Fire up your taste buds with this delectable Fire-Kissed Garlic Tater Tot Skillet Ring! This cozy and comforting dish is a perfect blend of crispy golden tater tots, zesty garlic, and a melty cheese topping that will leave you craving more. Get ready to savor the flavors of this epic comfort food creation.
Why You’ll Love This Fire-Kissed Garlic Tater Tot Skillet Ring
Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible combination of warm, crispy tater tots, bold garlic, and a luscious cheese topping. This skillet ring is a true comfort food masterpiece that will bring people together with its cozy, indulgent flavors. With simple, chef-tested steps, you’ll be able to achieve reliable results every time, making this dish a delightful addition to your recipe arsenal.
Ingredients
This Fire-Kissed Garlic Tater Tot Skillet Ring requires just a few key ingredients to create its delectable flavors. You’ll need tater tots, olive oil, garlic, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and a few seasonings to bring it all together.
- 2 lbs – Frozen tater tots
- 2 tbsp – Olive oil
- 6 cloves – Minced garlic
- 8 oz – Cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Monterey Jack or Parmesan (for a unique twist)
- Tater Tots: Hash browns or roasted potato cubes (for a unique twist)
How to Make Fire-Kissed Garlic Tater Tot Skillet Ring
Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible combination of warm, crispy tater tots, bold garlic, and a luscious cheese topping. This skillet ring is a true comfort food masterpiece that will bring people together with its cozy, indulgent flavors.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and preparing a 10-inch oven-safe skillet. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In the prepared skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and well combined. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Arrange the crispy tater tots in a circular pattern in the skillet, then pour the cheesy garlic sauce over the top. Finish with an additional sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for the ultimate melty, gooey goodness.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic-cheese mixture.
- Swap for Sweet Potatoes: Try swapping the tater tots for diced, roasted sweet potatoes for a colorful and nutrient-packed alternative.
- Indulgent Toppings: Top the skillet with crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.
- Vegetarian Swap: Omit the cream cheese and use a plant-based alternative, such as vegan cream cheese or a cashew-based cheese sauce, to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of crusty bread.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the skillet in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the components of this dish in advance. Crisp up the tater tots, sauté the garlic, and make the cheese sauce separately. When ready to serve, assemble the skillet and bake it until hot and melty.
Nutrition Information
This indulgent Fire-Kissed Garlic Tater Tot Skillet Ring is a comfort food masterpiece, but it also provides a satisfying balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Each serving delivers a hearty dose of comforting flavors without sacrificing nutritional value.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the skillet
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbs: 36 g
- Fat: 31 g
- Sodium: 830 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tater tots instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen tater tots work perfectly well in this recipe. Just be sure to follow the instructions for crisping them up before assembling the skillet.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the cream cheese and swap it for a plant-based alternative, such as vegan cream cheese or a cashew-based cheese sauce.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components of this dish in advance. Crisp up the tater tots, sauté the garlic, and make the cheese sauce separately. When ready to serve, assemble the skillet and bake it until hot and melty.
What should I serve with this skillet ring?
This Fire-Kissed Garlic Tater Tot Skillet Ring is a hearty and satisfying dish on its own, but you can also serve it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of crusty bread for dipping in the cheesy goodness.
Can I freeze this dish?
While you can certainly freeze the individual components, we don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled skillet ring, as the texture of the tater tots and cheese may not hold up as well. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh from the oven.
Try These Next
- fire kissed bbq bacon chicken skewers
- spicy honey garlic chicken wings for game day gatherings
- comfort classics casseroles
Fire-Kissed Garlic Tater Tot Skillet Ring
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fire-Kissed Garlic Tater Tot Skillet Ring is a delightful comfort food dish, combining crispy tater tots with savory garlic and melted cheese for a perfect family meal.
Ingredients
– 32 oz frozen tater tots
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in the cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
5. Add the paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir well.
6. Remove from heat and layer the frozen tater tots in a ring around the skillet.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with green onions and parsley.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños into the cheese mixture.
This dish can be customized with your favorite toppings like bacon or different types of cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of skillet
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: tater tots, skillet, comfort food