Loaded Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos)

Loaded Tater Tot Nachos, or “Totchos,” are a twist on traditional nachos, using crispy tater tots as the base instead of tortilla chips. This dish is ideal for game day or any casual gathering, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. Totchos are incredibly customizable, so you can add or adjust ingredients based on your preferences. This version includes vegan cheese and toppings, but feel free to adapt it to suit your dietary needs.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6 as a Snack or Appetizer)

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in creating a loaded dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item is important:

1 bag of frozen tater tots (about 32 oz): Tater tots are the base of this dish, providing a crispy, hearty foundation that holds up well to toppings. Their slightly crunchy exterior and fluffy interior make them an ideal alternative to tortilla chips.
1 cup vegan cheddar cheese (shredded): Shredded vegan cheese adds a gooey, melty texture that’s essential for nachos. Use a high-quality vegan cheese that melts well, as it helps hold the toppings together and adds creamy richness.
1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed): Black beans add protein and a mild, earthy flavor. They’re filling and pair well with the other ingredients, providing a hearty element to the dish.
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (diced): Cherry tomatoes add a fresh, juicy burst of flavor, balancing the richness of the cheese and tots. Diced tomatoes also add color, making the dish look more appealing.
1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices (or fresh, for extra heat): Jalapeños bring a spicy kick that complements the creamy and cheesy elements. Pickled jalapeños offer tanginess, while fresh ones provide heat; choose based on your spice preference.
1/4 cup red onion (diced): Red onions add a sharp, slightly sweet flavor that contrasts nicely with the richness of the cheese and the savoriness of the tater tots. The color also makes the dish look vibrant.
1/4 cup black olives (sliced, optional): Black olives add a salty, briny taste that enhances the other flavors. They’re optional, but they contribute a nice balance to the dish.
1/4 cup corn kernels (optional, fresh or frozen): Corn adds a sweet, slightly crunchy texture, balancing the heat from the jalapeños and the creaminess of the cheese. Frozen corn can be thawed quickly and works just as well as fresh.
1 avocado (diced): Avocado provides creaminess and richness, balancing the spiciness and acidity in the dish. The avocado also adds a fresh, cooling element to each bite.
1/4 cup vegan sour cream: Drizzled over the top, vegan sour cream adds a tangy, creamy finish that pulls all the flavors together. It’s essential for giving the totchos that classic nacho feel.
2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped): Cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish. It complements the other flavors and adds a bit of color.
1 lime (cut into wedges, for garnish): Lime wedges allow guests to squeeze fresh lime juice over their totchos, adding a burst of acidity that enhances the flavors and balances the richness of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bake the Tater TotsPreheat your oven to the temperature recommended on the tater tot package (usually around 400°F/200°C). Spread the frozen tater tots in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake the tots for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Why Use Tater Tots Instead of Chips? Tater tots provide a thicker, crunchier base than tortilla chips, holding up well under the weight of the toppings. Their crispy texture is perfect for supporting the rich, creamy, and fresh ingredients layered on top.
- Tips for Extra Crispy Tots: If you want the tots extra crispy, try baking them a little longer or using an air fryer for even more crunch.
Prepare the ToppingsWhile the tater tots are baking, gather and prepare your toppings. Drain and rinse the black beans, dice the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado, and slice the olives if using. Set aside the vegan shredded cheese and pickled or fresh jalapeños.
- Customization Tip: Feel free to adjust the toppings based on your preferences. If you prefer more spice, use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled. For extra flavor, you can also add cooked plant-based chorizo or crumbled tempeh.
Assemble the TotchosOnce the tater tots are done baking, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle the vegan cheddar cheese evenly over the hot tater tots, then return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Some vegan cheeses take longer to melt, so you may need to adjust the time. Covering the tray with foil for the last few minutes can help the cheese melt more evenly.
Add the Main ToppingsRemove the baking sheet from the oven and start layering your toppings. Add the black beans, cherry tomatoes, jalapeños, red onion, olives (if using), and corn. These toppings add flavor, color, and texture, making the totchos feel fully loaded.
- Layering for Maximum Flavor: Try to distribute the toppings evenly so that each bite has a mix of flavors and textures. Adding ingredients while the cheese is still warm helps everything adhere to the tater tots.
Finish with Fresh GarnishesBefore serving, add the final touches: drizzle vegan sour cream over the totchos for creaminess, sprinkle with chopped cilantro for freshness, and arrange avocado pieces on top. Finally, serve with lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their totchos.
- Balancing with Fresh Ingredients: Adding fresh ingredients like avocado, cilantro, and lime juice brightens the dish and balances the heavier, richer flavors of the cheese and tots.
Serve and Enjoy!Transfer the loaded tater tot nachos to a large serving platter or serve directly on the baking sheet for a casual, game-day feel. Totchos are best enjoyed hot, so serve them immediately for the crispiest, most flavorful experience.

Tips for Perfect Totchos

Choosing the Right Vegan Cheese: Use a vegan cheese that melts well and has a mild, creamy flavor. Look for brands known for their meltability, as not all vegan cheeses melt evenly.
Experiment with Protein: For a heartier version, try adding cooked vegan chorizo, crumbled tofu, or black bean chili as a protein boost.
Extra Crunch with Air Fryer Tots: If you have an air fryer, use it to make the tater tots extra crispy. Air frying results in a perfectly crispy exterior, ideal for holding up to heavy toppings.

Flavor Variations and Serving Ideas

Buffalo Totchos: Add a drizzle of vegan buffalo sauce and some crumbled vegan blue cheese or ranch dressing for a spicy twist.
BBQ Totchos: Use BBQ-flavored vegan shreds, add BBQ sauce, and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a smoky, sweet variation.
Southwest Totchos: Add black beans, corn, salsa, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a Southwestern flavor.
Loaded Vegan Chili Totchos: Top with a scoop of vegan chili, melted cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for a warm, hearty version perfect for cooler weather.

Serving Suggestions

Game-Day Serving Style
Serve the totchos on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper for a casual, game-day feel. This presentation makes it easy for everyone to dig in and helps keep the dish warm longer.

Accompaniments
Serve with a side of extra vegan sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. The creamy, cool dips are perfect for balancing the heat of the jalapeños and the richness of the tots.

Drinks
Pair with light, refreshing drinks like a lager, hard seltzer, or sparkling water with lime. These drinks balance the savory, rich flavors of the totchos and add a refreshing element.

These Loaded Tater Tot Nachos are the ultimate comfort food for gatherings, bringing together crispy, cheesy, spicy, and creamy flavors in every bite. This versatile recipe can be tailored to suit any palate, and it’s perfect for serving a crowd. Enjoy the totchos hot and fresh, and watch them disappear at your next football game or get-together!

Cooking With Beer, Whiskey and Spirits