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
Scale
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.
