Description

Tailgate Tots are a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for any game day or casual gathering. Crispy grilled tater tots are layered with a rich homemade cheddar cheese sauce, crispy bacon, sour cream, and fresh chives, creating a satisfying and indulgent snack that’s easy to make on the grill.

Ingredients

Scale

Tater Tots

1 32-oz. package tater tots
Cooking spray

Bacon

8 slices bacon, chopped

Cheese Sauce

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

Toppings

1 container sour cream
1/4 cup freshly chopped chives

Instructions

Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to a medium temperature to prepare for cooking the tater tots evenly without burning.
Grill the tater tots: Spray two disposable pie plates with cooking spray. Spread the tater tots evenly in a single layer on each plate. Place them on the grill and cook for approximately 20 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure all sides become crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, set the tater tots aside.
Cook the bacon: In a sauté pan over medium heat, fry the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
Prepare the cheese sauce: In a deep-walled sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour while whisking constantly to form a smooth slurry. Gradually pour in the whole milk, continuing to whisk to create a thin sauce without lumps. Slowly stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the chili powder, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove the sauce from heat.
Assemble the Tailgate Tots: In small bowls or wide-mouthed mason jars, layer the grilled tater tots first. Spoon a portion of the cheese sauce over the tots, then sprinkle with crispy bacon, add a dollop of sour cream, and top with freshly chopped chives. Repeat these layers until you reach the top of your containers.

Notes

Use disposable pie plates for easy grilling and cleanup, but any grill-safe baking dish will work.
Be sure to stir the tater tots regularly on the grill to prevent burning and promote even crispiness.
The cheese sauce can be made on the stovetop in advance and reheated gently if needed.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
This recipe is great to prepare ahead of time; keep the components separate and assemble just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Tailgate Tots, grilled tater tots, cheese sauce, bacon appetizer, game day recipe, easy appetizer, party snack