There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of game day, especially when you have the perfect snack in tow. Picture this: you’re on the sidelines, surrounded by friends, the sun is shining, and the scent of crispy tater tots, sizzling bacon, and gooey cheese wafts through the air. My Easy Layered Tailgate Tots are designed for moments like this—deliciously fun, easy to assemble, and portable enough to hold in one hand while you cheer on your favorite team. These delightful layers of crispy tots, savory bacon, and rich cheddar cheese sauce come together in stylish mason jars, making them not just a treat for your taste buds, but a feast for your eyes as well.
Whether you’re tailgating at the stadium or enjoying a cozy couch party, these tots are a sure-fire crowd-pleaser that can be customized with your favorite toppings, from spicy buffalo sauce to tangy blue cheese. Let’s dive into this game-winning recipe that’s all about convenience, flavor, and pure enjoyment!
Why are Tailgate Tots a Must-Try?
Fun and Creative: Transform your game day with these playful layered bites that are beyond your average snack.
Easy to Assemble: With minimal prep and just a few steps, these tots can be ready in no time!
Portable Goodness: Perfectly packed in mason jars, they’re easy to take on the go, making tailgating that much simpler.
Customizable Toppings: Personalize to your heart’s content with spicy buffalo sauce or savory blue cheese for endless flavor combinations.
Crowd-Creator: These layered tots are sure to impress your friends and family, making every game day a celebration.
Tailgate Tots Ingredients
For the Tots
• Tater Tots – The perfect crispy base for your layers; feel free to swap for homemade air fryer tots for added freshness.
• Bacon – Brings a savory richness; turkey bacon is a lighter alternative if desired.
For the Cheese Sauce
• Butter – Adds richness to the sauce; can substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.
• All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the cheese sauce; replace with gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version.
• Whole Milk – Creates a creamy base; almond milk works great for a dairy-free alternative.
• Sharp Cheddar – This is the star of your cheese sauce for robust flavor; feel free to use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist.
• Chili Powder – Adds a touch of spice to the sauce; omit for milder tastes or swap with paprika for less heat.
For the Garnish
• Chives – Fresh flavor and vibrant color; green onions or parsley can easily replace them.
• Sour Cream – Provides creaminess and tang; Greek yogurt is a healthier substitute if you wish.
Get ready to create these delightful Tailgate Tots and take your game day snacking to the next level!
How to Make Tailgate Tots
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Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth, then gradually add the milk while stirring. Cook until the mixture thickens, then stir in the cheddar and chili powder until melted and creamy.
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Cook Bacon: In a skillet, fry the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.
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Layer Ingredients: In a wide-mouth mason jar or small bowl, layer the cooked tater tots on the bottom, followed by a layer of bacon, chives, and then a generous amount of cheddar cheese sauce.
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Repeat Layers: Continue layering the remaining ingredients until everything is used up, ensuring to finish with a layer of cheese sauce on top.
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Serve: Enjoy immediately while warm, or you can chill the jars briefly for easier transport to your tailgating spot.
Optional: Garnish with extra chives or a drizzle of buffalo sauce for added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Tailgate Tots?
Tailgating gets even better when you know what to serve alongside these tantalizing tater tot creations!
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Spicy Buffalo Wings: A fiery addition that perfectly complements the cheesy richness of the tots, making each bite an explosion of flavor.
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Classic Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing offer a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty stacked tots, balancing the meal beautifully.
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Guacamole Dip: Creamy and zesty, this dip brings a fresh twist that pairs perfectly with the crispy layers of tater tots. It’s a crowd-favorite for good reason!
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Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy slaw adds a delightful crunch and freshness, balancing the savory richness of the tots with each bite.
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Fruit Skewers: Bright and refreshing, these sweet bites provide a playful contrast to the savory tots, offering a burst of fruity flavor to cleanse the palate.
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Craft Beer: Pairing with a light, zesty craft beer enhances the flavor profiles of the dish, making every game day experience more enjoyable.
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Homemade Queso Dip: The gooey cheese turns up the comfort factor, bringing an irresistible dipping option that’s just as crispy as the tots themselves.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a sweet ending, these classic treats provide a hearty dose of nostalgia, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile.
Serve these alongside your Tailgate Tots and watch the compliments roll in!
Make Ahead Options
These Tailgate Tots are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the bacon up to 3 days in advance. Store the cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture, and refrigerate the bacon after cooking to keep it crispy. When you’re ready to layer and serve, simply reheat the cheese sauce on the stove until warmed through. Assemble the jars with cooked tater tots, bacon, chives, and cheese sauce, and enjoy your delicious creation! This approach not only saves you time on game day but ensures your Tailgate Tots remain just as delicious when it’s time to eat.
