Tailgate Tots Recipe

Introduction

Tailgate Tots are a crowd-pleasing snack perfect for game days and casual gatherings. Crispy tater tots are layered with smoky bacon, a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and tangy sour cream, all topped with fresh chives for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 32-oz. package tater tots
• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped chives
• 1 container sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 2/3 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat your grill to medium. Spray two disposable pie plates with cooking spray and spread the tater tots in a single layer in each plate. Grill for about 20 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure even cooking. Once done, set aside.
2. Step 2: While the tots are grilling, fry the chopped bacon in a sauté pan over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
3. Step 3: To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a deep-walled sauté pan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to combine, creating a smooth slurry. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, forming a thin sauce.
4. Step 4: Slowly stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and chili powder, mixing until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove the sauce from the heat.
5. Step 5: Assemble your Tailgate Tots by layering the grilled tater tots into small bowls or wide-mouthed mason jars. Add a layer of cheese sauce, followed by bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped chives. Repeat the layers until the containers are full.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Try substituting sharp cheddar with smoked gouda for a different cheese flavor.
• Use turkey bacon for a lighter, less greasy option.
• Serve in small mason jars for easy transport and portion control at tailgate parties.

Storage

Store any leftover Tailgate Tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain the cheese sauce’s creaminess and crispness of the tots as much as possible.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the bacon in advance, but it’s best to grill the tater tots just before serving for maximum crispness.

What can I use if I don’t have a grill?

You can bake the tater tots in a 425°F oven on a baking sheet for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden.

Tailgate Tots Recipe

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4.5 from 84 reviews

Tailgate Tots are the ultimate game day snack featuring crispy grilled tater tots layered with a rich homemade cheddar cheese sauce, smoky bacon, fresh chives, and cool sour cream. This easy-to-make recipe combines grilled and stovetop cooking techniques for a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for tailgates and casual gatherings.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tater Tots

• 1 32-oz. package tater tots

Bacon & Garnishes

• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped chives
• 1 container sour cream (approximately 1 cup)

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 2/3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

1. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, preparing it for cooking the tater tots evenly and achieving a crispy texture.
2. Grill the Tater Tots: Spray two disposable pie plates with cooking spray and spread the tater tots in a single layer in each plate. Grill the tots for about 20 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure all sides become crispy and golden. Once done, set aside.
3. Cook the Bacon: In a sauté pan over medium heat, fry the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon pieces and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a deep-walled sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth slurry. Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, forming a thin sauce. Slowly stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and chili powder, stirring until all ingredients are fully combined and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Tailgate Tots: Layer the grilled tater tots into small bowls or wide-mouthed mason jars. Top with a generous spoonful of cheese sauce, sprinkle with cooked bacon, add a dollop of sour cream, and finish with freshly chopped chives. Continue layering until the container is full, ending with a topping layer of each garnish for presentation.

Notes

• To make the dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead.
• For extra heat, sprinkle additional chili powder or hot sauce on top before serving.
• The cheese sauce can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before assembling.
• Use disposable pie plates for easy cleanup when grilling tater tots.
• Ensure to stir the tater tots often on the grill so they cook evenly and avoid burning on one side.

Keywords: tailgate tots, grilled tater tots, cheese sauce, bacon appetizer, game day snack, easy tailgate recipe