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    Home / Recipes / Vegan Entrees

    Tater Tot Nachos

    Published: Feb 11, 2023 · Modified: Feb 13, 2023 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Tater tots aren't just for kids anymore! So, instead of making nachos with chips, make tater-tot nachos! And with the Superbowl right around the corner, plan fun snacks early. This tater tot nachos recipe is easy to make and tastes delicious.

    Tater tot nachos on a plate on the counter.

    Although I love nachos, recently, I discovered tater tot nachos, known as Totchos. In Scottsdale, a little Mexican joint called Dela Libre is close to our house. Not only do they have a vegan menu, but they also have vegan tater-tot nachos.  So, I made a tater tot nachos recipe at home for the big game!

    Jump to:
    • What is Tater Tot Nachos?  
    • Homemade Tater Tots
    • Tater Tot Nacho Ingredients
    • Lentil Taco Meat & Vegan Coney Sauce
    • Vegan Nachos Cheese Sauce
    • Layering the Ingredients
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Tips
    • Other Great Vegan Game Day Appetizers
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    What is Tater Tot Nachos?  

    When I was growing up, Ore Ida Tater Tots were a part of our childhood. I haven't eaten frozen tater tots in years, but I love the crispy potato balls. 

    Last year, though, I made healthy baked tater tots from sweet potatoes and zucchini. We eat them often since I make them ahead of time and freeze them to use at my convenience. 

    Homemade Tater Tots

    Homemade vegan tater tots on a baking sheet.

    Out of curiosity, I picked up a bag of Ore Ida Tater Tots to remind myself of why I made homemade baked tater tots in the first place. After reading the label and tossing it back in the freezer section, I knew why.  With 8 grams of fat and 130 calories for 7 tater tots, I laughed at the thought of only eating 7. I mean, who only eats 7 tater tots? 

    On the contrary, my tater tots have only 30 calories and 2 grams of fat for the same amount.

    Another option for a healthier tater is Alexia brand tater tots, located in the healthy freezer section of the grocery store. For instance, Alexia Yukon Select Puffs have 100 calories and 4 grams of fat for 14 pieces. Despite containing a little oil, these are the best healthy store-bought options. 

    So, healthier options exist at your local grocery store if making your tater tots is not appealing. Making homemade tater tots at home is relatively easy and an excellent activity for the kids to help cook.

    Frozen vegan cheese puffs n a bag on the counter.

    Baking or air-frying the tater tots also gives you a healthier option than frying them in oil. So, skip the oil and opt for baking instead. 

    Tater Tot Nacho Ingredients

    Tater tot nachos ingredients: lentil taco meat, green onions, tomatoes, vegan cheese sauce, black beans, jalapenos, salsa, pico, guacamole and cilantro.

    The first time we ate tater tot nachos, the toppings included Beyond Meat Crumbles, vegan shredded cheese, and various vegetables like tomatoes, green onions, and jalapenos. 

    Considering different options to make the tater tot nachos healthier, I used my vegan nacho “cheese” sauce and my vegan coney chili sauce. Then, of course, add onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, and other veggies in my refrigerator that speak to me. 

    But there are other options, such as vegan lentil taco meat. Another idea is shredded jackfruit mixed with taco seasoning. Or, skip the alternative meat, jackfruit, and lentils and make them vegan cheesy, and delicious. 

    Regardless of your toppings choices, tater tot nachos are a great football snack, movie night at the home treat, or a meal depending on the toppings. There isn't a kid in the world who doesn't like tater tots or adults, for that matter. 

    Lentil Taco Meat & Vegan Coney Sauce

    tater tot nachos recipe on a platter on the table.

    When I first became vegan, I started 'veganizing' foods my family liked to get everyone on board. Since then, of course, my kids have grown to appreciate vegetables as well as their childhood favorites.

    My children are now vegan adults who not only live on their own, they continue to cook and eat vegan. And, yes, from time to time, they like vegan junk food like the rest of us. 

    For example, my vegan coney chili sauce was one of those foods we missed when first becoming vegan.  After much trial and error, I created a sauce I could make ahead and freeze that could go on vegan hot dogs, air-fried steak fries, or get stuffed into a baked potato. 

    Comfort food, although sometimes not the healthiest, can be made healthier.

    For example, vegan lentil taco meat uses lentils instead of a meat alternative and makes great taco meat. Not only is it oil-free, but it is perfect for chips, taco shells, and tater tot nachos. Because the lentil meat isn't overly moist,  it doesn't cause sogginess. Of course, this healthy alternative is an option to layer on the tater tot nachos recipe.  

    Even though the possibilities are endless, other ideas are to add my mushroom “chorizo” taco meat,  roasted cauliflower tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Cream, or Roasted Broccolini and Sweet Potato Tostadas. For instance, if you think about it, anything you put on a taco or a nacho can be a topping for tater tot nachos. 

    Without a doubt, meat alternatives like Beyond Meat Crumbles and Bocca Original Crumbles are easier. I prefer Bocca Original Crumbles over Beyond Meat. Bocca Crumbles, however, are soy-based but fat-free. But, you choose whatever is best for your diet and plant-based journey. 

    Tater tot nachos served with vegan sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and pico in dishes on the side.

