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.

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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.

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!

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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!

Author: Stephanie Manley

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5 from 11 votes

Servings : 4

Prep Time10 minutes minutes

Cook Time15 minutes minutes

Total Time25 minutes minutes

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• 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

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray a small casserole dish with cooking spray.
3. Pour the oil into a deep fryer or saucepan to a depth of 3 to 4 inches.
4. Heat the oil to 350 degrees.
5. Cook half of the tater tots in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2 to 4 minutes.
6. Once the first batch is finished, drain them on paper towels.
7. Cook the remaining tater tots.
8. Place the cooked tater tots in the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the cheese and bacon over them.
9. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes or until the cheese begins to melt.
10. 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

Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment and rating to let people know how you liked it! Tag me on Instagram @copykatrecipes

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

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