Copycat James Coney Island Loaded Tater Tots: Crispy, Cheesy, Bacon-Topped Perfection

My first encounter with James Coney Island’s loaded tater tots happened entirely by accident. For years, I’d been ordering their famous cheese fries without a second thought until one day when the server suggested I try their loaded tots instead. That first bite of crispy potato topped with melted cheese, crunchy bacon, and cool sour cream was a revelation. The contrast of textures and flavors—crispy, creamy, salty, and tangy—created an irresistible combination that instantly made me forget about those cheese fries. Now I’m sharing how to recreate this addictive side dish at home, where it pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, or simply as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day.

loaded tater tots in a skillet

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Why This Recipe Works

This copycat recipe captures everything that makes James Coney Island’s loaded tater tots special. The tots are perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside, creating the ideal base for the toppings. The combination of sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, tangy sour cream, and fresh green onions hits all the flavor notes you crave. Best of all, this dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit any preference.

Three Ways to Cook Tater Tots

Deep Frying (Traditional Method)

  • Creates the crispiest exterior
  • Quick cooking time
  • Authentic restaurant-style texture

Air Fryer Method

  • Uses minimal oil
  • Creates excellent crispiness
  • Easy cleanup
  • Less mess than deep frying

Oven Baking

  • Good option for health-conscious preparation
  • Hands-off cooking
  • Can prepare larger batches at once

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you need:

  • Frozen tater tots – Provides the crispy, potato base for all the toppings
  • Vegetable oil – For deep frying to achieve maximum crispiness
  • Shredded Cheddar cheese – Creates the melty, gooey layer essential to loaded tots
  • Crumbled cooked bacon – Adds smoky, savory flavor and crunchy texture
  • Sour cream – Contributes creamy tanginess that balances the rich ingredients
  • Green onions (sliced) – Offers fresh flavor and color contrast
  • Tabasco Chipotle sauce – Optional addition for heat and smoky depth

You can also add a dash of Tabasco Chipotle sauce for a kick of flavor and heat.

Ingredients needed for James Coney Island loaded tater tots.

How to Make Loaded Tater Tots

  1. Pour the oil into a deep fryer or saucepan to a depth of 3 to 4 inches.
  2. Heat the oil to 350 degrees.
  3. Cook half of the tater tots in the hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Cook the remaining tater tots.
  5. Place the cooked tater tots in a greased casserole dish or cast-iron skillet and sprinkle cheese and bacon on top.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees until the cheese begins to melt.
  7. Remove the dish from the oven and top it with sour cream and green onions.

You can make deluxe tater tots in individual serving sizes or you could make a whole big serving for everyone to enjoy family style. So I hope you enjoy these fancy potatoes soon!

loaded tater tots in a cast iron skillet
You can prepare James Coney Island Baked Tots easily with this copycat recipe. #copycat #copycatrecipe #tatertots #bakedtots #sidedish

Crispy Loaded Tater Tots (James Coney Island Copycat)

Golden crispy tater tots loaded with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, cool sour cream, and fresh green onions – just like the famous James Coney Island side!
5 from 11 votes
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: James Coney Island Baked Tots, Loaded Tater Tots, Tater Tots
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 311kcal

Ingredients

  • vegetable oil for frying
  • 8 ounces frozen tater tots
  • 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled cooked bacon
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream
  • 2 teaspoon sliced green onions

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Spray a small casserole dish with cooking spray.
  • Pour the oil into a deep fryer or saucepan to a depth of 3 to 4 inches.
  • Heat the oil to 350 degrees.
  • Cook half of the tater tots in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2 to 4 minutes.
  • Once the first batch is finished, drain them on paper towels.
  • Cook the remaining tater tots.
  • Place the cooked tater tots in the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the cheese and bacon over them.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes or until the cheese begins to melt.
  • Remove the dish from oven and top it with sour cream and green onions.

Notes

For the most authentic James Coney Island experience, deep frying is recommended, but air frying comes in a close second for convenience and reduced oil usage.

Nutrition

Calories: 311kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 381mg | Potassium: 178mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 160IU | Vitamin C: 4.3mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Love tater tots, hashbrowns, and potatoes? Try these recipes!

Check out more of my easy appetizer recipes and the best fast food recipes here on CopyKat!

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    • nostalgicglands

      5 stars
      You may prepare gourmet tater tots in small servings for each person or a large portion for the entire family to eat dordle together. I thus hope you soon appreciate these delicious potatoes!

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    This was really easy to make. I had tried this and really came out well than i actually expected. I haven’t had any idea that my first try would be that perfect. It took me little time to prepare this and the result was awesome too.

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    Gracious good lord, those look totally mind boggling! I have to endeavor it! Much gratitude to you such an awesome sum for sharing this recipe. I genuinely need to endeavor this recipe in the coming end of the week. Reckoning see a more noteworthy measure of your posts.

  3. Baltisraul

    Indent a few wells in the surface of the tots with a ladle and crack an egg in each well. Cook the tots in the oven a little longer about 12 min so the eggs will set. I did a whole 30 oz. bag of tots in a 12″ iron skillet with 8 eggs. Our weekend guests were amazed.

5 from 11 votes

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