Loaded Tator Tots

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CONFESSION: I love tator tots! That’s no big deal right? Okay, here’s my real confession: I prefer them baked not fried! There’s just something about a pillowy tator tot center that you just can’t accomplish when they’re fried.

Are you still reading? Did you check out on me because I said baked not fried? Maybe I should’ve said baked in bacon fat!! I’ve got your attention now, don’t I? Thought so!

I teamed up with Alyssa Raymond of WTHR to show you the BEST way to eat tator tots…cooked in bacon fat and loaded with goodness! Not only are these loaded, but they’re loaded with the most delicious ranch dressing you’ve ever had. My ranch dressing is packed full of flavor. You’re going to make it all the time. Promise!

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Loaded Tator Tots

The BEST way to eat tator tots…cooked in bacon fat and loaded with goodness! Not only are these loaded, but they’re loaded with the most delicious ranch dressing you’ve ever had

Ingredients

Loaded Tator Tots

• 6 strips of bacon (I prefer thick cut)
• 1 bag frozen tator tots
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 cups shredded cheese, divided (Colby jack or sharp cheddar)
• 3 green onions, greens, and whites, chopped

Instructions

1. Place bacon strips on a foil-lined baking sheet, in a cold oven and set the temperature to 400 degrees. Allow bacon to cook for 15 minutes or until crispy.
2. Remove bacon strips from the baking sheet and set aside. Do not clean your baking sheet. Pour tator tots onto the baking sheet, with bacon drippings, and sprinkle with seasonings. Toss tator tots until fat and seasonings are evenly distributed. Place in oven and bake according to tator tot packaging instructions. (This is a good time to make the ranch dressing if you haven’t done so already!)
3. Remove tator tots from oven and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Place back in the oven for 2-3 minutes, just until cheese is melted.
4. Remove tator tots from the oven. Using a spatula, place them on a plate or a platter. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and drizzle ranch dressing (I like to use a squeeze bottle) over tots. Top with crumbled bacon pieces and green onion.
5. Enjoy!

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