Pie iron cheesy tater tots and loaded tots are two irresistible comfort food variations that bring crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors to your campfire or kitchen table. Using a pie iron to cook them adds a crispy crust and melty cheese inside, making these treats perfect for snacking or a hearty side. Whether you prefer the simplicity of cheesy tots or the indulgence of loaded tots, this recipe guide covers both with easy steps and tips.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- Butter or nonstick spray for greasing pie iron
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage (for loaded tots)
- Optional: 1/4 cup diced onions (for loaded tots)
Instructions
- Preheat your pie iron over medium heat, either on a campfire, stovetop, or grill. Lightly grease both sides of the pie iron with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine frozen tater tots, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and if making loaded tots, add cooked sausage and diced onions. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper. Remember that bacon and cheese already add some saltiness.
- Open the pie iron and place a layer of the tater tot mixture on one side, about 3/4 inch thick, making sure not to overfill (to allow proper cooking and sealing).
- Top with a small spoonful of sour cream, diced jalapeños, and diced tomatoes if using. Then add a little more tater tot mixture on top to cover and seal the filling.
- Close the pie iron firmly, ensuring it is properly sealed to avoid filling leakage.
- Place the pie iron over medium heat. Cook for about 7-9 minutes, flipping the iron every 3 minutes to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
- Carefully open the pie iron and check if the tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. If not fully cooked, close and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the pie iron from heat and let the cheesy tots cool for 2 minutes before carefully removing them with a spatula or fork.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm with extra sour cream or your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips
- Substitutions: Use mozzarella or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a milder or spicier flavor. For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Storage: Store leftover cheesy or loaded tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best crispness.
- Common mistakes: Avoid overfilling the pie iron to prevent the filling from leaking out. Also, flipping too often or cooking on too high heat can cause burning—medium heat and flipping every few minutes works best.
- Make ahead: Prepare the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Assemble and cook in the pie iron when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy and loaded tater tots made in a pie iron pair wonderfully with fresh garden salads, grilled meats, or as a hearty appetizer at gatherings. Serve them with dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or spicy ketchup. For a brunch twist, add a fried egg on top of loaded tots for extra protein and richness.
Variations
Experiment with different toppings and fillings to customize your tots. Try adding caramelized onions and smoked gouda for a sweet and smoky profile, or use chorizo and pepper jack cheese for a Tex-Mex flair. For a vegetarian spin, swap meats for roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers, and add a sprinkle of feta cheese. You can also make breakfast tots by incorporating scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage into the filling.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover pie iron cheesy or loaded tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the tots on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket and heat for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the tots soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
While fresh potatoes can be used, they require par-cooking and seasoning before assembling, which adds extra steps. Frozen tater tots are convenient because they’re pre-cooked and maintain a crispy texture when cooked in a pie iron.
What type of cheese melts best inside pie iron tots?
Cheddar is a classic choice due to its sharp flavor and good melting properties. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack also melt well and offer different flavor profiles. Avoid very hard cheeses that don’t melt smoothly.
How do I prevent the pie iron from sticking?
Always grease both sides of the pie iron with butter or nonstick spray before adding the filling. Letting the iron preheat properly also helps create a natural nonstick surface.
Can I prepare these in an oven or air fryer without a pie iron?
Yes, you can bake loaded or cheesy tots in an oven or air fryer. Spread the mixture in a greased baking dish or form small patties and cook at 400°F (204°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. However, the pie iron gives a unique crispy crust and sealed filling that’s hard to replicate.
Is it safe to leave pie iron tots on the campfire for longer periods?
Cooking on a campfire requires attention and moderate heat. Leaving pie irons on direct flames too long can burn the exterior before the filling is cooked. Flip frequently and monitor the heat to ensure even cooking without burning.
Can I freeze pie iron cheesy or loaded tots?
You can freeze uncooked assembled tots by wrapping them tightly and placing in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Cook from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Cooked tots don’t freeze as well because the texture may degrade upon reheating.
With these recipes and tips, you’re ready to enjoy crispy, cheesy pie iron tater tots with endless customization options. Whether you stick to the classic cheesy tots or go all out with loaded flavors, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser whether camping or at home.
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