Loaded Pulled Pork Tater Tot Bites Recipe

Frozen tater tots: These are the base of the recipe, providing a crispy and crunchy texture.

Pulled pork: Adds a savory and tender meat component to the bites.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the tater tots and pulled pork, adding a rich and creamy flavor.

Sour cream: Provides a tangy contrast to the savory ingredients.

Green onions: Adds a fresh and slightly sharp flavor to balance the richness.

To ensure your tater tots come out extra crispy, try placing them on a wire rack set over the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the tater tots, ensuring they crisp up evenly on all sides. Additionally, for a more flavorful pulled pork, consider mixing in a bit of barbecue sauce before topping the tater tots. This adds an extra layer of savory and sweet flavor that complements the cheddar cheese and sour cream.

• frozen tater tots - Substitute with sweet potato tots: Sweet potato tots offer a slightly different flavor profile and added nutritional benefits.

• frozen tater tots - Substitute with cauliflower tots: Cauliflower tots are a lower-carb alternative and provide a different texture.

• cooked pulled pork - Substitute with shredded chicken: Shredded chicken is a leaner option and can be seasoned similarly to pulled pork.

• cooked pulled pork - Substitute with jackfruit: Jackfruit is a popular vegan alternative that mimics the texture of pulled pork.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides a milder flavor and a gooey texture when melted.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese is a dairy-free option that can cater to those with lactose intolerance or dietary preferences.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture with added protein.

• sour cream - Substitute with cashew cream: Cashew cream is a dairy-free alternative that provides a rich and creamy consistency.

• chopped green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish.

• chopped green onions - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Allow the tater tots to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Transfer the pulled pork and tater tots into separate airtight containers. This helps maintain their individual textures.
• Store the tater tots in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them.
• To freeze, place the tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The pulled pork can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure it is stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
• When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the tater tots on a baking sheet and bake until crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
• Reheat the pulled pork in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Assemble the tater tots with the pulled pork and cheddar cheese, then bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Top with sour cream and chopped green onions just before serving.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover Loaded Pulled Pork Tater Tot Bites evenly on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place the tater tot bites on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the tater tot bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• For stovetop reheating, use a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet. Place the tater tot bites in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

• To retain the crispiness of the tater tots, you can use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tater tot bites on the toaster oven tray and heat for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the tater tots and melt the cheese.

• Baking sheet: Provides a surface to spread the tater tots in a single layer for even baking.

• Microwave: An option to warm the pulled pork quickly.

• Stovetop: An alternative to the microwave for warming the pulled pork.

• Spatula: Useful for spreading the pulled pork evenly over the tater tots.

• Cheese grater: Used to shred the cheddar cheese if it is not pre-shredded.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of the pulled pork, cheddar cheese, and sour cream.

• Knife: Used to chop the green onions.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the green onions.

• Serving platter: Optional, for presenting the finished loaded tater tot bites.

Preheat efficiently: Preheat your oven while you gather and prepare other ingredients to save time.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to cut down on prep time.

Microwave pulled pork: Quickly warm the pulled pork in the microwave instead of the stovetop.

Line baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat on the baking sheet for easy cleanup.

Batch cooking: Cook extra pulled pork in advance and freeze portions for future use.

Organize toppings: Have sour cream and green onions prepped and ready to go while the tater tots bake.