Description
Tailgate Tots is a delicious and hearty appetizer perfect for game days or casual gatherings. Crispy grilled tater tots are layered with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, savory bacon, fresh chives, and a dollop of sour cream, making a flavorful and satisfying snack everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Tater Tots
- 1 32-oz. package tater tots
- Cooking spray, for greasing pans
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, shredded
- 1/4 tsp. chili powder
Toppings
- 1 container sour cream
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped chives
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat to prepare for grilling the tater tots evenly and to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Grill Tater Tots: Spray two disposable pie plates with cooking spray and spread the tater tots out in a single layer on each plate. Grill them for about 20 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Once done, set aside.
- Cook Bacon: While the tots are grilling, cook the chopped bacon in a sauté pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a deep-walled sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter while whisking constantly to create a smooth slurry. Slowly pour in the whole milk while continuing to whisk, forming a thin sauce. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar and chili powder, stirring continuously until the cheese fully melts and combines. Remove the sauce from heat once smooth.
- Assemble Layers: In small bowls or wide-mouthed mason jars, layer the grilled tater tots, then add a layer of cheese sauce, followed by bacon pieces, a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle with chopped chives. Repeat these layers until the containers are filled to the top.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can finish the grilled tots under a broiler for a couple of minutes after grilling.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-rich topping.
- Make the cheese sauce ahead and keep warm to speed up assembly during serving.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 bowl)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
