Gooey and warm loaded tater tots are perfect for so many occasions. From game day to the Oscars to a cold snow day with a movie and a glass of wine. Also known as loaded tater tot nachos (or totchos), here’s my go-to recipe you can use and then tweak to your liking.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The combo of crispy tater tots and warm and savory cheese and meat hits just right. Who needs french fries? Am I right? Enjoy!
What You’ll Need for Loaded Tater Tots
Tater tots. You can’t make loaded tater tots without the tots. They’re crispy, golden, and delicious. Use any version you like and follow the package instructions.
Cheese of choice. They’re no one right choice for this dish. It’s really a matter of preference. Cheddar cheese is the obvious choice. But a Mexican mix can bring a delicious Tex-Mex spin and Gruyere can even bring a dash fancy!
Bacon. Use thick-cut bacon to ensure a meaty bite and that it doesn’t get lost among the other hearty ingredients. You can also use crumbled sausage. Or really any other type of ground beef or meat you like. I love adding some sausage!
Green onions. Scattered atop the tots, green onions introduce a refreshing crunch and a pop of color. Their mild onion flavor complements the heavier components without overpowering them. If you’re not a fan of scallions, you can also use finely diced red onions.
Sour cream or Ranch Dressing. A dollop of sour cream gives a cooling counterpoint to the baked ingredients. Choose a full-fat version for a really indulgent experience. Or, if you want to go all out, make a homemade ranch dressing (Outback ranch dressing or Wingstop ranch dressing) and drizzle on top before serving.
Jalapeños. For those who like a kick, sliced jalapeños bring a bit of heat and a tangy flavor. Fresh jalapeños are preferred over jarred for a crisp texture and a brighter taste. But if you like pickled jalapeños, those are also delicious!
Loaded Tater Tot Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 package of frozen tater tots (32 oz)
- 2.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices thick-sliced bacon
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (or chives)
- 1 diced jalapeño
Instructions
- On a baking sheet arrange tater tots in a single layer and bake according to the package’s instructions.
- If you’re adding bacon, sausage, or other meat, brown your meat in a pan or cook your bacon until nearly done.
- Once your tater tots are done, add your cheddar cheese, meat, and jalapeño. Set your oven to broil and return your tater tot nachos to the oven until the cheese is warm, bubbly, and melted.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with your green onions and your favorite toppings.
- Dip in ketchup, ranch, or cheese sauce, and enjoy!
Loaded Tater Tot Nachos
Ingredients
- 32 oz tater tots
- 2.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices thick-sliced bacon
- ¼ cup green onions sliced
- 1 jalapeño diced
Instructions
- On a baking sheet arrange tater tots in a single layer and bake according to the package's instructions. Â
- If you're adding bacon, sausage, or other meat, brown your meat in a pan or cook your bacon until nearly done. Â Â
- Once your tater tots are done, add your cheddar cheese, meat, and jalapeño. Set your oven to broil and return your tater tot nachos to the oven until the cheese is warm, bubbly, and melted.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with your green onions and your favorite toppings. Dip in ketchup, ranch, or cheese sauce, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Variations on Loaded Tater Tots
There are so many different variations you can make with tater tot nachos. Below are just a few favorite ways to mix up (or spice up) this recipe.
- Great creative with your dipping sauces by going outside of your typical ranch dressing. Try a cheese sauce like smoked Queso, fry sauce, tiger sauce, or boom boom sauce.
- Go veggie by replacing the bacon with veggies bacon or a meat replacement sausage such as Beyond Meat.
- Give these loaded tater tot nachos a Mexican spin by sprinkling your tater tots with taco seasoning before baking and then serving them with creamy guacamole.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
Red Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms
These Red Lobster’s stuffed mushrooms are brimming with seafood stuffing and the flavors of fresh herbs, garlic, and savory cheeses. They’re a perfect appetizer for a New Year’s Eve party, a red carpet Oscar-watching party, or even an elevated game day feast!
Knorr Spinach Dip
If you’re a fan of warm cheesy spinach dip, you’ll love this copycat recipe. It takes the best from Knorr’s version and makes it cheesier and more satisfying. Serve this dip with toasted pita chips, Melba toast, or gluten-free crackers like Mary’s.
Redneck Caviar
It’s the best of salsa with added protein. A mix of tomatoes, beans, and spicy jalapeños makes this the perfect side to crispy chicken wings, chili, and tacos. You can use a variety of different beans, such as chickpeas, butter beans, and/or kidney beans.
3-Ingredient Jalapeño Poppers
Beware, once you make these once, you won’t be able to stop. Make them in an air fryer in a matter of minutes, or nearly as easily in your oven or broiler. They are the perfect veggie appetizer that won’t leave you craving meat.
Have questions or suggestions about this loaded tater tots recipe? Leave them in the comments below.
