If you’re in search of the most adorable (and effortlessly delightful) Super Bowl treat, your quest ends with these charming tailgate tots. Just listen to how cute they even sound! Navigating tailgate cuisine can be a challenge—ideally, it should be enjoyable, imaginative, and, above all, easy to devour during the game. These tots effortlessly check all those boxes and more. Whether you’re spending the entire day tailgating or opting for a cozy spot on the couch for game day, these tots make for the ideal portable snack, ensuring your satisfaction as the excitement of the game unfolds.
In crafting these delightful creations, we stack frozen tater tots, bacon, diced chives, sour cream, and a homemade cheddar cheese sauce in mason jars. We opted for the convenience of frozen tater tots (because isn’t that the essence of game day?), but if you’re aiming for the extraordinary, feel free to substitute our homemade air fryer tater tots. The inspiration here draws from the loaded-potato-skins concept, yet you’re encouraged to explore beyond. Buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles (or ranch dressing) would provide a delightful twist; another classic combo to consider is chili and cheese. Let your creativity take the lead!
For the cutest presentation, we arranged our tailgate tots in mason jars, but it’s not a requirement. If you choose to go this route, we suggest opting for wide-mouth mason jars for convenient access to the bottom of your stack. Alternatively, you can assemble your tots in small bowls. Although we appreciate the importance of presentation, our main suggestion is to use whatever container makes the layering and enjoyment of these tots the easiest.
Tried out this tailgating delight? Share your experience in the comments below!
Ingredients
1 32-oz. package tater tots
8 slices bacon, chopped
1/4 c. freshly chopped chives
1 container sour cream
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 c. whole milk
1 2/3 c. sharp cheddar
1/4 tsp. chili powder
Directions
Step 1:
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Step 2:
Coat two disposable pie plates with cooking spray, and arrange tater tots in a single layer in each plate. Grill for approximately 20 minutes, stirring regularly. Set aside.
Step 3:
In the meantime, cook bacon in a sauté pan over medium heat, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Step 4:
Prepare the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a deep-walled sauté pan over medium heat. Add flour, whisking to create a slurry. Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously to form a thin sauce. Gradually incorporate cheddar and chili powder, stirring until the mixture is well-combined. Remove the sauce from heat.
Step 5:
Layer the grilled tater tots into small bowls or wide-mouthed mason jars. Top them with cheese sauce, bacon, sour cream, and chives. Repeat the layers until you’ve reached the top of the containers.
