Bacon & Cheese
Remove tots when crisp and keep oven at 425°F. Spoon the crab blend evenly over the hot tots on the baking sheet (use enough to coat and smother—about two-thirds of the mixture). Scatter chopped bacon over the crab-topped tots, then sprinkle 3/4 cup extra shredded sharp cheddar evenly over everything.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake an additional 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crab mixture is warmed through. For a lightly browned finish, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Finishing & Garnish
Top with jumbo lump & finish
Remove the sheet from the oven. Using a spoon, gently place the reserved 3 oz jumbo lump crabmeat in clusters on top of the melted cheese so each serving gets some intact jumbo lumps. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon additional Old Bay over the entire dish for a final pop of flavor.
Garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. Serve hot so tots remain crisp beneath the crab and cheese.