Cheesy Tater Tots are golden, crispy tater tots baked and finished with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese and fresh scallions. Easy to make and ready in minutes, these cheesy tots are an instant crowd-pleaser!
Easy Sheet Pan Recipe
This is one of those recipes that proves simple can still mean satisfying. As a home cook focused on approachable, flavor-forward recipes, I like meals that bring comfort and familiarity.
With just five ingredients and a sheet pan, these cheesy tots come together fast—and disappear just as quickly. No special tools, no complicated steps—just crispy tater tots, melty cheese, and a handful of scallions.
Frozen tater tots have become a staple in our house. Ever since I started using them for my Cowboy Casserole, I pretty much always have a bag stashed in the freezer. They’re a reliable staple—especially when you need something easy to serve a hungry crowd or pull together a quick late-night snack.
Ingredients for Cheesy Tater Tots
You will need the following:
- Tater Tots – Look for the extra crispy variety. They hold their texture under melted cheese and reheat well if you have leftovers.
- Cheddar Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds bold flavor. Other cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or a pepper jack blend work well too.
- Salt + Pepper – As always, season to taste. For a kicked-up version of this recipe, try swapping the salt and pepper for Old Bay seasoning.
- Scallions – Also known as green onions, scallions pair especially wellk with cheddar cheese. They add a fresh, slightly sharp bite that balances the richness of the cheese.
Make It Vegan
To make these cheesy tater tots vegan, use plant-based cheddar cheese. Everything else in the recipe stays the same—no other substitutions needed.
How to Make Cheesy Tater Tots
STEP ONE: Bake the tater tots. Line a baking sheet with foil. On the baking sheet, spread the tater tots in an even layer. Bake according to package directions then remove from the oven. Switch the oven’s setting to Broil.
STEP TWO: Add sessonings and cheese. Sprinkle the hot tater tots with salt, pepper, and cheese.
STEP THREE: Broil the tots. Return the tots to the oven. Broil for 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
STEP FOUR: Add scallions and serve. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with scallions, and serve hot.
What to Serve with Tater Tots
Serve these cheesy tots as a side with Sloppy Joes, BBQ sandwiches, or enjoy on their own for a movie night or game-day snack. Dip in Homemade Ranch Dip or Carolina Style BBQ Sauce for extra flavor.
FAQs for Cheesy Tater Tots
- Can these be made in an air fryer? Yes. Cook the tots in the air fryer until crispy, then transfer to an oven-safe dish to melt the cheese under the broiler.
- How do I keep them crispy? Use a foil-lined baking sheet and avoid overcrowding. Serve immediately after broiling for the best texture.
- Can I make this ahead of time? They’re best served fresh, but you can bake the tots in advance and melt the cheese right before serving.
More Recipes You’ll Love!
Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for being part of our home cooking community!
Follow This Wife Cooks on Flipboard | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Shop | YouTube
Cheesy Tater Tots Recipe
Ingredients
- 28- ounces frozen tater tots
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup scallions chopped
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with foil. On the baking sheet, spread the tater tots in an even layer. Bake according to package directions then remove from the oven. Switch the oven’s setting to Broil.
- Sprinkle the hot tater tots with salt, pepper, and cheese.
- Return the tots to the oven. Broil for 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with scallions, and serve hot.
Nutrition
This post was updated on April 24, 2025.
Leave a Reply