Pickle Tater Tots

Bring a Little State Fair HomePickle Tater Tots

There's something about late summer in Minnesota that makes everything taste better fried, crispy, and preferably dipped in ranch.

Inspired by the Pickle Tater Tots on our State Fair catering lineup, this easy at-home version brings together two things that really didn't need improving: crispy tots and dill pickles.

Tangy. Cheesy. Extra crispy. Very Minnesota.

The Recipe (Serves 4)

Ingredients

For the Tots

1 lb frozen tater tots
½ cup dill pickles, finely chopped and well drained
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp grated Parmesan
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Ranch dressing, for dipping
Extra chopped pickles for topping, optional

Directions

  1. Get the Tots Extra Crispy: Bake or air-fry the tater tots according to package directions. Give them a few extra minutes if needed—you want serious crunch.
  2. Add the Pickle: Toss the hot tots with the well-drained chopped pickles, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Parmesan.
  3. Make It Cheesy: Sprinkle cheddar over the top and return to the oven for 2–3 minutes, just until melted.
  4. Finish Fresh: Top with fresh dill and a few extra pickle pieces if you're firmly on Team Pickle.
  5. Dip & Devour: Serve immediately with plenty of ranch on the side.

Hen House Tips

Get those pickles really dry before adding them—the crunch depends on it
Bake or air-fry the tots until they're extra crispy before adding anything else
Add the pickles only after the tots have crisped
Serve immediately. Tater tots are not known for their patience
Ranch on the side is technically optional. We question that decision

The Secret Ingredient? The Crunch.

Pickles bring the tang, cheese brings the melty goodness, but the whole thing falls apart without seriously crispy tots.

The trick is simple: dry pickles + extra-crispy tots.

Soggy has no place at the State Fair.

Best Served With

Cold drinks
Extra ranch
A sunny backyard
Absolutely no utensils

And when you want the real Hen House treatment without doing the cooking yourself, check out our State Fair-inspired catering favorites.