Ingredients:

  • 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • 12 wooden skewers, 6-inch length
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely snipped
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. Thread 4 to 5 slightly softened tater tots onto each skewer, leaving a 1/8-inch gap between each tot to allow for 360-degree air circulation.
  3. Place skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through until the exterior is firm.
  4. While tots roast, pan-fry bacon pieces for 3 minutes until fat begins to render but the meat remains flexible.
  5. Remove skewers from oven, top with shredded cheddar and par-cooked bacon, and return to the oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese is bubbly and bacon is crisp.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, chives, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  7. Drizzle the sour cream mixture over the hot skewers and garnish with sliced green onions and optional jalapeños.