If you are craving something irresistibly crispy, cheesy, and downright fun to share, the Loaded Smashed Totchos Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tater tots baked to golden perfection, smashed just right to create crispy little discs that become the perfect base for melty cheddar cheese and savory bacon crumbles. Finished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green onions, these loaded totchos bring together textures and flavors that delight every bite. Whether it’s game day, a casual party, or just a craving for the ultimate comfort snack, this dish dazzles with simplicity and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Loaded Smashed Totchos Recipe a memorable hit, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that each play a starring role. The tater tots provide that classic crispy and tender base, avocado oil helps achieve a golden crust while keeping things light, and the salt and pepper bring essential seasoning. The shredded cheddar melts perfectly, while bacon adds a crunch and smoky punch. Finally, sour cream and green onions add creaminess and fresh brightness to round it all out.
- Frozen tater tots (28-ounce package): The crispy, starchy foundation of your totchos; keep them frozen until ready to bake.
- Avocado oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Provides a subtle, healthy oil for crisping the tots without overpowering flavors.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential seasoning to enhance the tots’ natural flavor.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and depth to the taste.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (3 cups): Melts beautifully to create that gooey cheese pull everyone loves.
- Cooked bacon (8 ounces, crumbled): Adds smoky, savory crunch that makes these totchos irresistible.
- Sour cream: Adds creamy tang as a perfect finishing dip or topping.
- Green onions or chives (thinly sliced): Provide a fresh, mild oniony note to balance richness and add color.
How to Make Loaded Smashed Totchos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
Start by setting your oven to 425°F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your tots bake evenly and don’t stick, making the smashing and crisping process a breeze later.
Step 2: Season the Tater Tots
In a large bowl, toss the frozen tater tots with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, salt, and black pepper. The key is to coat them quickly while still frozen to lock in crispiness during baking. Seasoning now helps every bite pop with flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Tots Until Slightly Browning
Spread the tots evenly on the baking sheets, leaving some space between each one for proper heat circulation. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until hot throughout and lightly browned on the bottoms. This first bake forms a sturdy base for smashing.
Step 4: Smash Each Tot with Care
Here comes the fun part: remove the baking sheets and use a flat-bottomed glass sprayed with non-stick cooking spray to gently smash each tot just enough to flatten it while keeping its shape intact. This creates more crispy surface area for unbeatable crunch.
Step 5: Bake Again to Achieve Deep Golden Crispiness
Return the smashed tots to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes more, flipping the pans halfway through to ensure even browning. Watch for a deeply golden color and crispy edges paired with soft centers. This texture contrast is what makes loaded smashed totchos so addictive.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bacon, Then Melt
Gather all the tots onto one baking sheet. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top followed by crumbled bacon. Pop them back into the oven for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, binding everything together.
Step 7: Serve Hot with Toppings
Remove from the oven and immediately dollop sour cream atop the hot, cheesy totchos, then scatter green onions or chives for fresh flavor and a gorgeous pop of color. Serve these Loaded Smashed Totchos Recipe creations without delay for the best texture and warmth.
How to Serve Loaded Smashed Totchos Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect garnishing turns your Loaded Smashed Totchos Recipe into a flavor carnival. Sour cream brings cool creaminess that balances the salty cheese and bacon. Freshly sliced green onions or chives add a vibrant freshness. For an extra kick, you could also sprinkle some jalapeños or drizzle a bit of hot sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a stand-alone snack or appetizer but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp garden salad to cut through the richness. For heartier meals, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or a fresh salsa and guacamole to bring some brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Arrange your loaded smashed totchos on a large platter for sharing, or serve them individually in small cast iron skillets for charming presentation. Adding a drizzle of ranch dressing or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can give a delightful twist and make your totchos look gourmet-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Loaded Smashed Totchos Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the garnishes separate and add fresh sour cream and onions when ready to serve again; this helps maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze baked tater tots before smashing. Freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then smash, top, and re-bake as directed for optimal crispness.
Reheating
To reheat leftover totchos, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make tots soggy and loses that satisfying crunch you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the Loaded Smashed Totchos Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds classic flavor, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for some heat, or even a melty mozzarella blend to suit your taste preferences.
What’s the best way to make sure the tots get crispy?
The key is tossing them with oil while still frozen, spacing them out on the sheet, smashing gently to create more surface area, and baking until golden and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I make Loaded Smashed Totchos Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon or substitute with crispy cooked mushrooms or plant-based bacon alternatives. The cheese, sour cream, and green onions will still deliver plenty of rich flavor.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
By default, this recipe is mild. To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or topping with spicy salsa or hot sauce when serving.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love tater tots and melted cheese; you can always serve sour cream on the side or cut back on strong seasonings to make it just right for little palates.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about sharing a plate of Loaded Smashed Totchos Recipe with friends and family. This recipe takes humble tater tots and transforms them into a mouthwatering, crispy, cheesy sensation that’s perfect any time you want a fun, crowd-pleasing treat. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite snack for every occasion.
Print
Loaded Smashed Totchos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Loaded Smashed Totchos are a delicious and crispy twist on traditional tater tots, baked and smashed to achieve a golden, crunchy texture, then topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and fresh green onions or chives. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or comfort snack.
Ingredients
Totchos Base
- 1 (28-ounce) package frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cooked bacon (crumbled)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Green onions or chives (thinly sliced, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Season tots: Place the frozen tater tots in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss quickly to evenly coat the tots while they are still frozen.
- Bake initial tots: Divide the tots evenly between the two baking sheets, spreading them out in a single layer with space between each tot. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the tots are fully heated and starting to brown on the bottoms.
- Smash tots: Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Spray the bottom of a flat-bottomed glass with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Gently press down on each tot to flatten it while keeping it intact, creating a smashed but whole shape.
- Bake smashed tots: Return the pans to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the tots are deeply golden, crispy around the edges, and no longer soft in the centers.
- Add cheese and bacon: Remove both pans from the oven and combine the tots onto one baking sheet. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tots, then scatter the crumbled cooked bacon on top. Return to the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese has melted completely.
- Serve: Serve the loaded smashed totchos hot, topped with dollops of sour cream and garnished with thinly sliced green onions or chives for freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use a sturdy flat-bottomed glass for smashing the tots to keep them intact.
- Ensure the tots are well spaced on the baking sheets for even crisping.
- Leftover loaded totchos can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Substitute bacon with cooked sausage or a vegetarian option if desired.
- Adjust seasoning to taste by adding garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
