Loaded Idaho® Potato Baked Tot’chos

Ingredients:

• 1 32-ounce package frozen Idaho® Tater Tots
• 1⁄2 pound bacon, cooked until crispy, drained, and chopped
• 1 cup whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup chives or green onion tops, sliced fine

Ricotta Ranch Sauce:

• 1 1⁄2 cup fresh ricotta cheese
• 1⁄2 cup whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 clove garlic, smashed
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
• 1 tablespoon chives or green onion tops, sliced fine
• 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped fine

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Bake potatoes according to package instructions, about 20 minutes.
3. In a blender or food processor, mix together “Ricotta Ranch Sauce” ingredients and blend until smooth.
4. Once potatoes are cooked, remove from oven (but keep oven on). Arrange tots in single layer on sheet tray, cast iron pan, casserole, or oven-safe serving platter. Spoon Ricotta Ranch Sauce on top, sprinkle with bacon and the remaining 1 cup whole milk mozzarella cheese. Pop back in the oven for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove from oven and garnish with 1 cup of fresh chives or green onion tops.
5. Serve as an appetizer or side and dig in!