Tater Tot Appetizers: 14 Crispy Party Bites That Disappear Before Kickoff

Tater Tot Appetizers are a Breakout search on Google this month, and anyone who has watched a tray of crispy tots vanish at a party understands why. A bag of frozen tots costs just a few dollars, and with a few toppings it turns into a platter that kids and grownups crowd around. This list runs from loaded skewers and totchos to buffalo tots, mini pizzas, poutine and a festive Christmas wreath. Each recipe has a short shopping list and simple steps, so even a beginner can pull it off. Tots were invented in Oregon in the 1950s as a way to use potato scraps, as the history of tater tots shows. If you want them for dinner instead, our tater tot hotdish twists have you covered. Preheat the oven, grab a sheet pan and get ready for kickoff..

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers With Bacon and Cheese

At my brother’s game day parties, the first tray to empty is always the one with crispy tots threaded on skewers, smothered in melted cheddar, bacon bits and a dollop of sour cream. They are like loaded baked potatoes you can eat with one hand. Bake the tots until extra crispy before skewering so they hold up under the cheese. Use short bamboo skewers so guests can grab and go. Of all the Tater Tot Appetizers, these set the bar, and they pair well with hot cheesy party dips..

You will need: 32 oz bag frozen tater tots, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, 8 slices cooked bacon crumbled, 1/2 cup sour cream, 3 scallions sliced, 20 short bamboo skewers

How to make it: 1. Bake tater tots at 425 F according to the package, plus 5 extra minutes for crispness. 2. Thread 4 tots onto each skewer. 3. Lay skewers on a lined pan and sprinkle with cheese and bacon. 4. Bake 3 to 5 minutes until cheese melts. 5. Top with sour cream and scallions.

Buffalo Tater Tot Appetizers for Football Sundays

Buffalo wings meet tater tots in this spicy, tangy snack that is made for football Sundays. Toss hot crispy tots in buttery hot sauce, then drizzle with blue cheese or ranch dressing and sprinkle with celery and scallions. Toss them right before serving so they stay crisp. Set out extra sauce for heat lovers. It is one of the most crave-worthy Tater Tot Appetizers for game day. Serve it with buffalo chicken game day dishes. Ranch or blue cheese at your table?

You will need: 32 oz bag frozen tater tots, 1/2 cup hot sauce, 3 tbsp melted butter, 1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing, 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese, 2 celery stalks finely diced, 2 scallions sliced

How to make it: 1. Bake tots at 425 F until extra crispy. 2. Whisk hot sauce and melted butter. 3. Toss tots in the sauce. 4. Pile on a platter and drizzle with dressing. 5. Top with blue cheese, celery and scallions.

Totchos, the Ultimate Tater Tot Appetizers

Totchos swap tortilla chips for crispy tater tots, and once you try them, you might never go back. Pile hot tots on a sheet pan, add seasoned ground beef, black beans, cheese and jalapenos, then bake until bubbly. Finish with pico de gallo, avocado and sour cream. Spread the tots in a single layer so every one gets topping. It is the ultimate shareable among Tater Tot Appetizers. Set the pan out with cheesy jalapeno popper recipes. What is your must-have nacho topping?

You will need: 32 oz bag frozen tater tots, 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 15 oz can black beans drained, 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, 1 jalapeno sliced, 1 cup pico de gallo, 1 avocado diced, sour cream

How to make it: 1. Bake tots at 425 F until crispy. 2. Brown beef until no pink remains, drain and stir in seasoning. 3. Top tots with beef, beans, cheese and jalapeno. 4. Bake 5 minutes until cheese melts. 5. Finish with pico, avocado and sour cream.

Bacon, Cheddar and Chive Tater Tots

Some tots come with the good stuff mixed right in. Smash slightly thawed tots with crisp bacon, sharp cheddar and chives, roll the mix back into little logs, then bake until the outsides crackle. Every bite tastes like a loaded baked potato, with no topping sliding off onto the carpet. Chill the shaped tots for 15 minutes so they hold their shape in the oven. Set them out next to savory cheese straws for a snack board that disappears fast. Will you add a pinch of smoked paprika?

You will need: 32 oz bag frozen tater tots slightly thawed, 6 slices cooked bacon finely chopped, 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1/4 cup chopped chives, 1 large egg beaten, 1/2 tsp garlic powder

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 425 F and line a sheet pan. 2. Mash tots with bacon, cheese, chives, egg and garlic powder. 3. Roll tablespoons of the mix into small logs. 4. Chill 15 minutes. 5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, turning once, until deep golden.

