Football season is finally here, which means it’s time for tailgating, cheering, and—most importantly—snacks! If you’re looking to score big with your game day crowd, there’s no better way to kick off your football feast than with Loaded Tater Tot Nachos, aka “Tachos.” Crispy, golden tater tots smothered in melted cheese, juicy toppings, and mouthwatering sauces? Yes, please!
Tachos are the perfect game day appetizer—easy to share, fun to customize, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re watching the game with friends or feeding a hungry team at home, these nachos with a twist will be the MVP of your snack lineup.
This blog is all about Tachos!
Why Tachos Are a Game Day Win
Let’s face it, game day snacks have to be next-level. Whether you’re hosting or just enjoying the game from your couch, Tachos deliver the crunch and craveable toppings of nachos, but with the crispy texture of tater tots that can stand up to all the toppings you throw at them. They’re hearty, shareable, and the perfect comfort food to enjoy while rooting for your favorite team.
Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, which means you won’t be missing any action while in the kitchen. Just bake, load, and serve. Oh, and did we mention how customizable they are? Let your guests build their dream Tacho pile at your DIY nacho bar!
The Anatomy of the Perfect Tacho
Every game day Tacho starts with a solid foundation, and that means crispy, golden tater tots. But we’re not stopping there! Here’s how to build the ultimate plate of Tachos:
- The Base: The foundation of your Tachos—crispy tater tots that hold up under the weight of all those glorious toppings.
- The Cheese: Melted cheddar, pepper jack, or a creamy queso. Don’t be shy, more cheese equals more flavor!
- The Protein: Ground beef seasoned with Mexican spices, shredded chicken, pulled pork, or black beans for a veggie option.
- The Toppings: Bacon bits, jalapeños, scallions, diced tomatoes, avocados, salsa, or even guacamole.
- The Sauce: Sour cream, spicy ranch, hot sauce, or a drizzle of queso. The sauce ties everything together.
Whether you want a classic nacho-style with ground beef and cheese, or something wild like BBQ pulled pork with coleslaw, the beauty of Tachos is that anything goes! It’s the ultimate snack that caters to everyone’s tastes.
Game Day Prep – Making Tachos a Breeze
When the clock is ticking down to kickoff, you want to make sure you’re prepped and ready. The good news is, Tachos are super simple to throw together, and you can even do a bit of prep ahead of time:
- Make Ahead Tips: Cook your proteins, shred the cheese, and chop the veggies ahead of time. Store everything in the fridge so when game time rolls around, all you have to do is bake the tots and assemble them.
- How to Bake for Crispy Tots: For perfectly crisp tater tots, bake them in a single layer at a high temperature (around 425°F). Give them plenty of space on the baking sheet to ensure maximum crunch.
You can also create a Tacho bar, where guests can load their own tots with their favorite toppings. Just set out all the fixings and let everyone build their ultimate game-day plate!
Flavor Tips and Creative Swaps
Tachos are the kind of dish that practically beg you to get creative. If you’re feeling adventurous, try these fun variations:
- Buffalo Chicken Tachos: Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese and celery.
- BBQ Pulled Pork Tachos: Layer BBQ pulled pork, coleslaw, and pickled jalapeños for a smoky twist.
- Vegetarian: Opt for black beans, avocado, salsa, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a meatless masterpiece.
For those looking to spice things up, add a generous drizzle of jalapeño queso or sprinkle on some hot sauce. The key here is to make it your own—mix and match toppings to suit your cravings.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Tachos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you somehow end up with leftovers (unlikely!), here’s how to keep them tasty:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To bring back some of that crispy texture, reheat Tachos on a baking sheet in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will leave the tots soggy.
Loaded Tater Tot Nachos (Tachos)
Ingredients
- 1 32-oz bag frozen tater tots
- 1 tbsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Mexican Seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream or ranch dressing (for drizzling)
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the tater tots' package instructions, usually around 425°F (220°C).
- Arrange the tater tots on a large baking sheet in a single layer. For extra crispiness, drizzle with olive oil and Mexican seasoning and toss to coat. Bake according to package instructions, typically 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- While the tater tots are baking, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble. Thinly slice the jalapeños and green onions.
- Once the tater tots are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven. Keep the oven on. Spread an even layer of shredded cheese over the tots, followed by crumbled bacon and sliced jalapeños.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the green onions on top. Drizzle with sour cream or ranch dressing.
- Serve immediately with your favorite optional toppings, like guacamole, salsa, or hot sauce.
Notes
Flavor Tips and Creative Swaps
Tachos are the kind of dish that practically beg you to get creative. If you’re feeling adventurous, try these fun variations:- Buffalo Chicken Tachos: Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese and celery.
- BBQ Pulled Pork Tachos: Layer BBQ pulled pork, coleslaw, and pickled jalapeños for a smoky twist.
- Vegetarian: Opt for black beans, avocado, salsa, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a meatless masterpiece.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Tachos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you somehow end up with leftovers (unlikely!), here’s how to keep them tasty:- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To bring back some of that crispy texture, reheat Tachos on a baking sheet in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will leave the tots soggy.
So, are you ready to tackle game day with these Loaded Tater Tot Nachos? Tachos are guaranteed to win over your football-watching crew, whether you’re cheering from the couch or tailgating before the big game. Go ahead—get creative with your toppings, make a Tacho bar for your friends, and get ready for snack-time victory! 🏈🎉
This post was all about Tachos!
Did you make this recipe? Make sure to tag me @thespicegirlkitchen_ on Instagram or @thespicegirlkitchen on TikTok! I love seeing your recreations! I will be your ultimate hype woman!
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