Easy and fast, Cheesy Tater Tots with ranch seasoning are the perfect snack or side dish for busy families. This snack is great for game day and other gatherings.
You also will want to try my Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole.
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You're going to love how easy it is to make crispy tater tots with bacon, loads of cheese, and ranch seasoning. In fact, it's hardly a recipe since it's got just five simple ingredients and a couple of simple steps!
These are so good as a side dish or even just a snack. Honestly, I didn't even want to share these with the kids because I loved eating them that much! But shhhh, don't tell them!
If you don't mind sharing, this dish is definitely something you can bring the kids into the kitchen to help you make.
We make these quite a bit for game day and parties because they're always a huge hit, but they're super easy to make.
Ingredients
- Frozen Tater Tots: Cook them until golden brown before adding the toppings so that the tots get crispy.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: I highly recommend making homemade seasoning blends, like this Ranch Seasoning Mix, but a store-bought ranch seasoning packet will work also.
- Cheese: I use a combination of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese. For the best flavor and texture, grate the cheese yourself. It takes a few extra minutes, but the cheese melts so beautifully! Any good melting cheeses will work in this recipe. For a spicier kick, use pepper jack cheese.
- Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy and drain the grease well. Any type of bacon, including turkey bacon and low-sodium bacon, will work in this recipe.
Optional: Freshly grated black pepper and a bit of sea salt will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
This is meant to be a brief overview of the cheesy tater tots recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below.
Serving Suggestions
For parties, I like to make these as individual portions that people can grab - I call them tater tot cups. I often leave other toppings on the side like extra bacon, chopped chives - pretty much anything you might put on a loaded baked potato.
Other great optional toppings like ranch dressing, sour cream, green onions, or even salsa are delicious on these tots!
Another great way to serve these is with soup, like we did with our Healthy Sweet Potato Soup (below). Try with Easy Slow Cooker Potato Soup or Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, too.
Recipe Variations
Try making our recipe your own with one of these variations:
- For an Italian version, use Italian Seasoning and mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle a little grated Parmesan over the top.
- Substitute Taco Seasoning for the ranch seasoning.
- No tater tots? Try this with French fries instead.
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Similar Recipes
Next time, try one of these other kid-friendly snack recipes:
- Chili Potato Skins - These are the perfect game-day food!
- Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites - You'll want to make a double batch of these because you won't be able to stop eating.
- Meatball Cupcakes - These are savory and delicious.
Cheesy Tater Tots
Not ready to make these yummy tots yet? Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later! When you do make it, please be sure to tag me on Instagram @jugglingactmama or #jugglingactmama – I’d love to see your pictures! And finally, if you get a chance, please comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!
Cheesy Ranch Tater Tots
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Ingredients
- 1 16oz bag frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons Ranch Seasoning Mix
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheeses
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon or 1 cup bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Place tater tots in a single layer on a sheet pan.1 16oz bag frozen tater tots
- Cook tater tots according to package.
- When the tots are done, sprinkle them with ranch seasoning.2 tablespoons Ranch Seasoning Mix
- Top with cheese.1 cup Monterey Jack cheeses, 1 cup Cheddar cheese
- Bake for an additional 8 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle with cooked bacon and serve immediately.6 slices cooked bacon
Equipment
- Serving Bowl and Spoon
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- For an Italian version, use Italian Seasoning and mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle a little grated Parmesan over the top.
- Substitute Taco Seasoning for the ranch seasoning.
Nutrition
About the Author: Nancy from The Bitter Side of Sweet is a stay-at-home mom, wife, and blogger who shares both sweet and savory recipes.
Related: Kid Friendly Vegetable Side Dishes
Betsy says
Mmmmm tator tots and cheese are probably one of the best combos ever.
Ang Paris says
Thanks Jen! Hope you get a chance to try this recipe soon 🙂
Samantha C Murch says
Whoa. Those look tasty.
Ang Paris says
Thanks Samantha! They're pretty awesome!
Darla says
Easy and delicious
Shirley Busby says
Made this dish as a side with fish. Excellent flavor and very filling. I made recipe exactly as described and it turned out delicious.
Perfect side with meat accompaniment or just as an appetizer.
Will make it again … because my family loves it!
P.T. says
I made these for my kids but with french fries because were were out of tater tots. They were a big hit and we will make them again. Thanks for the recipe.