Vadertots Recipe
Come to the dark side... Pile of tater tots, jalapenos and cheese sauce Add Bacon $3.00 Add Pulled Pork $3.00
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Ingredients
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Vadertots (base)
Add-ons (optional)
Method
Vadertots (base)
- 1
Preheat and prepare
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly brush or spray with the vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- 2
Bake the tater tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them so they crisp. Bake on the middle rack for 20–30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Baking time will vary by oven and tot size — look for deep golden color and crisp edges.
- 3
Prep jalapeños and garnishes
While the tots bake, wash the jalapeños. Slice two jalapeños into thin rounds; remove seeds from half the slices if you prefer less heat. Reserve one jalapeño and finely dice it (seeds removed) for mixing into the cheese sauce if you want a bit of heat throughout. Thinly slice the green onions and chop the cilantro. Cut the lime into wedges.
- 4
- 5
Finish the sauce
Slowly whisk in the milk a little at a time to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer; cook 3–5 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Reduce heat to low, then stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack a handful at a time until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and the diced jalapeño (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 6
Assemble
When the tots are crisp, transfer them to an oven-safe platter or keep them on the baking sheet. Pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over the hot tater tots, using a spatula to spread so most tots are covered. Scatter the sliced jalapeño rounds over the sauced tots to taste. Sprinkle the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro on top. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Add-ons (optional)
- 7
Prepare bacon add-on
If using bacon: place the bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until browned and crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain, then crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces. Scatter the warm bacon pieces over the tots after pouring the cheese sauce, or sprinkle on top as a finishing garnish.
- 8
Prepare pulled pork add-on
If using pulled pork: reheat the precooked pulled pork in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash (1–2 tbs) of water or apple juice to keep it moist, about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until hot. Spoon the warmed pulled pork over the tots either before or after the cheese (both work — under the cheese will meld it in, on top gives more texture).
- 9
Serving suggestions
Serve immediately while hot and melty. Provide extra napkins — this is a saucy, shareable comfort dish. Offer hot sauce or extra lime wedges on the side. Leftovers can be gently reheated in a 350°F oven until warmed through, though tots will lose some crispness.
