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Crispy Loaded Tater Tot Nachos Recipe Easy Homemade Queso Snack

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Golden, crispy tater tots smothered in creamy queso and topped with savory goodies, perfect for game day, parties, or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (32 oz / 907 g) bag frozen tater tots
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed (can substitute almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cooked ground beef or turkey, seasoned with taco spices (optional)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • ½ cup shredded lettuce
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on the baking sheet without crowding. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cook until mixture thickens and bubbles gently, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Lower heat and add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until melted and smooth. Add diced jalapeño (if using), smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning and consistency with more milk if needed.
  6. If using cooked ground beef or turkey, heat it in a skillet with taco seasoning and drain excess fat.
  7. Transfer crispy tater tots to an oven-safe platter or keep on baking sheet. Evenly spread black beans, meat (if using), diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, and black olives over tots.
  8. Pour warm queso sauce generously over the loaded tots.
  9. Bake assembled nachos at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.
  10. Remove from oven and top with shredded lettuce, green onions, dollops of sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to keep tots crispy. Flip tots halfway through baking for even crispiness. Use freshly shredded cheese for smooth queso. Warm milk before adding to roux to avoid lumps. Drain beans and meat well to prevent sogginess. Add fresh greens only at the end for crunch. Queso can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of milk. Reheat leftovers in oven to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot nachos, loaded nachos, queso sauce, game day snack, easy snack, crispy tater tots, homemade queso, party food

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-loaded-tater-tot-nachos-recipe-easy-homemade-queso-snack/