Time travel isn't a thing yet, but you can transport yourself back to childhood with a big bowl of Tater Tots. There's something special about the potato nuggets that makes them crispier and more nostalgic than simple french fries or even the fun-shaped curly fries, and the best part is that as an adult, you can dress them up however you want.

Check out six ways to tater your tots to the next level, from smothering them like a loaded baked potato to topping a casserole with tots and so much more.

Justine Simmons makes her own homemade potato tots and buttermilk ranch dressing, which is a great foundation for any toppings coming its way.

Everything's better with bacon, and Tater Tots are no exception. The Doghouse Truck in Portland, Ore. mixes sweet and hot with pineapple and a Tobasco-spiked sauce on top of melted pepper Jack cheese for their decadent Trouble in Paradise dish.

The popular Minnesota casserole hotdish is a mix of ground beef, vegetables and cream of mushroom soup topped with crispy Tater Tots. You can mix up the inside ingredients, but don't skimp on the potato topping. Trust us — they're much better than boring breadcrumbs.

For those days when you don't want to eat a bowl of potatoes, try making baked cauliflower tots that are filled with cheddar cheese. They're slightly healthier, so it's acceptable to eat the entire pan.

If you have time to slow-roast some short ribs, save a pile of  Korean Kalbi for your Tater Tots. A homemade cheese sauce is spiked with spicy Korean red pepper paste for Miami food truck Dim Ssam a Go Go's recipe; this is a fusion dish you'll never forget.

It's hard to improve on poutine — the gravy-and-cheese-curd-topped Canadian french fries that we'd eat by the gallon — but if you substituted Tater Tots underneath it all, it would definitely be a home run.