Description
Loaded Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Bake offers a hearty midwestern comfort dish packed with crispy potatoes, melted cheddar, and savory bacon. Ranch seasoning and green onions complete this crowd-pleasing casserole you’ll crave at potlucks and family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bag (32 oz / 907 g) frozen tater tots
- 1 lb (454 g) bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup (227 g) sour cream
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Potato Prep: Roast potato gems at 425F (218C) on a baking sheet, spreading in a single layer until achieving a crisp, golden exterior.
- Seasoning Fusion: Toss roasted potato gems with ranch seasoning, ensuring complete flavor distribution in a large mixing bowl.
- Assembly Foundations: Reduce oven temperature to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish.
- Layering Technique: Create alternating layers of seasoned potato gems, generously interspersing sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon fragments throughout the dish.
- Melting Magic: Bake in the preheated oven until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling blanket and edges become crisp and enticing.
- Finishing Flourish: Remove from oven and crown with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions.
- Serving Strategy: Present immediately while the dish radiates warmth and irresistible aroma, allowing guests to enjoy the peak of culinary deliciousness.
Notes
- Maximize Crispiness: Spread tater tots in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure golden, crunchy texture and prevent soggy results.
- Control Cheese Melting: Use freshly shredded cheddar for smoother melting and more even coverage across the potato gems.
- Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon beforehand and drain excess grease to prevent dish becoming overly greasy and maintain optimal texture.
- Temperature Management: Allow dish to rest 5 minutes after baking for cheese to set and flavors to meld, enhancing overall taste experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg