Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Bake according to package directions (about 20–25 minutes), turning once halfway, until golden and crisp. Alternatively, heat 1 tbsp oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook tots in batches, turning occasionally, until uniformly browned and crisp, 10–12 minutes.

Caramelize onions

While tots cook, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and 0.5 tsp salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and starting to brown, about 8–10 minutes. Sprinkle 1 tsp brown sugar over the onions and continue cooking, stirring more frequently, until deep golden and caramelized, 6–10 more minutes. Stir in 1 tsp apple cider vinegar to deglaze and enhance flavor; remove from heat and keep warm.

Chorizo & Eggs

Cook the chorizo

Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tsp neutral oil. Crumble in the 8 oz fresh chorizo and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully cooked through and browned, about 6–8 minutes. If the chorizo releases excess fat, drain off and reserve a small amount in the pan (about 1 tsp) for flavor. Remove cooked chorizo to a plate and keep warm.

Scramble the eggs

Reduce heat to medium. In a bowl whisk together 3 eggs, 2 tbsp whole milk, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until combined and slightly frothy. Add 1 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet (use the leftover chorizo fat if present) and melt. Pour in the egg mixture and let sit briefly until edges begin to set, then gently stir with a spatula, forming soft folds. When eggs are about 80% cooked (still slightly creamy), stir in the cooked chorizo to warm through for 30–60 seconds. Remove from heat; the residual heat will finish the eggs.

Cheese & Chipotle Aioli

Prepare chipotle aioli

In a small bowl combine 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp finely minced chipotle in adobo, 1/2 tsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp grated garlic, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional), and 1/8 tsp salt. Taste and adjust chipotle or lime to preference. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Melt cheese

When the scrambled eggs and chorizo are finished and still hot, arrange the 3 slices of white American cheese over the eggs in the skillet or place eggs on a warmed plate and top with cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid for 1 minute or tent the plate with foil so the cheese melts evenly.

Assembly & Serve

To assemble, place the crisp tater tots on a serving plate or on the base of a breakfast sandwich or platter. Spoon the cheesy chorizo scramble over or beside the tots. Top with a generous portion of caramelized onions.

Drizzle or dollop the chipotle aioli over the eggs and tots. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a few drops of hot sauce if using. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes: Yields a hearty single-serving plate. For a sandwich, tuck the chorizo eggs and onions into a toasted bun or between slices of bread. Adjust chipotle amount for heat preference.