Mini Pizza Tater Tot Appetizers

Arrange tater tots in small rounds, bake them crispy, then top with pizza sauce, mozzarella and mini pepperoni for bite-size pizzas kids go crazy for. Pressing the tots together slightly helps them hold their shape. Bake again just until the cheese melts and bubbles. Cut into wedges or serve each round as is. These Tater Tot Appetizers taste like pizza night in one bite, just like our pizza flavored dinners. They are a guaranteed hit at sleepovers and game nights. Which toppings will your crowd pick?

You will need: 32 oz bag frozen tater tots, 1 cup pizza sauce, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1 cup mini pepperoni, 1 tsp Italian seasoning

How to make it: 1. Arrange tots in groups of 7 in tight circles on a lined pan. 2. Bake at 425 F for 20 minutes and press gently with a spatula. 3. Top with sauce, cheese and pepperoni. 4. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning. 5. Bake 5 to 7 minutes until cheese bubbles.

Breakfast Tater Tot Appetizers With Cheddar Omelet

Christmas morning gets easier when the tots and eggs share one pan. Bake a tray of crispy tots, roll up a fluffy cheddar omelet, then slice it into short pieces and set each one beside a little pile of tots for grab-and-go plates. It feels like a diner breakfast, only you never leave your pajamas. Cook the eggs until no liquid remains and they reach 160 F. Serve the platter with a make-ahead holiday quiche for a full brunch spread. Who is coming for brunch?

You will need: 32 oz bag frozen tater tots, 8 large eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 2 tbsp butter, salt and pepper, chopped chives for serving

How to make it: 1. Bake tots at 425 F until extra crispy. 2. Whisk eggs with milk, salt and pepper. 3. Melt butter in a large skillet, add eggs and cook until set. 4. Sprinkle with cheddar, roll and slice into 2 inch pieces. 5. Serve with hot tots and chives.

Christmas Wreath Tater Tot Appetizers

For your holiday party, arrange crispy tater tots in a big wreath shape on a platter, then decorate with chopped herbs, cherry tomato halves and a ribbon of red pepper. Put a bowl of dip in the center. It is the most festive way to serve Tater Tot Appetizers and takes only minutes. Bake the tots on a large pan in a ring shape so they slide off together. Snap a photo before guests dig in. Serve it with Christmas tree appetizers. Will this be your holiday table star?

You will need: 32 oz bag frozen tater tots, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped parsley and chives, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1 red bell pepper cut into a bow, 1 cup ranch or garlic dip

How to make it: 1. Arrange tots in a large ring on a lined sheet pan. 2. Bake at 425 F until crispy. 3. Slide onto a round platter. 4. Sprinkle with herbs and tuck in tomato halves. 5. Add a pepper bow and a bowl of dip in the center.

Homemade Tater Tots From Scratch

Making tater tots from scratch is easier than you think. Russet potatoes are par-boiled, grated, mixed with a little flour and seasoning, then shaped into little cylinders and fried or baked. They taste fresher and crispier than frozen. Squeeze the grated potatoes dry so they hold together. Make a big batch and freeze extras for later. These Tater Tot Appetizers will impress everyone at the table. Serve with crispy potato latkes. Will you bake or fry yours?

You will need: 2 lb russet potatoes peeled, 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp pepper, oil for frying or baking

How to make it: 1. Boil peeled potatoes 8 minutes, cool and grate. 2. Squeeze grated potato dry in a towel. 3. Mix with flour, salt, garlic powder and pepper. 4. Shape into small cylinders. 5. Fry at 350 F for 3 to 4 minutes or bake at 425 F for 25 minutes, turning once.

Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots

Wrapping each tot in a strip of bacon turns a freezer snack into a crispy, salty treat that guests talk about long after the party. Use thin-cut bacon cut into thirds so it crisps evenly. Brush with a little maple syrup or brown sugar for a sweet and smoky glaze. Bake on a rack so the grease drips away. Pair them with sweet heat party bites. These Tater Tot Appetizers never last long. Sweet glaze or plain bacon for you?

You will need: 40 frozen tater tots, 14 slices thin bacon cut into thirds, 2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup (optional), toothpicks

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 400 F and set a rack on a lined pan. 2. Wrap each tot with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. 3. Brush with maple syrup or sprinkle with brown sugar if using. 4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until bacon is crisp. 5. Cool 5 minutes before serving.

