Loaded Tots Recipe
Half order tator tots topped with white queso cheese, bacon, green onions
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Ingredients
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Tater Tots
White Queso
Toppings
Method
Tater Tots
Bake or crisp the tots
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread frozen tater tots in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly oiled. Toss tots with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt so they crisp evenly. Bake 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crisp. Alternatively, deep-fry or air-fry according to package instructions until crispy. Keep warm on the baking sheet while you make the queso and toppings.
White Queso
Make a roux
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously for 30–45 seconds until fragrant and lightly bubbly (this cooks out the raw flour taste).
Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup whole milk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 1–2 minutes. Keep heat at medium-low to avoid scorching.
Add 1 cup chopped white American cheese and 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack in small handfuls, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add up to 2 tablespoons more milk to reach a pourable queso consistency.
Stir in 2 tablespoons drained diced green chiles (optional), 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep the queso warm on the lowest heat, stirring occasionally to prevent skining.
Toppings
Crisp the bacon
While the tots bake, cook 3 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain and cool, then chop into small pieces.
Thinly slice 2 green onions (white and green parts) and chop 1 tablespoon cilantro if using. Set aside.
Assembly
Arrange half-order amount of warm tater tots (about 2 cups) on a serving plate or small tray.
Ladle warm white queso generously over the tots, ensuring even coverage.
Sprinkle the chopped crispy bacon evenly over the queso-topped tots.
Finish with sliced green onions and optional chopped cilantro. Add cracked black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately while tots and queso are hot. Provide napkins or small forks for easier eating.