Loaded Tater Tots® - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (32 ounce) package frozen bite-size potato nuggets (such as Tater Tots(R))
4 slices bacon
Cheese Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
1 shallot, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 pinch nutmeg
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
3 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons sour cream, or to taste (optional)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Arrange potato nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until lightly golden, 20 to 25 minutes.
Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels and chop coarsely.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add shallot and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook until light golden, about 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and 2 tablespoons sour cream; stir until smooth and thick, about 5 minutes. Season with black pepper and nutmeg. Stir in 1 cup Cheddar cheese until fully melted.
Transfer potatoes to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle bacon on top. Pour cheese sauce over the potatoes. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven just until cheese melts, about 7 minutes. Remove from the oven; top with green onions and 2 tablespoons sour cream.