Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss frozen tater tots with 1 tablespoon neutral oil and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt in a bowl. Arrange tots in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet or ovenproof platter. Bake 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crisp. For extra crispiness, broil 1–2 minutes while watching closely.

Cheese & Sauce

Make cheesy sauce

While tots bake, heat a small saucepan over low heat. Combine the shredded cheddar, pepper jack, softened cream cheese, and 2 tablespoons milk. Stir constantly until cheeses melt and sauce is smooth—about 3–5 minutes. If sauce thickens too much, add extra teaspoon of milk. Keep warm on lowest heat. If using store nacho queso in addition, warm separately and set aside for drizzling.

Alternative microwave method

Place cheeses and cream cheese with milk in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between, until smooth.

Protein & Toppings

Prepare protein

If your protein is not cooked: brown 8 oz ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat with a pinch of salt and pepper until no longer pink, breaking up with a spoon. Drain excess fat and optionally season with 1/2 tsp taco seasoning or smoked paprika. If using pre-cooked carne asada-style steak, chop into bite-sized pieces and warm briefly in the skillet. Set protein aside.

Crisp bacon & prep toppings

Cook bacon until crisp (pan or oven) and crumble. Slice pickled jalapeños, thinly slice green onions, chop cilantro, and dice tomato and avocado.

Assemble & Finish

When tots are hot and crisp, transfer them to an ovenproof sheet or large serving platter in a single even layer or slight mound.

Scatter the warm protein (ground beef or chopped steak) evenly over the tots.

Pour the warm cheese sauce over the tots and protein, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar/pepper jack mix (reserve a small handful if you like extra melt) across the top. If you warmed additional queso, drizzle that sparingly for pockets of saucy goodness.

Place the assembled tots under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese. Watch constantly to prevent burning. Alternatively, return to a 425°F oven for 3–4 minutes.

Remove from heat. Sprinkle crumbled bacon, pickled jalapeño slices, diced tomato, green onions, and chopped cilantro over the melted cheese.

Stir sour cream with 1 teaspoon lime juice (and hot sauce if using) to make a tangy drizzle. Dollop or drizzle sour cream mixture and add diced avocado or spoonfuls of guacamole.

Finish with an optional extra pinch of coarse salt, a squeeze of lime over the top, and additional hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately while hot and melty.