Cheesy Bacon Tots

If I'm feeding a crowd, I want something that's easy, cheesy, and guaranteed to disappear.

These Cheesy Bacon Tots check every box. Crispy tater tots, melted cheddar cheese, and smoky bacon all baked together into one pan of comfort food.

Whether it's game day, movie night, or just a casual get-together, these are always one of the first things to disappear.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes.

• Made with just a few simple ingredients.

• Perfect for game day, parties, or family movie night.

• Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon.

• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Before you start, gather these simple ingredients.

• 1 bag frozen tater tots

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

  
  

Optional Toppings

• Chopped green onions

• Sour cream

• Ranch dressing

• Jalapeño slices

• Fresh parsley

How to Make Cheesy Bacon Tots

1. Bake the tots.

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're crispy and golden brown.

2. Add the toppings.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot tots.

Top with the crumbled bacon.

3. Melt the cheese.

Return the pan to the oven for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

If you'd like the cheese a little more browned, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it.

4. Serve.

Top with green onions, parsley, or your favorite toppings.

Serve hot with ranch, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Make It Your Own

• Add sliced jalapeños for a little heat.

• Swap cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda.

• Drizzle with buffalo sauce.

• Top with pulled pork for an even heartier appetizer.

• Sprinkle with fresh chives before serving.

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispy texture.

A Few Questions You Might Have

Can I make these ahead of time?

They're best fresh from the oven, but you can cook the bacon ahead of time to make assembly even quicker.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack are all great options.

Can I cook these in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Cook the tater tots in the air fryer until crispy, then transfer them to an oven-safe dish, add the cheese and bacon, and melt everything together.

What should I serve with them?

They're perfect alongside burgers, wings, sliders, or any game-day spread.

A Few Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Bacon Tots are one of those recipes that never lasts very long at our house.

They're simple to make, full of flavor, and always seem to disappear before halftime.

If you're looking for an easy appetizer everyone will love, this is one worth keeping in your back pocket.

If you make them, I'd love to hear what you think or how you made them your own. Leave a comment below and let me know!

Thanks for stopping by The Schmidt Table. I hope this recipe finds its way to your table soon.