Let’s be honest for a moment. Thanksgiving is a beautiful, chaotic whirlwind. You are juggling a turkey, three side dishes, and a pie, all while your family asks when dinner will be ready. The last thing you need is a complicated starter.
What you need are some truly easy Thanksgiving appetizers. I’m talking about something so simple and so delicious that it keeps everyone happy and out of the kitchen. These loaded tater tot skewers are exactly that. They are the answer to your holiday hosting prayers.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the simplicity is a huge win. There are no fancy techniques or hard to find ingredients here. If you can bake frozen tater tots, you can absolutely make this recipe. It’s a huge confidence booster for new cooks.
They are also a major crowd pleaser. Who doesn’t love crispy potatoes topped with melted cheese and savory bacon? It’s a classic combination that both kids and adults enjoy. It’s one of my favorite Thanksgiving finger food ideas for a reason.
These skewers are basically a mess free version of loaded potato skins. Serving them on a stick makes them a fantastic choice for Thanksgiving appetizers finger foods. Guests can mingle and snack without needing a plate or fork.
Another great thing is how little oven time they require after the initial bake. While your turkey is resting, you can pop these in for a few minutes to melt the cheese. It is all about smart timing on a busy cooking day.
You can also prepare some of the components ahead of time. Cook the bacon and chop the green onions a day before. This little bit of prep work makes the final assembly incredibly fast. It’s a smart strategy for any holiday meal.
Plus, this recipe is so easy to scale up or down. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a huge family feast, you can adjust the quantities without any trouble. Just buy more tater tots!
Finally, these little bites are just plain fun. They look festive on a platter and bring a casual, joyful vibe to your appetizer spread. It sets a wonderfully relaxed tone for the rest of the meal.
Ingredients
The beauty of these Thanksgiving snacks appetizers lies in the short and simple ingredient list. You probably have some of these items in your kitchen already. No need for a special trip to a gourmet store.
For the best results, I do recommend grating your own cheddar cheese. The pre shredded kind often has additives that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Freshly grated cheese gives you that glorious, gooey cheese pull we all love.
- 48 tater tots, frozen
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 8 slices beef bacon, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sour cream, to taste
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to assemble some of the most easy Thanksgiving appetizers ever? Let’s walk through the process together. It’s so straightforward, you’ll have it memorized after the first time.
Step 1: Bake The Tater Tots
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F. Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a large baking sheet. It is important to give them space so they get crispy all over.
Bake them according to the package directions. My bag suggested about 28 minutes. I find flipping them halfway through is the key to getting them perfectly golden brown and delicious on all sides.
Step 2: Let Them Cool And Skewer
Once they are done baking, pull them out of the oven. Let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes. You want them to be cool enough to handle without burning your fingertips.
When they are ready, carefully thread four to six tater tots onto each skewer. Gently push them on so they don’t break apart. This is a fun step to get kids involved with, if you have any little helpers.
Step 3: Add The Toppings
Line a fresh baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange your completed skewers on the sheet. Now for the best part. Sprinkle your freshly grated cheddar cheese all over the tots.
Next, scatter the finely chopped beef bacon bits over the cheese. Finally, add about half of your chopped green onions. This layering ensures you get a bit of everything in each bite.
Step 4: Melt The Cheese
Place the baking sheet back into the hot oven. This second bake is very quick. It will only take about five to seven minutes. You are just looking for the cheese to get perfectly melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish And Serve
Take the skewers out of the oven. Carefully transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle the remaining fresh green onions over the top. This adds a nice pop of color and fresh flavor.
Serve them immediately with a bowl of sour cream on the side for dipping. Watch how quickly these amazing Thanksgiving snacks appetizers disappear. They are always a huge hit.
How To Store Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers, which is rare, storing them is simple. Let the skewers cool down completely to room temperature first. This prevents them from getting soggy.
Carefully remove the tots from the skewers and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. The green onions might lose a little crispness, but they will still be tasty.
When you are ready to reheat, the oven or an air fryer is your best friend. A microwave will make them soft. Bake them at 375°F for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again.
