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Ingredients
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Tater Tots
Toppings
Method
Tater Tots
Preheat
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). If using an air fryer, preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the 2 tbs vegetable oil over the tots and toss gently so they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the kosher salt and black pepper over the tots.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until tots are golden brown and crisp. If using an air fryer, cook for 12–16 minutes, shaking the basket once, until golden and crisp. Remove from oven but keep oven on.
Bacon
While tots bake, cook the bacon: place bacon slices in a cold skillet in a single layer and cook over medium heat until crisp, about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally. Alternatively, bake bacon on a separate sheet at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until crisp.
Transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain and cool, then chop into 1/2-inch pieces. Reserve a tablespoon of bacon fat if desired to brush on tots for extra flavor (optional).
Assembly & Cheese Melt
If you reserved bacon fat, lightly brush the baked tots with up to 1 tbs to add flavor. Transfer the hot tots to a clean rimmed baking sheet in an even layer.
Combine the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack in a bowl. Evenly sprinkle about 1 3/4 cups of the cheese mixture over the hot tots so it melts. Reserve a small handful (about 1/4 cup) of cheese for finishing if you like extra on top.
Return the sheet to the oven and bake for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. For a quicker melt, place under a preheated broiler for 45–90 seconds—watch closely to avoid burning.
Finish & Serve
Remove the cheesy tots from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the chopped bacon over the melted cheese, followed by sliced green onions and pickled jalapeño slices if using.
Dollop spoonfuls of sour cream across the tray (or transfer tots to a serving platter and dot sour cream). Sprinkle the reserved cheese or additional shredded cheese if desired. Finish with chopped chives and a light dusting of smoked paprika for color and smoky flavor.
Serve immediately while hot and the cheese is gooey. Provide extra sour cream and jalapeños on the side for guests to adjust to taste.