Loaded Tater Tots are the ultimate comfort food! Also known as Totchos, this tater tot recipe is a fun and delicious way to enjoy all your favorite nacho toppings on crispy tater tots. Whether you're hosting a Super Bowl party, enjoying a movie night, or simply craving a tasty appetizer, this easy recipe is sure to be a hit.
Have you guys heard of Totchos? If not, you're in for a treat. This simple recipe is the perfect game day appetizer, takes barely any prep time, and is totally customizable, making it a great app option when you want something fun but are short on time. I made these for a small get-together we had recently, and they literally flew off the table. (Tip: the adults loved these, but our kids adored them, so make a big batch!)
In This Post
Why This Recipe Works
These loaded tater tot nachos are high on my list for an easy, delicious game day snack or a casual side dish. Here's why:
- Easy. These Totchos are super simple to whip up for game day or a simple snack. I like to air fry the tots (especially in the summer when I don't want to turn my oven on!). Then just top it with your favorite nacho toppings for a quick and simple tater tot appetizer or a great snack.
- Versatile. Just like nachos, you can top these simple loaded tater tots with your favorite toppings - whatever they may be!
- Delicious. Did I mention these are super delicious and addictive? The crispy tater tots, melted cheese, and fun toppings make these like a snack version of your favorite loaded baked potato. (See also these Fried Mashed Potato Balls for something similar when you're looking to use up leftover mashed potatoes!)
Key Ingredients
The only real necessary item here is the tater tots - feel free to top them with all your favorites, this recipe is totally riff-able. But if you need some ideas, here is what I used, and they were fabulous.
- Frozen tater tots. Obviously the most important ingredient! Choose your favorite frozen variety from the freezer section of your grocery store.
- Mexican shredded cheese. Any cheese will work here, but I like to choose a blend of cheeses that melts well over the hot tater tots.
- Bacon bits. Use real bacon, chopped, or make it easy and buy a bag of salad toppers from the store.
- Green onions, jalapenos, and black olives. This was a great combo of veggies and the olives added a slightly briny flavor. But feel free to experiment here.
- Creamy Green Taco Sauce (optional): For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle this over the top. Sort of like a spicy, sour cream and avocado sauce, and totally delicious. (I've also made this homemade Taco Bell quesadilla sauce and it is amazing with these too. Or, just use some sour cream in place of the green taco sauce if you're looking to keep it simple..)
How To Make Cheesy Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos)
- Cook the tater tots. Heat your tots according to the package instructions either in an air fryer or in the oven on a sheet pan until brown and crispy.
- Prepare the toppings. While the tater tots are baking, chop the green onions, slice the jalapenos, and get any other toppings you're using ready.
- Assemble the Totchos. Transfer the cooked tater tots to a large serving platter or bowl. Top the crispy tater tots with shredded cheese, bacon bits, green onions, black olives, and jalapenos. (Optional: If I bake my tots in the oven, I sometimes like to add the cheese first and pop the full platter back in the warm oven for a few minutes so that the cheese can get nice and melty. Not totally necessary since the cheese will melt into the hot tots on its own, but this step makes the cheese extra melty.)
- Add Extra Flavor: Drizzle with creamy green taco sauce if you want an extra delicious kick. This sauce adds an extra layer of flavor that takes the dish to the next level. (Or use sour cream.)
- Serve Immediately: These cheesy tater tots are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, while the cheese is melty and the tots are still crispy.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add a protein boost. Add ground beef or shredded chicken seasoned with taco seasoning for a more substantial snack.
- Vegetarian option. Vegetarian friends coming over? Skip the bacon bits and add black beans for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Experiment with different cheeses: Experiment with sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack, or even a creamy cheese sauce for different flavor profiles.
- Add some extra spice. Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle some chili powder for an added kick.
- Add some ranch. Substitute green taco sauce with ranch dressing or sprinkle ranch seasoning over the tots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Honestly, these don't store all that well. The toppings make the tots a bit soggy and even when reheating, they aren't as good as they are fresh. If you have leftovers that you really want to save, store them in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375 degrees F for 5-7 minutes until crispy again.
Get creative with your toppings! Some great additions include diced tomatoes, guacamole, diced red onions, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
I love using a small squeeze bottle with a tip, sort of like a restaurant ketchup bottle for this type of dish. It works perfectly to get a nice symmetrical drizzle. These are easy to find on Amazon.
If you try these Cheesy Loaded Tater Tots let me know what you think in the comments below. And don't forget to tag me with a pic @frontrangefed on IG - I'd love to see what variations you come up with!
Recipe
Cheesy Loaded Tater Tots Recipe (Totchos)
Ingredients
- 28 oz bag frozen tater tots (increase or decrease depending on your needs)
- ½ cup Mexican shredded cheese
- 2 tablespoon bacon bits
- 2 tablespoon green onions chopped
- 1 jalapeno sliced
- 3 tbs green taco sauce
Instructions
- Cook the tater tots according to the package instructions and place in a large bowl.
- Top with the shredded cheese, bacon bits, green onions, sour cream, black olives, and jalapenos.
- Drizzle creamy green taco sauce over the top of the loaded tater tots. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Best served fresh.
Explore More with AI
jane says
New Favorite! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thanks Jane!
Sharon says
My family loves tater tots, and when I saw this recipe, it had their name all over it. We all loved it!
Allison says
I made this for my kids and they LOVED it!
Farrah says
The tater tots were crispy and the cheese melted perfectly. Yummy! I added a drizzle of hot sauce for a bit of kick and it was so good. I'll definitely share this recipe with my friends!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thanks Farrah!
Kara says
So yummy! We all loved it, even the kiddos!
Kristin says
This takes tater tots to a whole other level. Everyone went crazy for them - there was not a crumb left!