Last Updated on June 15, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh

Take a hike, nachos. There’s a new appetizer everyone will love! If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make, these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers are about to become your new favorite. Crispy golden tater tots get stacked on skewers, smothered in melted cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy bacon, fresh chives, and a drizzle of sour cream to finish.

It’s like your favorite loaded baked potato just got a makeover. Whether you’re hosting a game day bash, throwing a backyard BBQ, or just looking for a fun twist on classic comfort food, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Bonus: no forks required.

Why We Love This Appetizer Recipe

I’m not sure about you, but I’m over the same appetizer recipes that you always see at parties. It ends up being the same types of food every time. Shake things up and give these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers a try. They’re easy to hold and walk around with, plus they’re not too messy. No utensils are required. Just grab a skewers and get back to partying.

Looking for more great appetizer recipes? Try my Baked Teriyaki Chicken Wings, Viral Boat Dip and Brown Sugar Bacon Crackers. Those are such great appetizer to go with this Tater Tot Skewers!

Loaded Tater Tot Skewer Ingredients:

• Tater Tots: Purchase the frozen bags of tater tots that are the classic round cylinder shape.
• Cheddar Cheese: I prefer to shred my own cheese from a brick, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
• Bacon: Cook and crumble your bacon and ensure it’s extra crispy.
• Chives: They add color and flavor. Wash well.
• Sour Cream: Drizzle on top for a cool creamy flavor.

How To Prep The Skewers Ahead of Time

Cook the tater tots according to package instruction and place them on the skewers, but don’t add your cheese and toppings yet. Wait until the last possible minute to melt the cheese. You can prep the tater tots a few hours ahead of time, along with the bacon. Do not refrigerate the tater tots or the bacon, but they can sit out until you’re ready to melt the cheese and serve.

How To Save Leftovers & Reheat

Keep the tater tots on the skewers. I like to add my skewers to freezer bags and refrigerate. For the best freshness, enjoy the skewers within 3-4 days of cooking them. They can be microwaved, on high, for 30 seconds to reheat. Add more sour cream and fresh chives as needed.

The skewers do not freeze well. The thawing process changes the texture of the tater tots and they’re no longer crispy.

Recipe Variations

Love BBQ? Drizzle your favorite BBQ sauce over the top of the tater tots, along with the sour cream. Or homemade ranch dressing is another option. If you want to add some protein to the skewers, try cubes of cooked chicken! It’s a delicious way to add more bulk to the recipe without much effort. I’d alternate the potato with the chicken, if you want the addition of protein.

How To Make Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

Preheat the oven and bake the tater tots according to the package directions—usually 425°F for 25–30 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning.

Once cooled slightly, slide 6 tater tots onto each wooden skewer. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper and place the skewers on it.

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tater tots, then add crumbled bacon pieces.

Return the skewers to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and top with chives.

Serve warm, drizzled with sour cream on top or on the side for dipping. I also love the recipe variation of drizzling with BBQ sauce. You pick your favorite!