Description
Creamy ranch and crispy bacon elevate this loaded bacon ranch tater tot bake with cheddar cheese into a comfort food sensation. Melted cheese, golden tots, and savory bacon create an irresistible dish you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (32 ounces / 907 grams) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 pound (454 grams) bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning and Dairy:
- 1 (1 ounce / 28 grams) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup (227 grams) sour cream
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Crisp the potato gems in a scorching 425F (218C) oven, spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roasting until they transform into golden, crunchy nuggets.
- Transfer the roasted potato gems into a spacious mixing vessel, then dust them generously with zesty ranch seasoning, gently tumbling to ensure complete flavor coverage.
- Lower the oven temperature to a gentle 350F (175C), and prepare a rectangular baking vessel with a light grease coating.
- Construct the first landscape layer of seasoned potato gems, followed by a lavish sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese and crisp bacon fragments.
- Repeat the layering process, creating a harmonious stack of potato gems, cheese, and smoky bacon pieces.
- Slide the assembled casserole into the warm oven, allowing the cheese to melt into a luxurious blanket and creating a bubbling, enticing surface.
- After 15-20 minutes, carefully extract the baked masterpiece from the oven.
- Embellish the golden surface with dollops of creamy sour cream and a scattered garnish of vibrant chives or green onions.
- Serve immediately while the dish radiates warmth and irresistible aroma.
Notes
- Crunch Perfect the tater tots by spreading them in a single layer without overcrowding, ensuring maximum crispiness and even golden-brown texture.
- Customize the ranch seasoning by making your own blend using dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder for a fresher, more intense flavor profile.
- Reduce calories by using turkey bacon, low-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version of this indulgent dish.
- Enhance vegetarian options by replacing bacon with crispy tempeh bits or smoky roasted mushrooms, maintaining the savory depth without meat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg