Ingredients
20 oz frozen tater tots
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for extra crispness)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise (you can sub 1/2 c greek yogurt to lighten it)
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon ranch seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
For the "Loaded" Mix ins:
6 slices thick cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4 - 5 1/2 cup chopped green onions (about medium scallions), white and green parts
Directions
Step 1
Preheat Oven & Prepare Tater Tots: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 2
Bake the tater tots for 15 minutes, until they are slightly softened but not yet browned. Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Using the bottom of a sturdy glass or another baking sheet, gently but firmly smash each tater tot flat to form a disc, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Try not to break them apart too much.
Step 3
Return the smashed tater tots to the oven and continue baking for another 15-25 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and very crispy. The exact time will depend on your oven. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for at least 10-15 minutes. This cooling time is crucial for maintaining their crispness when mixed into the salad.
Step 4
Prepare the Dressing: While the tater tots are baking and cooling, prepare the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic powder, ranch seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 5
Assemble the Salad: Once the smashed tater tots have cooled sufficiently (they should be warm to room temperature, not hot), gently add them to the large bowl with the dressing. Add the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions to the bowl. Gently fold all the ingredients together with a rubber spatula until the tater tots are evenly coated with the dressing and the mix-ins are well distributed. Be gentle to avoid breaking the tots too much.
Step 6
Serve: For the best texture, serve the Loaded Smashed Tater Tot Salad immediately while the tater tots are still at their crispiest. If you need to make it ahead, you can prepare the dressing and mix-ins up to a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Bake the tater tots closer to serving time. If you combine everything too far in advance, the tots will soften.
