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easy loaded tater tot potato salad

Easy Loaded Tater Tot Salad with Bacon, Cheese & Chives

This loaded tater tot salad is the perfect mix of crispy tater tots, smoky bacon, cheddar cheese, and a creamy, tangy dressing. A fun twist on classic potato salad, it’s a great party appetizer, BBQ side dish, or game-day snack!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups extra crispy tater tots
  • 4-6 strips bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
  • ½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon sliced chives

For Dressing:

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup mayo
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 ½ teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the tater tots:

  • Bake or air fry according to package directions until extra crispy. Let them cool slightly (at least 5 minutes) to maintain texture and keep the tots from becoming mushy when adding the dressing.

Prepare the dressing:

  • In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayo, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust to preference.

Mix the salad:

  • In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy tater tots with the dressing, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
  • Sprinkle in crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced chives. Toss lightly to combine.

Serve & enjoy:

  • Serve warm or chill for 30 minutes for a cold potato salad-style version.

Notes

  • Use extra crispy tater tots to prevent sogginess:
    • For the best texture, use extra crispy tater tots or cook regular tots until they’re golden brown and crunchy. This helps prevent them from getting soggy when mixed with the dressing. Baking them on a wire rack or air frying them at 400°F (200°C) for a few extra minutes ensures they stay crisp.
  • Let the tater tots cool slightly before mixing:
    • Tossing the tots with the dressing while they’re piping hot can cause them to break down and become mushy. Let them sit for about 5 minutes after cooking so they hold their shape while still being warm enough to soak up flavor.
  • Cook bacon until extra crispy for maximum crunch.
    • Soft bacon can get lost in the creamy dressing, so crispy bacon is key. Cook it until it’s deeply golden brown for the best texture. If making ahead, store crumbled bacon separately and sprinkle it on just before serving to keep it crisp.
  • To make gluten-free:
    • This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free tater tots. Be sure to check the packaging of your frozen tots to ensure they don’t contain any gluten or wheat-based ingredients. Many brands offer gluten-free versions that are just as crispy and delicious as regular tots.
  • To make egg-free:
    • If you’re avoiding eggs, be sure to choose an egg-free mayonnaise (many vegan mayo options are egg-free). The rest of the ingredients in this recipe do not contain eggs, so this substitution will allow you to enjoy the dish without any issues.
  • Nutritional Information is an estimate only and will vary according to specific ingredients and amounts used.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 9gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
Keyword loaded tater tot salad
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