Name: Indulgent Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots with Bacon and Sauerkraut
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 bag Frozen Tater Tots (The base ingredient for crunch.); 8 slices Thick-Cut Bacon (Can substitute with turkey bacon.); 1 cup Sauerkraut (Squeeze out excess liquid.); 1 cup Shredded Swiss Cheese (Can swap with Provolone or Gouda.); 1/2 cup Thousand Island Dressing (Homemade dressing is preferred.); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Regular paprika can be used.); 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Pepper; 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Can omit if desired.)

As I pulled the first batch of tater tots from the oven, the sizzling sound transformed my kitchen into a haven of nostalgia. Today, I’m excited to share my Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots Loaded with Bacon and Sauerkraut—a dish that marries the beloved flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich into a crispy, shareable bite. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this hearty recipe not only brings comfort food to the forefront but also allows for delightful variations, whether you want to lighten it up with turkey bacon or go for a veggie twist. Each crispy morsel is a savory celebration that will surely evoke warm memories around the dinner table. Curious to dive into these indulgent bites? Let’s get cooking!

Why Try This Flavorful Tater Tot Recipe?

Indulgent, Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots Loading with Bacon and Sauerkraut is comfort food at its finest! Easy to customize, this recipe accommodates dietary preferences with options like turkey bacon and vegetarian alternatives. Unique flavor fusion brings a playful twist to traditional Reuben ingredients, creating a crowd-pleasing snack or meal. Perfect for gatherings, these delicious tater tots will impress your guests and spark conversations over fond memories. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra punch!

Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots Ingredients

For the Tater Tots
• Frozen Tater Tots – The base ingredient that provides a delightful crunch and comfort.

For the Toppings
• Thick-Cut Bacon – Adds a rich smokiness to the dish; turkey bacon can lighten this recipe!
• Sauerkraut – Contributes a tangy flavor; squeeze out excess liquid for a perfect texture.
• Swiss Cheese – Melts beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor; swap for Provolone or Gouda for a twist.
• Thousand Island Dressing – Offers creaminess and depth to each bite; homemade dressing can elevate your dish!

For the Seasoning
• Garlic Powder – Introduces a robust flavor that complements the dish.
• Smoked Paprika – Adds a subtle smoky note; regular paprika works if smoked isn’t available.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for basic seasoning to enhance all other flavors.

For Garnishing
• Fresh Parsley – A sprinkle for a pop of color and freshness; can be omitted if you prefer.

Each ingredient in these Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots Loaded with Bacon and Sauerkraut plays a key role in the deliciousness of this dish. Get ready to savor the flavors and enjoy a taste of nostalgia!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots Loaded with Bacon and Sauerkraut

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or set a wire rack on top for extra crispiness. This preparation ensures your Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots will cook evenly and achieve that golden-brown color you desire.

Step 2: Bake the Tater Tots
Spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Look for a beautiful golden hue and crispy texture, as these visual cues indicate they’re ready for the next step.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon
While the tater tots are baking, chop your thick-cut bacon into bite-sized pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon for about 6-8 minutes until it turns crispy. Once done, transfer the crisp bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease, keeping that delectable, smoky flavor intact.

Step 4: Sauté the Sauerkraut
Using the same skillet, add the drained sauerkraut directly to the rendered bacon fat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauerkraut to warm up and mellow its flavors. This process enhances the tanginess, effectively balancing the richness of the bacon for your Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots.

Step 5: Season the Tater Tots
Once the tater tots are crispy and golden, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to ensure every tot is coated in the flavorful seasonings, setting the stage for a delightful flavor burst in each bite.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients
To the bowl with seasoned tater tots, add the cooked bacon, warm sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese. Drizzle in the Thousand Island dressing and toss everything together until well combined. This step creates the savory, mouthwatering filling for your Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots.

Step 7: Bake Again
Spread the combined mixture back onto the baking sheet, ensuring an even layer. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye out for that beautiful, gooey texture to signal that your dish is nearly ready.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, consider garnishing your tater tots with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots Loaded with Bacon and Sauerkraut immediately, and enjoy the perfect balance of crunch and savoriness with every delicious bite!

Expert Tips for Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots

Crispiness Check: Make sure to spread the tater tots evenly on the baking sheet; overcrowding will lead to sogginess instead of the desired crispy texture.
Bacon Options: For a healthier twist, use turkey bacon instead of thick-cut bacon. It still brings flavor while reducing calories in your Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots.
Sauerkraut Prep: Always squeeze excess liquid from sauerkraut before adding it to avoid a watery filling. This will enhance the overall texture and flavor.
Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning! The garlic powder and smoked paprika are essential in achieving depth for your tater tots. Taste and adjust as needed.
Cheese Choice: Swiss cheese melts beautifully, but for experimenting, try varying the cheese. Provolone or Gouda can add a delightful twist to your dish.
Serving Freshness: Serve your tater tots hot from the oven; this ensures you get that glorious gooey cheese and crispy bites that make these loaded tater tots a hit!

