Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos)

• •1 (32 oz) bag Frozen Tater Tots
• •2 cups Shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese Blend
• •1 (15 oz) can Canned Black Beans, rinsed and drained
• •1 cup Pickled Jalapeño Slices, drained
• •1 tbsp Olive Oil (optional, for beans)
• •1 tsp Chili Powder
• •1 tsp Ground Cumin
• •1 tsp Garlic Powder
• •1 tsp Onion Powder
• •to taste Salt
• •to taste Black Pepper
• •1 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• •2 stalks Green Onions, thinly sliced
• •4 oz Hot-Smoked Salmon, flaked (optional Northwest topping)
• •1 tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped (optional Northwest topping)
• •2 tbsp Cream Cheese, softened and thinned with 1-2 tsp milk (optional Northwest topping)
• •as desired Sour Cream, Guacamole, or Salsa (for serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. 2

   Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake according to package directions, typically 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.

3. 3

   While the tots are baking, prepare the black beans. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil (if using). Add the rinsed and drained black beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and heat gently for 3-5 minutes, until warmed through and fragrant. This step enhances their flavor.

4. 4

   Once the tater tots are crispy, remove them from the oven. You can build the totchos directly on the baking sheet, or for a more attractive presentation, transfer the crispy tots to an oven-safe platter or cast-iron skillet.

5. 5

   Evenly sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the hot tater tots.

6. 6

   Distribute the warmed black beans and pickled jalapeño slices over the cheese layer.

7. 7

   Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the beans and jalapeños.

8. 8

   Return the baking sheet or platter to the oven for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

9. 9

   Carefully remove the totchos from the oven. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro and thinly sliced green onions.

10. 10

    For optional Northwest Totchos, flake the hot-smoked salmon over the top and sprinkle with fresh dill. If desired, thin the softened cream cheese with a little milk and drizzle it over the totchos for an extra creamy touch.

11. 11

    Serve immediately with optional sides like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Chef's Tips

• 💡For truly crispy totchos, ensure your tater tots are cooked until very golden and firm before adding toppings. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet in the first step.
• 💡Feel free to customize the toppings! Add corn, diced red onion, or a sprinkle of your favorite taco seasoning to the beans for extra flavor.
• 💡For a spicier kick, you can add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a few extra pickled jalapeños.
• 💡Warm your black beans with spices on the stovetop; it makes a big difference in flavor compared to just adding them cold.
• 💡Serve immediately while the tots are hot and crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey.