Dinner

Tailgate Tots Recipe

Name: Tailgate Tots Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 32-oz. package tater tots; Cooking spray; 8 slices bacon, chopped; 2 tbsp. butter; 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 1 2/3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/4 tsp. chili powder; 1 container sour cream; 1/4 cup freshly chopped chives

ByHarry Bern February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

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Introduction

Tailgate Tots are the ultimate game day treat, combining crispy tater tots with rich cheese sauce, smoky bacon, and fresh chives. This layered snack is perfect for sharing and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

The image shows clear glass jars filled with several layers of food. At the bottom, there are crispy golden-brown tater tots mixed with pieces of cooked bacon, topped with white dollops of sour cream and sprinkled with bright green chopped chives. Above this, there is a smooth orange cheese sauce layer, followed by another layer of crispy tater tots and bacon. On the very top, there is a generous dollop of sour cream with more chopped chives scattered on it. The jars sit on a white marbled surface with a few chopped chives and a lone tater tot nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Heat your grill to medium temperature. Spray two disposable pie plates with cooking spray and spread the tater tots evenly in each plate. Grill the tots for about 20 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure even cooking. Once done, set them aside.
Step 2: While the tots are grilling, fry the chopped bacon in a sauté pan over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Prepare the cheese sauce by melting the butter in a deep-walled sauté pan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to combine into a smooth slurry. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a thin sauce.
Step 4: Slowly stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and chili powder, mixing until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove the sauce from heat to avoid overcooking.
Step 5: To assemble, layer the tater tots into small bowls or wide-mouthed mason jars. Spoon over some cheese sauce, sprinkle chopped bacon, add a dollop of sour cream, and finish with chopped chives. Repeat the layers until the containers are filled to the top.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce instead of chili powder.
Substitute sharp cheddar with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier sauce.
Cook the bacon ahead of time and keep warm in the oven to save prep time.
Try adding diced jalapeños or green onions with the chives for a fresh twist.

Storage

Store any leftover Tailgate Tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Note that the tots may lose some crispness when refrigerated.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with three distinct layers of crispy golden-brown tater tots mixed with small pieces of reddish-brown bacon and topped with creamy white sour cream drizzles and smooth yellow cheese sauce running down the sides. The jar sits on a white marbled surface with scattered bright green chopped chives and a single tater tot resting beside the jar. A dollop of sour cream garnished with chives decorates the very top, with two tater tots peeking out from underneath the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes, you can bake the tater tots in the oven according to the package instructions, usually at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even crisping.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to the cheese sauce?

You can substitute the butter and whole milk with dairy-free margarine and plant-based milk, and use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. Adjust the thickness of the sauce as needed with additional flour or cornstarch.