Make Ahead Options

These Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots Loaded with Bacon and Sauerkraut are fantastic for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the tater tot mixture (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The cooked bacon and sautéed sauerkraut can be refrigerated together for optimal flavor melding. When you're ready to serve, simply spread the mixture on a prepared baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-15 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the cheese is nice and bubbly. This prep-ahead strategy saves time on busy weeknights while ensuring your dish remains just as delicious!

Variations & Substitutions for Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots

Feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: Substitute Swiss cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
This creates a delightful version that everyone can enjoy, even those avoiding dairy.
Turkey Bacon: Use turkey bacon instead of thick-cut bacon to reduce fat and calories while maintaining flavor.
The turkey bacon still provides that smokiness without the indulgence, making it lighter.
Vegetarian: Swap out the bacon entirely with grilled mushrooms or tempeh for a hearty vegetarian version.
The umami flavor from the mushrooms pairs beautifully with the sauerkraut for a fabulous twist.
Gluten-Free: Ensure your Thousand Island dressing and tater tots are gluten-free to cater to dietary restrictions.
This way, everyone can join in on the fun without compromise.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat that complements the flavors.
The heat elevates the savory and tangy notes, making your tater tots even more exciting!
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different melting cheeses like Gouda or Pepper Jack to create unique flavors.
Each cheese adds a different personality that can elevate the entire dish to new heights.
Pickle Juice: Include a splash of pickle juice with the sauerkraut for an added tangy punch.
It complements the richness of the bacon and cheese, enhancing that Reuben flavor profile fabulously.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh dill or chives for a refreshing burst of flavor; these herbs pair exquisitely with the other ingredients.
They’ll bring a wonderful brightness and depth to your loaded tater tots!

Tailor these tater tots to fit your mood—there are endless possibilities to make this dish uniquely yours!

What to Serve with Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots Loaded with Bacon and Sauerkraut

The perfect meal brings together a variety of flavors and textures, making every bite an experience to savor.

Creamy Coleslaw: This crunchy, tangy side adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the tater tots beautifully.
Light Cabbage Slaw: Toss with vinaigrette for a vibrant and zesty complement; its crispness harmonizes perfectly with savory flavors.
Brewed Beer: A cold, hoppy beer offsets the richness, enhancing the overall experience with its effervescence and depth of flavor.
Spicy Pickles: Add a crunchy, tangy kick that brightens every bite, making it a delightful and playful partnership with each mouthful.
Garlic Aioli: A creamy, flavorful dip elevates the tater tots, enhancing their savory notes while adding garlic richness.
Green Salad: Dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette, it provides freshness and a pleasing contrast to the crispy, hearty tater tots.
Homemade Potato Wedges: For the ultimate comfort pairing, serve with crispy wedges for double the potato goodness; they’re perfect for dipping!

With these delightful options, your Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots Loaded with Bacon and Sauerkraut will shine as the star of the meal!

How to Store and Freeze Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh. Reheating is critical to maintaining quality.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealable bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To regain crispiness, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the tater tots soggy.

Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the most time-consuming components—like the bacon and sautéed sauerkraut—earlier in the day, allowing you to assemble and bake the crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots quickly when you're ready to serve.

Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots Loaded with Bacon and Sauerkraut Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best frozen tater tots?
Absolutely! Look for brands that emphasize crispiness on the packaging. Aim for tater tots that are golden and have a minimal amount of dark spots or broken pieces. This ensures they will become perfectly crunchy when baked!

How should I store leftover Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend placing them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness. This way, you'll enjoy them just as if they came straight from the oven!

Can I freeze these tater tots?
Absolutely! To freeze, spread the assembled tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealable freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What should I do if my tater tots are soggy?
If your tater tots become soggy, it may be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet. Ensure they’re spread out evenly to allow for proper airflow while cooking! If you find they’re soggy after baking, a quick solution is placing them back in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up again.

Are these tater tots safe for my dog to eat?
While sharing is caring, it's best to be cautious with these Crispy Reuben-Style Tater Tots. High salt and seasoning levels aren't dog-friendly. If you want to give your pup a treat, I’d recommend baking unsalted, plain sweet potato wedges instead!

What can I use instead of sauerkraut?
If you’re not a fan of sauerkraut, you can replace it with coleslaw mix that's lightly dressed or even pickled vegetables for that tangy crunch! For a twist on flavors, try incorporating artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers to maintain that unique taste while making it your own.