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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/tailgate-tots-recipe/