These Loaded Tater Tot Totchos are a crispy, savory delight that’s sure to impress anyone who tries them. The perfect combination of crunchy tater tots, melted cheese, and savory chicken creates a dish that’s satisfying and irresistible. With the added layers of salsa, sour cream, and pickled jalapeños, these totchos are a flavor explosion in every bite.
This recipe is perfect for game day, parties, or a casual family dinner. It’s simple to make but packed with flavor, making it a great option for when you’re craving something indulgent yet easy. Customize it to your liking by adding your favorite toppings, from avocado to bacon, and you’ve got a dish that’s both fun and delicious.
Full Recipe:
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1 package frozen tater tots
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1/2 pound cooked chicken, shredded
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1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
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1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup green onions, chopped
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1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
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1/4 cup salsa
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Spread frozen tater tots evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
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While tater tots are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and garlic powder, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Once the tater tots are done, remove from the oven and sprinkle with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
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Once cheese is melted, top with the cooked chicken, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, and salsa.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 365 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Loaded Tater Tot Totchos Are a Perfect Comfort Food
Tater tots are a staple in comfort food cuisine, offering a crispy and golden exterior with a soft, pillowy interior. But when you take this humble snack to the next level by turning it into loaded tater tot nachos, or “Totchos,” you’re creating a mouthwatering dish that is hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick snack for a game night, or looking for a fun family meal, Loaded Tater Tot Totchos are a fantastic choice.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. By simply adding a variety of toppings to crispy tater tots, you create a flavorful, satisfying meal that can be customized to suit any taste. From shredded chicken to melted cheese, and all the tasty garnishes in between, Totchos are a crowd-pleasing delight. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot in your recipe collection.
The Perfect Combination of Texture and Flavor
One of the main reasons why Loaded Tater Tot Totchos are such a hit is the contrast of textures they offer. The crispy, golden tater tots form the perfect base, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite. When topped with gooey melted cheese, tender chicken, and the cool creaminess of sour cream, the contrast in textures makes each bite an experience to savor.
The flavors are equally as impressive. Tater tots have a mild flavor that acts as the ideal canvas for bold toppings. The melted cheese adds a rich and indulgent element, while the shredded chicken contributes a savory protein boost. Salsa and pickled jalapeños bring a tangy, zesty contrast, and green onions provide a refreshing burst of freshness. Each layer contributes to the overall deliciousness, creating a multi-dimensional dish that is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Customizing Totchos to Your Taste
One of the best things about Totchos is their versatility. While the classic combination of tater tots, cheese, chicken, and toppings is fantastic, you can easily mix and match ingredients based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. For those who love a little heat, you can add more jalapeños or spicy salsa. If you’re a fan of guacamole, a dollop of freshly made guac can take this dish to the next level.
For vegetarians, swapping out the chicken for black beans or roasted vegetables works wonderfully, offering a satisfying and flavorful filling. You can also go the extra mile with toppings like bacon bits, avocado slices, or even a sprinkle of chili powder for some added depth of flavor. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor the dish to suit any occasion or preference.
Why Totchos Make an Excellent Party Snack
Loaded Tater Tot Totchos are a perfect party snack for several reasons. First and foremost, they’re easy to make and require minimal prep work. You can prepare the tater tots ahead of time and then quickly assemble the toppings just before serving. This means less stress when you’re hosting guests and more time to enjoy the party.
The ability to serve Totchos in a communal style is another great feature for gatherings. Lay the loaded tater tots out on a large platter or in individual bowls, allowing your guests to dig in and serve themselves. This fun, interactive way of eating encourages people to try different combinations of toppings, making it a great option for both casual get-togethers and more formal parties. Plus, the fact that they’re served as a finger food means no utensils are necessary, making clean-up afterward a breeze.
Totchos for Game Day and Movie Nights
Loaded Tater Tot Totchos are also ideal for game days or movie nights. There’s something about a large plate of crispy, cheesy tater tots covered in savory toppings that feels comforting while watching your favorite sports team or enjoying a film. Whether you’re celebrating a touchdown or cheering on a great movie scene, these Totchos are the perfect snack to keep everyone satisfied.
The customizable nature of the dish allows you to create a version that matches the tastes of everyone in your group. While some may prefer extra cheese or spicy toppings, others may enjoy a milder version. The beauty of Totchos is that they can be tailored to fit everyone’s preferences, ensuring that no one is left out.
The Perfect Comfort Food for Family Dinners
Comfort food doesn’t just have to be for parties or special events. Loaded Tater Tot Totchos also make a great meal option for a casual family dinner. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking for a way to make a quick and easy meal, Totchos provide a satisfying and delicious solution. The beauty of this dish is that it can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
If you want to make this dish even more filling, you can add a side of vegetables or a light salad to balance the meal. You can also prepare a variety of toppings so that everyone can create their own customized Totchos plate, adding their favorite ingredients as desired. This makes it a fantastic choice for families with different food preferences.
Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients
One of the main appeals of Loaded Tater Tot Totchos is that they require only a few simple ingredients. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to prepare a flavorful, satisfying meal. The key ingredients are frozen tater tots, which are incredibly convenient and quick to cook. Then, it’s just a matter of adding your desired toppings—shredded chicken, cheese, sour cream, and any other extras you love.
Additionally, if you have any leftovers, the dish stores well for the next day. You can even reheat the Totchos in the oven to maintain that crispy texture, making it an easy and low-waste meal option.
A Dish That Appeals to All Ages
Loaded Tater Tot Totchos are universally loved by people of all ages. Children adore the crispy tots and gooey cheese, while adults appreciate the savory chicken and bold toppings. This makes it an excellent choice for a family meal or a gathering with friends, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The appeal of this dish lies in its comfort factor—it’s nostalgic, fun, and indulgent. Totchos are like an upgraded version of nachos, but with the crispy texture of tater tots. Everyone loves a good bite of crispy, cheesy goodness, and this dish delivers it in spades.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Loaded Tater Tot Totchos
Loaded Tater Tot Totchos are more than just a snack—they’re an experience. They combine the crispy, comforting appeal of tater tots with bold, savory toppings to create a dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick dinner, or just indulging in a fun snack, Totchos will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
The ability to customize the dish to your liking ensures that everyone will find a version they love. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for those who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So why not give it a try? Whether you’re making it for a gathering or just a fun family dinner, Loaded Tater Tot Totchos are sure to be a hit!