These Jalapeño Popper Tater Tots are a fun twist on a classic snack. With crispy tater tots filled with creamy cheese and a spicy kick from jalapeños, they are perfect for sharing!
They’re just the right balance of crispy and cheesy goodness. I love serving them at parties, and trust me, they disappear fast! You might want to make a double batch! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots are the star here, providing that crispy base. If you want to try something different, you can use homemade tater tots or even sweet potato tots for a different flavor.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives a nice creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use low-fat cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese. Non-dairy cream cheese is also an option!
Cheddar and Mozzarella: These cheeses bring flavor and stretch. For a twist, try pepper jack cheese for extra spice or a mix of your favorite cheeses like gouda or fontina.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can use banana peppers or bell peppers for a milder option. Jarred jalapeños work too!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds crunch and flavor. You can substitute turkey bacon or for a vegetarian option, try crispy fried onions or chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Tater Tots?
Getting those tater tots crispy is key to this dish! Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to the right temperature. A higher heat (425°F or more) helps them turn golden and crispy.
- Make sure to spread the tater tots out evenly on the baking sheet. This avoids steaming and allows them to crisp up nicely.
- Follow the package instructions for baking but check them a few minutes early. Ovens can vary so keep an eye on them!
Once they are crispy, you can layer on that cheese goodness without worrying about sogginess. Enjoy making these tasty bites!
Jalapeno Popper Tater Tots
Ingredients:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3-4 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
- Optional: Ranch dressing (for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time for this recipe is about 40 minutes. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and mixing the cheese filling. The rest of the time will be baking the tater tots and assembling the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help keep the tater tots from sticking and make for easier cleanup later.
2. Bake the Tater Tots:
Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them according to the package instructions—typically about 25-30 minutes—until they’re golden brown and crispy. This is the base for your tasty dish!
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
While the tater tots bake, grab a medium bowl and mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. You want to mix it well so it’s creamy and smooth when you put it on the tots.
4. Assemble the Tater Tots:
Once the tater tots are nice and crispy, pull them out of the oven. If you’re using an oven-safe serving dish, you can transfer the tots there, or you can leave them on the baking sheet if it’s safe for oven use.
5. Add Cheese Topping:
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the hot tater tots. Make sure to cover as much of the tots as you can so every bite is cheesy!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Return the loaded tater tots to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and get all bubbly and delicious!
7. Finish with Toppings:
When the cheese is melted, take the tater tots out of the oven. Now, top them with the fresh jalapeño slices, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions for that extra flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Top off everything with a dollop of sour cream, and if you like, drizzle some ranch dressing over the top. Serve these hot and watch them disappear!
This dish combines crispy tater tots, gooey cheese, spicy jalapeño slices, and crunchy bacon, making it the perfect snack or party appetizer. Enjoy the true flavors of Jalapeno Popper Tater Tots!
Can I Use Fresh Tater Tots Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can make homemade tater tots if you prefer! Just cook them until they are crispy before adding the cheese topping. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time based on whether they are fresh or made from scratch.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to amp up the heat, consider adding diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture. You can also use spicy cheese options like pepper jack cheese!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven for or microwave, but the oven is better for maintaining crispness!
Can I Make Jalapeno Popper Tater Tots Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and add ingredients like black olives or additional vegetables. You might want to increase the number of jalapeños to keep that bold flavor!
