Name: Tailgate Tots with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chive Layers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 32-oz. package tater tots; 8 slices bacon, chopped; 2 Tbsp. butter; 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 1 2/3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/4 tsp. chili powder; 1 container sour cream (about 16 oz.); 1/4 cup freshly chopped chives

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Introduction

Tailgate Tots are a fun and indulgent snack perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Crispy tater tots are layered with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, savory bacon, fresh chives, and tangy sour cream for a crowd-pleasing treat.

The image shows a clear glass jar filled with layers of golden brown crispy tater tots, creamy orange cheese sauce, bits of cooked bacon, and dollops of white sour cream with green chopped chives sprinkled on top and between layers, creating a textured and colorful mix. Each jar has multiple layers starting with sour cream at the bottom, followed by tater tots and bacon, then cheese sauce, more tater tots, another dollop of sour cream on top, and finished with fresh chives. The jars are placed on a white marbled surface with scattered chives around, highlighting the vibrant colors and textures of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 32-oz. package tater tots
8 slices bacon, chopped

1/4 cup freshly chopped chives
1 container sour cream

2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 cup whole milk
1 2/3 cups sharp cheddar
1/4 tsp. chili powder

Instructions

Step 1: Heat your grill to medium.
Step 2: Spray two disposable pie plates with cooking spray and spread the tater tots in a single layer in each. Grill for about 20 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure even crisping. Once cooked, set aside.
Step 3: While the tots are grilling, fry the chopped bacon in a sauté pan over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 4: Prepare the cheese sauce by melting the butter in a deep-walled sauté pan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly to form a smooth slurry. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the sharp cheddar and chili powder until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble the dish by layering the grilled tater tots into small bowls or wide-mouthed mason jars. Top with a generous spoonful of cheese sauce, followed by crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chives. Repeat layers until the containers are filled.

Tips & Variations

For an extra kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack to introduce a spicy flavor.
Use scallions instead of chives if you prefer a milder onion taste.
To make this vegetarian, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions instead.

Storage

Store any leftover Tailgate Tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Microwave reheating is quicker but may cause the tots to lose their crunch.

How to Serve

The image shows a glass jar filled with several layers starting at the bottom with crispy golden-brown tater tots, followed by a layer of creamy pale orange cheese sauce mixed with small pieces of crispy bacon, then another layer of tater tots, topped with a dollop of white sour cream garnished with bright green chopped chives. The jar is placed on a white marbled surface scattered with chive pieces. In the background, more jars with the same layered snack are visible, creating a colorful and textured presentation. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the tater tots instead of grilling them?

Yes, you can bake the tater tots in the oven according to the package instructions if a grill isn’t available. They will still turn out crispy and delicious.

Can I prepare Tailgate Tots ahead of time?

You can grill and fry the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to keep the tater tots crisp and the cheese sauce warm and creamy.