Totchos: the ultimate recipe for delicious tater tot nachos

Totchos, or tater tot nachos, are a mouthwatering appetizer that's an amazing dish you can serve up on game day or any time you have a big crowd to feed. They are made from crispy browned tater tots sprinkled generously with cheese, meat, and spicy queso sauce.

This delicious recipe is a variation of classic nachos but made with tater tots instead of tortilla chips. With loads of cheesy flavor and a wonderful crispy yet creamy texture, totchos also make a great dinner.

Totchos are easy to make and only take about 45 minutes to make – perfect when you need something quick, simple, yet utterly delicious.

What are Totchos?

If you've never heard of totchos before, you're in for a treat. Totchos or tater tot nachos are a delicious appetizer that's a tasty twist on classic nachos made with tater tots, melted queso sauce, and other traditional nacho toppings.

They were first created in the 1950s in Oregon, with many stories attributing them to brewer Jim Parker. Today, you can find them on bar menus all over the country, as well as Disneyland.

Totchos Ingredients

The fun part about totchos is you can use any ingredients you like. Some of the basics you'll need are frozen tater tots, cheese, jalapeños, onions, and salsa.

To make the spicy cheese sauce, you'll need Velveeta, Rotel, adobo sauce, and chipotle peppers.

You can jazz up your totchos however you like. This recipe calls for al pastor (or seasoned ground beef) meat, but you can swap it for shredded pork or chicken, make a vegetarian version with a medley of veggies, or swap out the Velveeta and pepper jack for your favorite types of cheese.

How to Make Totchos

Totchos are super easy to make which along with their phenomenal flavor, makes them perfect for game day. To make the perfect tater tot nachos, start by laying the tater tots on a foil-lined tray. Make sure they're in a single layer. Bake them at 425°F for 12 minutes, flip them, then bake them for another 12.

To make the cheese sauce, put the Velveeta, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and Rotel into the microwave. Heat the mixture in 20-second bursts, stirring in between until the cheese has melted. Take the tots out of the oven and sprinkle the pepper jack over them. Return the tray to the oven and bake for another few minutes until the cheese has melted.

Sprinkle the warmed al pastor over the tater tots. Garnish with the melted cheese sauce, onions, green onions, and jalapeños. Serve immediately.

Easy Totchos Variations 

Make a vegetarian version by swapping out the meat for veggies.

For breakfast totchos, add some scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage to your tater tots.

Try a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey jack, cheddar, gouda, or provolone.

Make your totchos even tastier with some crumbled bacon, pancetta, or shredded chicken or pork.

Like spice? Add chili over your tater tot nachos.

There are other tasty ingredients to add to your totchos. Try adding black olives, bell peppers, sour cream, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or chopped chives.

Tips for Making the Best Tater Tot Nachos

For extra cheesy totchos, add more pepper jack before serving.

Turn totchos into a fun, tasty dinner by making this dish into a casserole.

For ultra-crispy totchos, cook them in an air fryer at 400F for 10 to 12 minutes.

How to Store Totchos

Let the totchos cool slightly then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425F. Line a baking tray with foil.

Arrange the tater tots on the tray in an even layer.

Bake for 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Place the Velveeta, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and Rotel into the microwave.

Cook in 20-second bursts, stirring in between until the cheese has melted.

Sprinkle the pepper jack over the tater tots.

Put the tots back in the oven until the cheese has melted, 2 to 3 minutes.

Sprinkle the meat over the tater tots.

Garnish with the melted cheese sauce, onions, green onions, and jalapeños. Serve immediately.

Notes

If you don't have al pastor meat, you can use seasoned ground beef instead.