Tailgate Tots with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chive Layers Recipe
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 a dollop of sour cream. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, this hearty layered treat brings the flavors of a tailgate party straight to your table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Tater Tots
- 1 32-oz. package tater tots
Bacon
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
Cheese Sauce
- 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
Toppings
- 1 container sour cream (about 16 oz.)
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped chives
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat to prepare for cooking the tater tots evenly.
- Grill the Tater Tots: Spray two disposable pie plates with cooking spray. Spread the tater tots in a single layer on each plate. Place the plates on the grill and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure even crisping. Once done, set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: While the tots cook, fry the chopped bacon in a sauté pan over medium heat until crisp. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a deep-walled sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth slurry. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and cook until the sauce is thin and smooth. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and chili powder, stirring until fully combined and creamy. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Tailgate Tots: In small bowls or wide-mouthed mason jars, layer the grilled tater tots, then spoon a layer of cheese sauce on top. Add a sprinkle of cooked bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and some chopped chives. Repeat the layering process until your containers are filled to the top.
Notes
- Using disposable pie plates allows for easy transfer to the grill and prevents sticking.
- Stir the tater tots regularly while grilling to ensure they cook evenly and crisp on all sides.
- Adjust the chili powder in the cheese sauce to taste for more or less spice.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream or substitute with Greek yogurt.
- These can be assembled ahead of time and reheated gently in the oven before serving.
Keywords: tailgate tots, grilled tater tots, cheese sauce, bacon appetizer, game day snack