Tips
Want to make these easy Thanksgiving appetizers even better? I have a few little tricks you can try. These suggestions can help you customize the recipe to your own tastes or what you have on hand.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, a Colby blend, or even some spicy pepper jack would be delicious. A mix of a few cheeses could also be very flavorful.
For a different flavor profile, you can use turkey bacon or even a vegetarian bacon alternative. Just be sure to cook it until it is nice and crispy before you chop it up for the topping.
Get creative with your dips. While sour cream is classic, a good ranch dressing, a zesty chipotle aioli, or even a warm cheese sauce would be incredible dipping options. Offer a few choices for your guests.
If you want to add a little bit of heat, consider adding some finely diced jalapeños along with the bacon and cheese. It provides a nice kick that contrasts well with the creamy cheese and potatoes.
Remember to use freshly grated cheese. I mentioned it before, but it makes a huge difference in how well the cheese melts and tastes. It is a small step that adds a lot of quality to your dish.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A wonderfully simple, delicious, and stress free recipe that is sure to be a star at your holiday gathering. These skewers prove that easy Thanksgiving appetizers can still be a highlight of the meal.
This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving finger food ideas because it lets you spend more time with your loved ones and less time worrying in the kitchen. I hope you and your family enjoy every cheesy, bacon filled bite. Happy Thanksgiving!
FAQ
Can I Use An Air Fryer For This Recipe?
Absolutely! An air fryer works wonderfully for making tater tots extra crispy. Cook the tots in the air fryer according to its instructions. Then, assemble the skewers, top them, and air fry for another 2 to 3 minutes at around 380°F until the cheese is melted.
How Many Skewers Does This Recipe Make?
This recipe uses 48 tater tots. If you put 4 tots on each skewer, you will get 12 skewers. If you use 6 tots on each, you will get 8 skewers. It gives you a nice range depending on the size of your skewers and how you want to serve them.
Can I Make These Vegetarian?
Yes, making a vegetarian version is very easy. Simply omit the beef bacon. You can use a store bought vegetarian bacon crumble instead, or add other toppings like chopped black olives or sautéed mushrooms for a savory flavor.
What Kind Of Skewers Should I Use?
You can use either wooden or metal skewers. If you use wooden or bamboo skewers, it’s a good idea to soak them in water for about 20 minutes before using them. This helps prevent them from burning in the oven. Small 6 inch skewers are a great size.
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
Thanksgiving can be a busy time. What you need are truly easy appetizers. These loaded tater tot skewers are simple, delicious, and keep everyone happy. A mess-free version of loaded potato skins, they are served on a stick for easy mingling. Prepare components ahead to make assembly fast on a busy holiday. Fun and festive, these bites bring a joyful vibe to your appetizer spread.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread frozen tater tots in a single layer on a large baking sheet, ensuring space for crisping.
- Bake according to package directions (about 28 minutes), flipping halfway through for even golden-brown crispness.
- Remove tater tots from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes until cool enough to handle.
- Carefully thread four to six tater tots onto each skewer, gently pushing them to avoid breaking.
- Line a fresh baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the skewers on the sheet.
- Sprinkle freshly grated cheddar cheese over the tots.
- Scatter finely chopped beef bacon bits over the cheese.
- Add about half of the chopped green onions over the bacon and cheese.
- Place the baking sheet back into the hot oven for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
- Remove skewers from the oven and transfer to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle the remaining fresh green onions over the top for color and fresh flavor.
- Serve immediately with a bowl of sour cream for dipping.
Notes
If you somehow end up with leftovers, storing them is simple. Let the skewers cool down completely to room temperature first. Carefully remove the tots from the skewers and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you are ready to reheat, the oven or an air fryer is your best friend. Bake them at 375°F for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again.
Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby blend, or pepper jack. A mix of a few cheeses could be very flavorful.
For a different flavor profile, use turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon alternative. Cook until crispy before chopping.
Get creative with your dips. Ranch dressing, zesty chipotle aioli, or a warm cheese sauce would be incredible dipping options. Offer a few choices.
To add a little heat, consider adding finely diced jalapeños along with the bacon and cheese.
Remember to use freshly grated cheese for better melting and taste.
If using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes before using them to prevent burning. Small 6-inch skewers are a great size.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
