Tot Boss Loaded Tater Tots Recipe
Tot Boss Loaded Tater Tots are an irresistible medley of crispy, golden tots heaped with melted cheddar, tangy sour cream, savory bacon crumbles and fresh chives, capturing the daring and indulgent spirit of state fair cuisine in every bite.
Make our Tot Boss Loaded Tater Tots Recipe at home. With our Secret Restaurant Recipe your Loaded Tater Tots will taste just like Tot Boss.

Photo by jpellgen (@1105_jp)
Tot Boss Loaded Tater Tots
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Tot Boss and the Magic of the Minnesota State Fair: A Food Lover’s Dream
Tot Boss is the name behind some of the most innovative and crave-worthy loaded tater tots in Minnesota, a culinary phenomenon that captures the inventive spirit of state fair cuisine. Founded by Dan Docken, whose childhood love for tater tot hot dishes inspired him to create his own version of comfort food perfection, Tot Boss has become synonymous with irresistible flavor and quality. Docken’s journey began with a simple goal: to elevate the humble tater tot with scratch-made toppings and a dedication to using the finest, locally sourced potatoes. Today, Tot Boss is celebrated for its golden, crispy tater tots heaped with rich shredded cheddar, tangy sour cream, savory bacon crumbles and a sprinkle of fresh chives. These loaded tots offer an explosion of textures and flavors that not only satisfy a craving but also evoke a sense of community and nostalgia, drawing fans from all over the region.
The Tot Boss food trailer is a popular fixture at the Minnesota State Fair, an annual celebration that has grown into one of the nation’s premier state fairs. Running for over a century, the Minnesota State Fair has earned its reputation as “The Great Minnesota Get-Together” by offering a blend of agricultural showcases, live music, art exhibits and—most notably—a wonder food scene that continually delights visitors. The fair is a paradise for food enthusiasts, with vendors and food trucks presenting both timeless classics and novel twists on traditional fare. This year, Tot Boss shines as a standout vendor, attracting fairgoers with its inventive loaded tots and a menu that evolves with each fair season.
The wonder food scene at the Minnesota State Fair is renowned for its daring and creative offerings. From deep-fried delights and loaded totchos to inventive casseroles, battered pickles and new experimental fusion dishes, the state fair is a launchpad for culinary innovation. Visitors come not only for the savory satisfaction but also for the experience—a chance to sample foods that defy convention and celebrate local culinary craftsmanship. The fair’s dynamic environment encourages vendors to push the boundaries of flavor, presentation and originality, making each year’s event a testament to the vibrant spirit of Midwestern food culture.
Fairgoers revel in the communal atmosphere, queuing up for these indulgent treats while enjoying the festivities, live music and a shared sense of wonder at the sheer variety of food on display. Tot Boss and its loaded tater tots are just one delicious example of how the Minnesota State Fair continues to inspire and redefine what great food can be, leaving a lasting impression on both locals and visitors alike.
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Tot Boss Loaded Tater Tots Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Bag Frozen Tater Tots
- Vegetable Oil for frying (if using this cooking method)
- Salt to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1/2 cup Bacon Crumbles a good store bought brand or homemade
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare your Tater Tots according to package directions or using one of the methods below.
Deep Fry
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep-fryer to 375°F.
- Working in small batches, carefully submerge the tater tots in the hot oil and fry for 3 - 4 minutes, or until they turn a deep, golden brown and become irresistibly crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tots to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Salt, to taste, and immediately proceed with the recipe’s topping assembly.
Bake
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Spread the Tater Tots evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 25 to 30 minutes - until they are golden and crispy or according to package directions.
- Remove from oven.
- Salt, to taste, and immediately proceed with the recipe’s topping assembly.
Assemble Tot Boss Loaded Tater Tots
- Place 12 - 15 tots in each bowl or paper container.
- Immediately sprinkle hot tots with shredded cheddar so the heat melts the cheese into every nook and cranny.
- Scatter bacon crumbles evenly on top.
- Dollop sour cream over the tots, letting it slowly blend into the melted cheese for a creamy contrast.
- Generously sprinkle fresh chives over the ensemble to add a burst of color and a hint of freshness.
- Serve loaded tater tots piping hot for the ultimate fair-inspired comfort food experience, just like at Tot Boss at the Minnesota State Fair. Enjoy every crunchy, cheesy, tangy bite!
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Photo of “Tot Boss – Loaded Tater Tots” is by jpellgen (@1105_jp) and is used by permission under the Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic Creative Commons License. Read the Full License Here – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/legalcode.en. Thank you, jpell. Great Picture. Photos may be “representative” of the recipe and not the actual finished dish. All photo licenses listed were correct at the time of the posting of the page. Recipe is original to Secret Copycat Restaurant Recipes. Recipe created by Secret Copycat Restaurant Recipes based on information from the restaurant and other sources on the internet – many courtesy of the Wayback Machine. Additional Information is from original research done by Secret Copycat Restaurant Recipes and/or courtesy of Wikipedia and is used by permission.
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