Tailgate Tots

Name: Tailgate Tots
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 - 5 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 32-oz. package tater tots; 8 slices bacon, chopped; 1/4 c. freshly chopped chives; 1 container sour cream; 2 tbsp. butter; 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour; 1 c. whole milk; 1 2/3 c. sharp cheddar; 1/4 tsp. chili powder

By Candace Braun DavisonUpdated: Feb 9, 2024

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tater tots in a mason jar layered with sour cream, cheese, bacon, and chives

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

If you’re looking for the cutest (and easiest) Super Bowl snack, look no further than these tailgate tots. See—they even sound cute! Tailgate food can be tricky—you want it to be fun, creative, and most importantly: easy to eat while watching the game. These tots do all of the above, and more. Whether you’re tailgating all day or planning to be parked on the couch for game day, these tots are the perfect packable snack to keep you satisfied as the game rages on.

We layer tater tots, bacon, chopped chives, sour cream, and a homemade cheddar cheese sauce in mason jars to create these layered dreams. We went with frozen tater tots here for ease (isn’t that what game day is all about?), but if you really want to go over-the-top, feel free to swap in our homemade air fryer tater tots instead. We love the loaded-potato-skins vibes used here, but feel empowered to go beyond that combo. Buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles (or ranch dressing), would also be delicious here; chili and cheese is another classic combination.

We layered our tailgate tots in mason jars for the most adorable presentation, but you don’t have to use them. If you do, we recommend using wide-mouth mason jars so that it’s easy to reach the bottom of your stack. Alternatively, you can layer your tots in small bowls. While we’re all about presentation, we recommend using whatever container is the easiest to layer and devour these tots.

Made this tailgating treat? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

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Yields:: 4 - 5 serving(s)
Prep Time:: 20 mins
Total Time:: 30 mins

Ingredients

1
32-oz. package tater tots
8
slices bacon, chopped
1/4 c.
freshly chopped chives
1
container sour cream
2 tbsp.
butter
2 tbsp.
all-purpose flour
1 c.
whole milk
1 2/3 c.
sharp cheddar
1/4 tsp.
chili powder

Directions

1. Step 1Heat grill to medium.
2. Step 2Spray two disposable pie plates with cooking spray and spread tater tots in a single layer in each. Grill for about 20 minutes, stirring regularly. Set aside.
3. Step 3Meanwhile, fry the bacon in a sauté pan over medium heat, then place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
4. Step 4Make the cheese sauce: In a deep-walled sauté pan over medium heat, melt butter. Sprinkle in flour, whisking to combine to create a slurry. Gradually pour in milk, whisking the entire time, to form a thin sauce. Gradually stir in cheddar and chili powder, mixing until everything has combined. Remove sauce from heat.
5. Step 5Layer tater tots into small bowls or wide-mouthed mason jars. Top with cheese sauce, bacon, sour cream, and chives. Repeat layers until you’ve reached the top of the containers.