Name: Tater Tot Skewers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486722H4M35S
Total time: PT-486722H4M35S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots; 6-8 wooden or metal skewers; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice); 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional); 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; 1/2 cup sour cream or ranch dressing (for dipping); Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: Chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tater Tot Skewers combine the crispy, golden deliciousness of tater tots with your favorite savory toppings. The skewers make them easy to eat while adding a fun, interactive element to any meal or gathering. Whether you’re looking for a new snack, an appetizer, or a side dish, these skewers are incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Add bacon for extra crunch, cheese for creaminess, or even veggies for a balance of freshness. They’re a playful and tasty way to enjoy everyone’s favorite comfort food in a more convenient form.

Ingredients

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
6-8 wooden or metal skewers
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup sour cream or ranch dressing (for dipping)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: Chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the tater tots:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or follow the cooking instructions on the bag of tater tots. Bake the tater tots on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. If you’re grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

2. Assemble the skewers:

Once the tater tots are cooked and slightly cooled, take each skewer and thread 4-5 tater tots onto it. You can alternate with cheese, bacon, or veggies (like bell peppers or zucchini) for added flavor. Make sure the tater tots are packed tightly on the skewers, but leave a little space between each tot to ensure even cooking.

3. Bake or grill the skewers:

For baking: Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the skewers are hot throughout.
For grilling: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese is melted.

4. Serve:

Once the skewers are done, remove them from the oven or grill. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and a little salt and pepper to taste. Serve with sour cream, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6-8 skewers, depending on how many tater tots you thread onto each skewer. The preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with baking or grilling taking an additional 20-30 minutes, making the total time about 30-40 minutes.

Variations

Cheese variations: Swap out the cheddar cheese for other varieties like mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack for different flavors.
Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and load up the skewers with more vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or onions.
Spicy version: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the skewers for some heat. You can also use spicy cheese like jalapeño cheddar.
Buffalo style: After baking or grilling, drizzle the skewers with buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing for a buffalo chicken-style variation.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover tater tot skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, though they may lose some crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make tater tot skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the skewers ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This is perfect for meal prepping or getting a head start on party preparations.

Can I use frozen tater tots for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works perfectly with frozen tater tots. Just bake them according to the package instructions, then assemble the skewers as directed.

Can I cook these skewers in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook these skewers in an air fryer. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Can I make these skewers with different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute the tater tots with homemade or store-bought small roasted potato cubes or mini baked potatoes for a different variation.

How do I prevent the skewers from breaking when grilling?

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 10 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Make sure the tater tots are securely packed onto the skewers to avoid any wobbling while grilling.

Can I serve these skewers as a main dish?

Yes, these skewers can be served as a fun main dish, especially if you load them with extra vegetables and protein (such as grilled chicken, bacon, or sausage). They’re hearty enough to be filling on their own.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Skewers are the perfect combination of fun, flavor, and crunch. With crispy tater tots, melted cheese, savory bacon, and fresh veggies, they make a great snack, appetizer, or even a meal. The skewers are highly customizable, making them a perfect fit for any taste preference or dietary need. Whether you’re grilling them for a barbecue, serving them at a party, or enjoying them for a casual family dinner, these tater tot skewers are sure to be a hit every time!