Ya’ll, I totally just realized that I didn’t post a recipe last month! Like, what?!?

Oh well…

Even though I didn’t post a recipe last month, I have been getting back into the kitchen and whipping up more tasty noms. Now that we are fully settled into the house, my kitchen is completely unpacked, put together, and organized, I’m ready to jump in full swing again.

Today I’m sharing a fun twist on some plain ‘ole tater tots…. Mexican Tot-chos!

I’ve been making dressed up tot-chos for a few years now but usually only occasionally. This time I made these for lunch for the kiddos and they almost devoured the whole pan.

I really think I’ll have to start making these more often now that I know the little kiddos loved them. I’ll be sure to share all my other tot-cho recipes with you, too!

Of course, they made a huge mess but I’m ok with that. That’s what fun summer lunches are all about, right? Especially since the two older ones start school in the nest week.

Ugh, I can’t believe that I just said that. Makes me sad that summer is coming to an end but I’ll be glad to be getting into a normal routine again and having Aubrey start school and make some new friends.

It’ll also give me some one-on-one time with the two littlest babies for the next couple years before they start school. Also, some much needed peace and quiet during nap/quiet time in the afternoon for me to get caught up on blog work, cooking, photographing, whatever I need to get done without distractions.

Anyway, here’s my take on some dressed up Mexican Tot-chos! These would make a great meal on their own or you can use them as a side to your burger or entrée.

Cheers!

What are Mexican Tot-chos?

Mexican Tot-chos are a creative twist on traditional nachos, substituting tortilla chips with crispy tater tots. This dish takes the best elements of Mexican cuisine—like pico de gallo, guacamole, and Mexican crema—and combines them with the universally loved tater tot.

The result is a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party or feeding your family, these tot-chos are sure to be a hit.
• Flavorful: The combination of crispy tots, melted cheese, and fresh toppings creates a symphony of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• Tater Tots: The foundation of this dish, tater tots provide a crispy, golden base that contrasts beautifully with the other toppings.
• Chili Powder: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the tots.
• Shredded Mexican Cheese: A blend of cheeses that melts perfectly, creating a gooey, rich layer that ties all the ingredients together.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh and zesty, this mixture of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds a burst of freshness and acidity.
• Black Olives: Sliced olives contribute a briny, slightly salty flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and tots.
• Guacamole: Creamy and smooth, guacamole adds a luscious texture and a hint of lime that brightens up the dish.
• Mexican Crema: A drizzle of crema adds a tangy, creamy finish that balances the flavors and adds a touch of elegance.

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Substitutions & Additions

• Cheese: Feel free to use any cheese blend you prefer, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
• Pico de Gallo: If you don’t have pico de gallo, you can use salsa or chopped tomatoes.
• Olives: You can omit the olives or replace them with jalapeños for a spicier kick.
• Guacamole: Store-bought or homemade guacamole both work well.
• Crema: Sour cream can be used as a substitute for Mexican crema.

How to Make this Recipe

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven according to the tater tot package directions. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.

Season the Tots: Toss the frozen tater tots with chili powder until evenly coated. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Tots: Bake according to the package directions, usually about 20 minutes, until the tots are golden and crispy.

Add the Cheese: Remove the tots from the oven and evenly sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese over the top. Return to the oven for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese melts.

Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let the tots cool for about 5 minutes.

Add the Toppings: Top with fresh pico de gallo, sliced black olives, guacamole, and a drizzle of Mexican crema.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Mexican Tot-chos!

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Crispy Tots: For extra crispy tots, consider baking them a few minutes longer than the package directions suggest.

Cheese Melting: Keep an eye on the tots when melting the cheese to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Fresh Toppings: Add the fresh toppings just before serving to keep them vibrant and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation: Serve the tot-chos on a large platter for a beautiful presentation.

Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Pairings: These tot-chos pair well with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita.

Storage Suggestions

Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? It’s best to serve the tot-chos immediately after adding the fresh toppings, but you can prepare the tots and cheese ahead of time and add the toppings just before serving.

Can I use sweet potato tots? Yes, sweet potato tots can be a delicious alternative.

What other toppings can I add? Feel free to add any of your favorite nacho toppings, such as jalapeños, sour cream, or even ground beef.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Check the labels on your tater tots and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, use vegan cheese and crema, and ensure your tots are vegan-friendly.

Mexican Tot-chos are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Mexican cuisine with a unique twist. Whether you’re making them for a party or a family dinner, they’re sure to be a hit.

Enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness of this easy-to-make dish!