Grilled Tater Tot Skewers

How to Make Grilled Tater Tot Skewers

1. 1

   Step 1: Prep skewers, season, and thread tots

   If using bamboo skewers, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. In a large bowl, toss frozen tater tots with the oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Thread 3 tater tots onto each skewer (for 8 skewers) leaving a little space between each tot so heat circulates; if tots are rock-hard, let them sit 5 minutes at room temperature so they’re easier to thread.

   For this step

   • 24 countFrozen tater tots
   • 8 countBamboo or metal skewers (if bamboo, soak 30 minutes)
   • 2 tbspNeutral oil (vegetable or canola)
   • 1 tspSmoked paprika
   • 1/2 tspGarlic powder
   • 3/4 tspKosher salt
   • 1/2 tspFreshly ground black pepper
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Preheat and grill until charred

   Preheat grill to medium (about 375–425°F / 190–218°C) and oil the grates. Place the skewers directly on the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes per side, turning every few minutes to achieve even golden-brown color and crisp edges; total grilling time should be about 10–12 minutes depending on your grill and tot size.
3. 3

   Step 3: Add cheese and finish

   When skewers are mostly crisp but not over-charred, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the tots on the last side and close the grill lid for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese. Alternatively, transfer skewers to a foil-lined tray, top with cheese, and tent briefly until melted.

   For this step

   • 1 cupShredded sharp cheddar
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Serve and garnish

   Remove skewers from the grill and let rest 1 minute, then transfer to a platter. Serve hot with dipping sauces like ranch or BBQ sauce and sprinkle with chopped chives or extra smoked paprika if desired for color and flavor.
   

1. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. In a large bowl, toss frozen tater tots with the oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Thread 3 tater tots onto each skewer (for 8 skewers) leaving a little space between each tot so heat circulates; if tots are rock-hard, let them sit 5 minutes at room temperature so they’re easier to thread.
2. Preheat grill to medium (about 375–425°F / 190–218°C) and oil the grates. Place the skewers directly on the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes per side, turning every few minutes to achieve even golden-brown color and crisp edges; total grilling time should be about 10–12 minutes depending on your grill and tot size.
3. When skewers are mostly crisp but not over-charred, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the tots on the last side and close the grill lid for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese. Alternatively, transfer skewers to a foil-lined tray, top with cheese, and tent briefly until melted.
4. Remove skewers from the grill and let rest 1 minute, then transfer to a platter. Serve hot with dipping sauces like ranch or BBQ sauce and sprinkle with chopped chives or extra smoked paprika if desired for color and flavor.