Garlic Parmesan Tater Tot Appetizers

Start with tots baked in a single layer on a sheet pan, then toss them in garlic butter and parmesan. They taste like fancy steakhouse fries but take just minutes to make. Fresh chopped parsley adds color and brightness. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor. Toss the tots in a big bowl so every one gets coated. These Tater Tot Appetizers are simple, crowd-pleasing and great next to burgers. Serve with easy garlic compound butter. Will you add a pinch of red pepper flakes?

You will need: 32 oz bag frozen tater tots, 3 tbsp melted butter, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

How to make it: 1. Bake tots at 425 F until crispy. 2. Warm butter with garlic 1 minute. 3. Toss hot tots with garlic butter. 4. Add parmesan and parsley and toss again. 5. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

Tater Tot Cups With Sour Cream

Smashed tater tots pressed into a muffin pan bake into crispy little potato cups, ready to hold any filling you like. Fill them with sour cream, chives and bacon for a loaded baked potato bite. Press the tots firmly into the cups and use a shot glass to shape the center. Bake until deep golden for the best crunch. These Tater Tot Appetizers look fancy but are easy. Pair them with two-bite stuffed mushrooms. What would you fill yours with?

You will need: 32 oz bag frozen tater tots thawed, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon, 2 tbsp chopped chives, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 425 F and grease a mini muffin pan. 2. Put 3 thawed tots in each cup and press into a cup shape with a shot glass. 3. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until crisp. 4. Sprinkle with cheese and bake 2 minutes more. 5. Fill with sour cream, bacon and chives.

Tater Tot Poutine With Gravy and Cheese

Canada gave us poutine, and tater tots make it even crunchier. Pile hot tots on a plate, pour over rich brown gravy and scatter cheese curds or torn mozzarella so it melts into soft strings. Serve forks on the side, because nobody waits politely for this one. Keep the gravy hot so the cheese softens, and add the gravy right before serving so the tots stay crisp. A few mozzarella sticks on the side never hurt. It sits nicely next to crispy onion party snacks on a game day table. Curds or shredded cheese at your house?

You will need: 32 oz bag frozen tater tots, 2 cups beef or chicken gravy, 1 1/2 cups cheese curds or torn mozzarella, chopped parsley, black pepper

How to make it: 1. Bake tots at 425 F until extra crispy. 2. Heat gravy until simmering. 3. Pile tots on a platter and scatter the cheese. 4. Pour hot gravy over the top. 5. Finish with pepper and parsley and serve at once.

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Appetizers

These little cheeseburger bites use a crispy tater tot as the bun, topped with a mini beef patty, melty cheese and a pickle slice. They are fun, bun-free and perfect for kids and adults alike. Form the mini patties thin so they cook quickly and fit the tots. Cook the beef to 160 F. Secure each stack with a toothpick. Serve with ketchup and mustard for dipping. Pair them with cheeseburger casserole. Will you add bacon too?

You will need: 32 oz bag frozen tater tots, 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 6 slices cheddar cut into small squares, dill pickle chips, toothpicks, ketchup and mustard

How to make it: 1. Bake tots at 425 F until crispy. 2. Shape beef into small, thin patties and season. 3. Cook patties in a skillet 2 minutes per side to 160 F and top with cheese to melt. 4. Stack each patty on a tot, top with a pickle chip and another tot. 5. Secure with toothpicks and serve.

Tater Tots With Homemade Fry Sauce

Sometimes the simplest basket wins the party. Fry or bake a big batch of tots until deep golden, salt them while hot, then serve them in paper-lined baskets with a bowl of tangy fry sauce, the pink ketchup and mayo dip Utah diners swear by. A little pickle juice and smoked paprika make it taste like a secret recipe. Mix the sauce an hour ahead so the flavors blend. Try a spoon of homemade BBQ sauce in place of ketchup for a smoky twist. Ketchup, ranch or fry sauce for you?

You will need: 32 oz bag frozen tater tots, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tsp pickle juice, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, salt

How to make it: 1. Bake tots at 425 F until deep golden. 2. Whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle juice, paprika and garlic powder. 3. Chill the sauce 1 hour. 4. Salt the hot tots and pile into paper-lined baskets. 5. Serve with the fry sauce for dipping.