Loaded Tots with Homemade Cheese Sauce Recipe
Take your tater tots to the next level with this Loaded Tots with Homemade Cheese Sauce recipe. Crispy tots are smothered in a velvety homemade cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a decadent, comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Crispy, golden tater tots topped with a creamy, cheesy sauce, savory bacon bits, fresh green onions, and a touch of sour cream for the perfect bite. Every element is packed with flavor and the ultimate indulgence!
This recipe takes classic loaded tots and enhances them with a rich homemade cheese sauce, adding a creamy texture and delicious flavor. It’s a fun twist on the usual cheese-topped tots that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Oven or air fryer
- Serving platter
Ingredients
For the Tots:
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Homemade Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or 2% works best)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Tater Tots:
Preheat your oven according to the package instructions for the tater tots. Spread the frozen tots evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake until golden and crispy, around 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, cook the tots in an air fryer for extra crispiness.
2. Make the Homemade Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
3. Top the Tater Tots:
Once the tater tots are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle the homemade cheese sauce over the tots, making sure they’re generously covered.
4. Add the Final Touches:
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions over the cheese-covered tots. Add a dollop of sour cream on top of each serving and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Serve:
Serve immediately while the tots are hot and crispy, and enjoy this indulgent treat!
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Loaded Tots with Homemade Cheese Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Oven or air fryer
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- For the Tots:
- 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Homemade Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk whole milk or 2% works best
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder optional
Instructions
- Cook the Tater Tots:
- Preheat your oven according to the package instructions for the tater tots. Spread the frozen tots evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake until golden and crispy, around 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, cook the tots in an air fryer for extra crispiness.
- Make the Homemade Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
- Top the Tater Tots:
- Once the tater tots are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle the homemade cheese sauce over the tots, making sure they’re generously covered.
- Add the Final Touches:
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions over the cheese-covered tots. Add a dollop of sour cream on top of each serving and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately while the tots are hot and crispy, and enjoy this indulgent treat!
Tips for Cooking
- Ensure the cheese sauce is smooth by whisking constantly to prevent any lumps.
- Use a variety of cheeses (like sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack) for a more complex flavor in the sauce.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the tots before serving.
- For extra crispy tots, cook them in an air fryer for 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Why You Should Try This Recipe
These Loaded Tots with Homemade Cheese Sauce are a game-changer. With crispy tots smothered in a creamy, melty cheese sauce and topped with savory bacon and green onions, this recipe will quickly become your go-to snack or party appetizer. It’s indulgent, comforting, and absolutely delicious!
Treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food with these Loaded Tots with Homemade Cheese Sauce. They’re the perfect snack for any occasion, whether you’re watching the game or enjoying a cozy night in. Give this recipe a try and indulge in all the cheesy goodness!
