Original Post: https://www.evolvingtable.com/loaded-smashed-totchos/
Loaded Smashed Totchos Recipe
These Crispy Loaded Smashed Totchos are what happens when tater tots decide to fully commit. Smashed and baked at a high heat for extra crispy edges, then loaded with melty cheese, salty bacon, and all the classic toppings. Perfect for parties or when snacking-for-dinner just makes sense.
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 (28-ounce) package frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cooked bacon crumbled
- Sour cream for serving
- Green onions or chives thinly sliced, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Add the frozen tater tots to a large bowl along with the oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss quickly to coat while the tots are still frozen.1 (28-ounce) package frozen tater tots, 2 tablespoons avocado oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Divide the tots evenly between the two prepared baking sheets, spreading them out in a single layer with space between each one. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tots are hot all the way through and starting to brown on the bottoms.
- Remove the pans from the oven. Spray the bottom of a flat-bottomed glass with non-stick cooking spray, reapplying as needed while smashing, then gently smash each tot until flattened but still intact.
- Return the pans to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes more, rotating the pans halfway through, until the tots are deeply golden, crisp around the edges, and no longer soft in the centers.
- Remove from the oven and combine the tots onto one baking sheet. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tots, followed by the crumbled bacon. Return to the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted.3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 8 ounces cooked bacon
- Serve hot topped with sour cream and finished with green onions or chives.Sour cream, Green onions or chives
Notes
- Yield: This recipe will serve roughly 4 for dinner, or up to 10 as a party appetizer.
- Nutritional Info: This was calculated based on 8 servings.
- Baking from thawed: If your tater tots are thawed, they’ll crisp faster. Pat them dry before tossing with oil, then bake for about 10-12 minutes before smashing. After smashing, continue baking for 15-20 minutes until deeply golden and crisp, keeping an eye on them since total bake time will be slightly shorter than when starting from frozen.
- Spacing matters: Using two sheet pans and spreading the tots out is key for crispiness. Overcrowding traps steam and leads to soggy totchos.
- Smashing technique: Smash the tots gently until flattened but still intact. Pressing too hard can tear them, while a lighter smash helps them crisp evenly.
- Oil on the glass: Lightly oil or spray the bottom of the glass and reapply as needed while smashing to prevent sticking as the starch is exposed.
- Toppings timing: Add the cheese and bacon only after the tots are fully crisped. Adding toppings too early can trap moisture and soften the tots.
Nutrition
Calories: 508kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 1058mg | Potassium: 348mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 440IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 316mg | Iron: 1mg
