Cook bacon in a large pan until crispy.

Remove bacon from pan and set aside.

Break the cooked bacon into small pieces.

In the same pan, add minced garlic and chopped onion.

Saute the garlic and onion for about 10 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.

Add tater tots or hash browns to the pan with the onions and garlic.

Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a large bowl, combine condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese, bacon pieces, and pepper.

Add the tater tots or hash browns to the soup mixture.

Gently stir to combine the taters and soup mixture.

Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Spoon the potato mixture into the prepared baking pan.

Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the potato mixture.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 30 minutes covered.

Remove the cover and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly brown and the sides are bubbly.