    If I can create a healthier way to eat fun food, every once in a while, it keeps me from straying off all the time. Some people, for instance, call this 'cheat food' or a 'cheat day. It isn't cheating if you keep it healthy and don't go rogue. In my household, it's called a healthy balance. 

    Vegan Nachos Cheese Sauce

    Vegan nacho cheese sauce in a blender cup for tater tot nachos recipe.

    Again, this is all about personal taste. Of course, when I think of nachos, I think about a vegan nacho cheese sauce, tomatoes, green onions, and jalapenos. But feel about going crazy with lettuce, guacamole, cilantro, lime, or any other nacho topping you enjoy. 

    My nacho cheese sauce makes a lot, so although I made the whole batch for other recipes during the week, the recipe calls for ¼ of the linked recipe. Once created, the nacho cheese sauce will last in the refrigerator for 7 days. And, yes, it can also be frozen in small batches if you prefer. 

    Layering the Ingredients

    Layering black beans onto the tater tots.

    First, cook your tater tots according to the link or package instructions. Then, while the tater tots are baking, make a chosen "meat topping." I used my vegan coney chili sauce.

    While your meat is cooking and absorbing the last bit of moisture, prepare your veggie toppings. Then, place your cooked tater tots in a large shallow bowl or on a plate and drizzle with cheese sauce. 

    Next, add a vegan lentil meat layer, veggies, and more drizzled cheese sauce. 

    Then, the veggies and a little more drizzle, and you are in business. 

    I am eating vegan totchos.

    And, if tater tots aren't your thing, and you prefer a simple nacho or Greek nachos!

    Recipe FAQs

    How do I make my tater tot nachos crispy?

    Cook the tater tots at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

    Are potato croquettes the same as tater tots?

    They are versatile, as you can pair them with just about anything, and they are just good as a snack on their own. Tater tots versus potato croquettes: Both dishes are made from mashed potatoes. But traditional croquettes have cheese and are breaded with flour and egg before deep-frying.

    Are homemade tater tots healthier than store-bought tots?

    Yes, homemade tater tots are oil-free and made from potatoes and zucchini.

    Tips

    • If making homemade tater tots, make the tots ahead of time to reduce preparation time.
    • Choose a variety of vegetables such as red bell peppers, tomatoes, green onions, and any other vegetables you enjoy!
    • Serve salsa, guacamole, and vegan sour cream for added toppings.
    • Try making a tater tot nacho bar by serving the tater tots with all the toppings on the side.

    With the Super Bowl right around the corner, start planning by making this tater tot nachos recipe!

    Other Great Vegan Game Day Appetizers

    • vegan nacho cheese sauce
      The Best Vegan Nacho Cheese
    • vegan quiche recipe
      Best Vegan Quiches
    • vegan avocado egg rolls recipe
      Avocado Egg Rolls
    • Greek Layered Dip Recipe
      Vegan Layered Dip

    If you love these tater tot nachos, give us a 5-star review and comment below. We would love to hear from you!

    📖 Recipe

    Tater Tot Nachos

    Kathy Carmichael
    Indulge with healthy tater tot nachos. Tater tots aren't just for kids anymore! And with the Superbowl right around the corner, plan fun snacks early.
    4.60 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 22 minutes mins
    Total Time 32 minutes mins
    Course Small Bites
    Cuisine American
    Servings 5 servings
    Calories 227 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Tater Tots (choose 1)

    • 1 recipe Homemade Baked Tater Tots or 16 ounce bag of Alexia Frozen Organic Yukon Select Puffs or store-bought tater tots of choice

    Taco Meat Topping (choose 1)

    • 1 recipe Vegan Coney Sauce
    • 1 recipe oil-free lentil taco meat

    Filling

    • ¼ recipe Nacho Cheese Sauce I made a whole recipe to use for other recipes during the week
    • ½ cup grape tomatoes quartered
    • ½ cup diced yellow or red onion
    • 2 jalapeños de-seeded and sliced
    • ½ cup chopped cilantro

    Optional Toppings

    • Guacamole
    • Red Bell Peppers
    • Shredded Lettuce
    • Salsa
    • Vegan Sour Cream
    • ½ cup black beans

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
    • Cook tater tots according to recipe/bag instructions.
    • While tater tots are cooking, make the coney sauce, and cut the vegetables.
    • Make the vegan nacho cheese sauce.
    • Remove tater tots from the oven and place in a large shallow bowl or on a platter.
    • Drizzle with vegan nacho cheese sauce.
    • Add chosen taco meat recipe.
    • Sprinkle vegetables.
    • Top with cilantro and other garnish and topping you enjoy.
    • Share your tater tot nachos and enjoy it!

    Notes

    • If making homemade tater tots, make the tots ahead of time to reduce preparation time.
    • Choose a variety of vegetables such as red bell peppers, tomatoes, green onions, and any other vegetables you enjoy!
    • Serve salsa, guacamole, and vegan sour cream for added toppings.
    • Try making a tater tot nacho bar by serving the tater tots with all the toppings on the side.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 227kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 4gFat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 509mgPotassium: 378mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 361IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg
    Tried our recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Kathy Carmichael

    Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

    www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/

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