Expert Tips for Tailgate Tots
- Jar Size Matters: Use wide-mouth mason jars for easy stuffing and serving. They also make every layer visually appealing!
- Cheese Sauce Timing: Make the cheese sauce just before assembly to ensure it remains creamy and doesn’t harden.
- Customize Wisely: Feel free to adjust toppings like bacon and cheese sauce—just remember to keep a good balance of flavors in your Tailgate Tots!
- Keep it Warm: If you’re making these ahead of time, reheat the cheese sauce just before serving for that ooey-gooey experience.
- Flavor Infusion: Incorporate different sauces, like buffalo or ranch, in between layers to create a tantalizing taste journey for your taste buds!
Tailgate Tots Variations
There’s no better way to make these delicious snacks your own than by adding personal twists that excite your taste buds!
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Buffalo Kick: Drizzle buffalo sauce between layers for a spicy, tangy burst that adds a zesty flair.
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Blue Cheese Bliss: Crumble blue cheese on top for a sharp, creamy contrast that amplifies flavors in every bite.
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Chili Lover’s Delight: Substitute a hearty beef chili for bacon in the layers for a rich and filling option that’s sure to satisfy.
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Tex-Mex Twist: Layer in some jalapeños and salsa for a fun southwest flair, creating a dance of flavors in your mouth.
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Healthier Crunch: Swap out the regular tater tots for sweet potato tots to infuse a sweet note and more nutrients into your layers.
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Herb Infusion: Substitute chives with fresh basil or dill for a uniquely aromatic twist that brightens up the dish.
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Extra Creaminess: Add a layer of guacamole on top of your cheese sauce for an extra creamy and luscious texture that balances well with the crispy tots.
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Veggie Boost: Sneak in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition and flavor, making your Tailgate Tots a more wholesome option.
How to Store and Freeze Tailgate Tots
Fridge: Store leftover Tailgate Tots in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Freezer: These tots can be assembled and frozen before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and use within a month for best results.
Reheating: For best results, reheat thawed tots in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes for optimal crispiness and to warm the cheese sauce.
Airtight Guidance: If you have extra cheese sauce, store it separately in the fridge in a sealed container and reheat as needed to maintain creaminess.
Tailgate Tots Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best tater tots for my Tailgate Tots?
Absolutely! Look for frozen tater tots that are golden and crispy without any ice crystals in the packaging. If you decide to make homemade air fryer tater tots, choose fresh potatoes that are firm and free from dark spots or blemishes for the best texture and taste.
What’s the best way to store leftover Tailgate Tots?
For tasty leftovers, place your Tailgate Tots in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until they are warmed through. If using the oven, a quick 10-15 minute heat at 350°F (175°C) helps maintain that delightful crunch!
Can I freeze Tailgate Tots?
Yes, you can! To freeze, assemble the Tailgate Tots in mason jars but leave off the cheese sauce. Wrap the filled jars tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for extra protection. They can be frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat the cheese sauce separately before serving.
What should I do if my cheese sauce is too thick?
Very! If your cheese sauce turns out thick, don’t fret. Simply whisk in a little warm milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. This helps to rehydrate the sauce and keeps it from being too gooey or sticky when layered. Always stir on low heat to prevent it from clumping!
Are Tailgate Tots suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Definitely! You can make Tailgate Tots accommodating for various dietary needs. Use turkey bacon or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option. For gluten-free guests, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch for the cheese sauce. Also, consider almond milk instead of dairy milk and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for those looking for healthier alternatives.
Can I make Tailgate Tots vegan?
Absolutely! To make your Tailgate Tots vegan, replace bacon with a plant-based bacon alternative and use dairy-free cheese and milk. You can even make the cheese sauce using cashews blended with nutritional yeast and some almond milk for a creamy, cheesy sensation everyone will enjoy!
Mouthwatering Tailgate Tots You Can Layer with Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth, then gradually add the milk while stirring. Cook until the mixture thickens, then stir in the cheddar and chili powder until melted and creamy.
- In a skillet, fry the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
- In a wide-mouth mason jar, layer the cooked tater tots on the bottom, followed by bacon, chives, and cheddar cheese sauce.
- Continue layering the remaining ingredients until everything is used up, finishing with a layer of cheese sauce on top.
- Enjoy immediately while warm, or chill briefly for easier transport.