Description
Savory loaded cowboy bbq tater tot nachos deliver a Southwest-inspired comfort feast that merges crispy potatoes with bold barbecue flavors. Hearty ingredients and zesty toppings create an irresistible dish sure to satisfy hungry crowds at game nights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Meat:
- 1 ½ cups cooked BBQ pulled pork or shredded beef (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- ¼ cup sour cream (for drizzling)
Base and Seasonings:
- 1 (32 ounces / 907 grams) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for extra crispiness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Toppings and Garnishes:
- ¼ cup red onion (diced)
- ½ cup pickled jalapenos (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Transform frozen tater tots into a crispy foundation by arranging them on a spacious baking sheet, then anoint with a whisper of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Roast the seasoned tots in a preheated 425F (220C) oven, rotating midway through the cooking process to ensure even golden-brown perfection, approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Simultaneously, awaken the BBQ pulled pork or shredded beef in a skillet, introducing a generous splash of tangy BBQ sauce and allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 2-3 minutes.
- Once the tater tots emerge with a satisfying crunch, strategically layer the warm, saucy meat across the crisp surface.
- Generously blanket the meat with sharp cheddar cheese and scatter crumbled bacon for added richness.
- Return the loaded tater tots to the oven, permitting the cheese to transform into a molten, bubbling landscape, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Elevate the dish with a vibrant medley of toppings: diced red onions, fiery jalapeños, fresh tomatoes, and verdant green onions.
- Finish with a luxurious drizzle of cool sour cream and a delicate sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately, presenting a symphony of textures and flavors that celebrate comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Notes
- Achieve extra crispiness by patting tater tots dry before seasoning and spreading them with enough space between each tot on the baking sheet.
- Customize meat options by using pulled chicken or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian-friendly versions, ensuring equal flavor and texture.
- Prevent soggy tots by using thick-cut bacon and draining excess grease before crumbling, which helps maintain the crisp base and prevents moisture buildup.
- Elevate flavor complexity by mixing different BBQ sauces or adding a smoky chipotle sauce for an unexpected taste dimension that enhances the overall nacho experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 654
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1062 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg