Tater Tot Nachos ~ Totchos


Tater Tot nachos takes one of the most loved (and easiest) dinners and gives it a crispy, crunchy, potato-filled boost. Topped with chili–vegetarian or beef, it’s up to you–and loads of tomatoes, sour cream, and jalapeños, Totchos might be everyone’s perfect meal.

A large rectangle casserole pan, filled with tater tot nachos topped with sour cream, tomatoes, sour cream, and jalapeños. A wooden serving spoon lays beside the dish.

Adapted from Kelley Epstein | Après All Day | Chronicle Books, 2021

If you don’t happen to have any Veggie Chili, a 15 oz [430 g] can of chili works great! I really like the Stagg brand Vegetarian Garden 4-Bean Chili in a pinch. And Heinz chili sauce is my favorite brand of chili sauce. I think this chili is best made the day before. Simply reheat on low when you’re ready to serve it.–Kelley Epstein

Tater Tot Nachos ~ Totchos

A large rectangle casserole pan, filled with tater tot nachos topped with sour cream, tomatoes, sour cream, and jalapeños. A wooden serving spoon lays beside the dish.

Tater Tot nachos takes one of the most loved, and easiest, dinners and gives it a crispy, crunchy, potato-filled boost. Topped with chili–vegetarian or filled with beef, it’s up to you–and loads of tomatoes, sour cream, and jalapeños, Totchos might be everyone’s perfect meal.

Kelley Epstein

Prep 15 mins

Cook 30 mins

Total 45 mins

  • Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, toss frozen tater tots with taco seasoning. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake until very crispy, 28 to 35 minutes, turning once during baking. This is key to the success of this dish!
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, reheat chili.
  • Remove tater tots from oven. Spoon warm chili over top and sprinkle evenly with cheese. Return to oven just until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes.

  • Remove from oven and top with tomatoes, scallions, cilantro, sour cream, and pickled jalapeños, if using. Serve immediately.

*Can I make Tater Tot Nachos without chili?

If you don’t have leftover chili on hand or don’t want to make a batch, you can swap in 8 ounces (227 g) of cooked ground beef seasoned with 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, or try 8 ounces (227 g) of cooked ground chorizo sausage to top your Totchos.

Serving: 1servingCalories: 818kcal (41%)Carbohydrates: 78g (26%)Protein: 26g (52%)Fat: 48g (74%)Saturated Fat: 19g (119%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 90mg (30%)Sodium: 2203mg (96%)Potassium: 1356mg (39%)Fiber: 11g (46%)Sugar: 6g (7%)Vitamin A: 1885IU (38%)Vitamin C: 31mg (38%)Calcium: 508mg (51%)Iron: 7mg (39%)

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Originally published September 5, 2021