I originally tested this recipe with a baked potato, but quickly realized it wouldn’t give me the texture I was craving. What I really wanted was something perfectly golden and ultra-crispy, and these loaded smashed tater tots absolutely deliver. They’re the kind of over-the-top recipe you make when you want maximum payoff without spending hours in the kitchen, and they never last long; SA and the girls devoured them in record time. Smashing the tots creates irresistibly crunchy edges while keeping the centers fluffy, making them the perfect base for all your favorite toppings. Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or a night when you’re craving something salty and satisfying, these are guaranteed to be the star of the table.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love These:
- With a handful of simple ingredients, this is budget-friendly and super easy to double to feed a crowd.
- Smashing the tots creates extra crunchy edges, which is truly the best part.
- These loaded smashed tater tots works as a great snack, an appetizer, or a side dish, depending on the occasion.
- They’re endlessly customizable, so you can load them up with whatever toppings you love. See below for suggestions.
- Thanks to frozen tater tots, they come together quickly, with no complicated prep or techniques.
Ingredients You Will Need:
- Tater Tots: Buy a pound of frozen tater tots and make this on repeat all week.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheese for convenience, and change it up with your favorite cheese.
- Bacon: Be sure to cook until crispy and chop into small pieces. You can also use turkey bacon.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on each tot gives a delicious creaminess to each crispy bite. You can also use Greek yogurt.
- Green Onions: Use fresh green onions, chives, or spring onions for similar results.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need:
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Flat Cup or Measuring Cup
- Medium Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
For Extra Crispiness
Brush or spray lightly with oil after smashing to help the edges turn a deep golden brown.
How to Make These Smashed Loaded Tater Tots
- Preheat the oven. Place tater tots on a baking sheet and transfer to the oven to bake for 10 minutes. Remove the tater tots from the oven, then firmly press them down and flatten them. Repeat with the remaining tots, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer on the baking tray.
- Top each smashed tater tot with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese and a small amount of bacon. Return the smashed tater tots to the oven to cook until you have melted cheese that is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before topping with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkling with chopped green onions or other toppings.
You can find the recipe card below for thorough instructions.
Ways to Modify:
- Want loaded French fries? Do it! You won’t regret it.
- Here are some different ways you can enjoy smashed tater tots with so many delicious toppings:
- Tex-Mex: pepper jack, jalapeños, pico de gallo, avocado, and cilantro.
- Buffalo style: Buffalo sauce, blue cheese or ranch dressing, and shredded chicken.
- Pizza-inspired: Mozzarella, pepperoni, and a drizzle of marinara.
- BBQ: Cheddar, pulled pork or chicken, BBQ sauce, and red onion.
- Tater Tot Nachos: Add ground beef taco meat and a classic nacho cheese sauce, with jalapenos and black beans on top.
- Swap the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or Gouda.
- Keep the toppings simple with cheese and ketchup for a kid-friendly version.
Dietary Customizations:
- Dairy-Free: Use your favorite dairy-free cheese like Daiya or Follow Your Heart and swap the sour cream for dairy-free sour cream or dairy-free plain yogurt.
- Vegetarian: Use a vegetarian, plant-based bacon or leave out the bacon bits altogether.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these loaded smashed tater tots on a large platter with toothpicks and a few dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli, along with other fun appetizers like Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges.
Pair them with Pulled Pork Burgers, Air Fryer Turkey Burger, Grilled Chicken, or Bone-In Ribeye Steak.
Load them up with protein (chicken, pulled pork, or beans) and call it your main meal.
Common Questions
You can bake and smash the tots ahead, but they’re best served fresh. Reheat in the oven to crisp them back up before adding toppings.
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Add frozen tater tots in a single layer and air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until hot and lightly crisp.
Carefully remove from the basket and use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to gently smash each tot.
Lightly spray or brush the smashed tots with oil. Return to the air fryer and cook for another 6–8 minutes, until golden and crispy around the edges. Add toppings and enjoy!
Store leftover smashed tater tots in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as this will make them soggy.
Very wet toppings (like fresh tomatoes or heavy sauces) can make them soggy and keep you from getting dreamy, crispy tater tots.
More Finger Food You Will Love:
- Smashed Potato Blinis with Smoked Salmon
- Caramelized Onion and Brie Puff Pastry Bites
- Spicy Tuna Wonton Cups
- Oven Baked Chicken Nuggets
- Honey Mustard Glazed Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
If you make these Smashed Loaded Tater Tots, let me know in the comments section below. I would love to hear what you think or take a photo and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram. I love seeing your photos!
Loaded Smashed Tater Tots
Ingredients
- 20 tater tots
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
- 5 strips bacon cooked and chopped into small pieces
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit
- Place 20 tater tots on baking sheet and transfer to the oven to bake for 10 minutes
- After 10 minutes remove the tater tots from the oven and use a flat bottomed measuring cup or bowl to firmly press down on the tater tots and flatten them. Repeat with the remaining tater tots ensuring they are all spread out evenly on the tray
- Top each smashed tater tot with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese (approximately 1 tsp) and a small amount of bacon. Return the smashed tater tots to the oven to cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbling
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before topping with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkling with chopped green onions (and more bacon is desired).
Tried This Recipe?
Leave a comment below and let us know how it was!
