Chili Cheese Tater Tots Recipe

TATER TOTS: Small, crispy potato bites that bake up golden and crunchy.

CHILI: A canned chili that adds a hearty, flavorful topping.

CHEDDAR CHEESE: Shredded cheese that melts perfectly over the chili and tots.

SOUR CREAM: Optional creamy topping that adds a cool contrast.

GREEN ONIONS: Optional chopped garnish for a fresh, mild onion flavor.

One of the key steps in this Chili Cheese Tater Tots Recipe is getting the tater tots nice and crispy in the oven. Here’s how to do that so they come out golden and crunchy every time:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the tater tots cook evenly and get that perfect crunch.
2. Spread the tater tots out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Don’t pile them up or they’ll steam instead of crisp up.
3. Bake them for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Halfway through, you can shake the pan or use a spatula to flip them a bit so they brown evenly on all sides.

Doing this makes a big difference because when the tater tots are crispy, they hold up better under the warm chili and melted cheese later. If they’re soggy, the whole dish can feel mushy instead of fun to eat.

I remember the first time I made this, I didn’t spread the tater tots out enough, and they ended up kind of soft and stuck together. Now I always make sure to give them plenty of space. Also, if you want to save a little time, you can use the convection setting on your oven if you have one—it helps the tater tots get crispy faster.

Once your tater tots are perfectly crispy, the rest of the recipe comes together so nicely, with the warm chili soaking in just a bit and the cheese melting on top. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference in how tasty and fun this dish is!

• frozen tater tots - Substitute with frozen hash browns: Both are made from potatoes and will provide a similar texture and flavor when baked.

• frozen tater tots - Substitute with sweet potato tots: For a slightly sweeter and healthier option, sweet potato tots can be used.

• chili - Substitute with black bean chili: For a vegetarian option, black bean chili offers a similar texture and robust flavor.

• chili - Substitute with lentil chili: Lentil chili is a hearty and protein-rich alternative that works well in this recipe.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and provides a creamy texture, though the flavor will be milder.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded pepper jack cheese: For a spicier kick, pepper jack cheese can be used.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor with added protein.

• sour cream - Substitute with creme fraiche: Creme fraiche is a richer and slightly tangier alternative to sour cream.

• chopped green onions - Substitute with chopped chives: Chives provide a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish.

• chopped green onions - Substitute with chopped cilantro: For a different flavor profile, cilantro adds a fresh and vibrant taste.

• Allow the tater tots to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
• Transfer the chili cheese tater tots to an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• For freezing, place the cooled tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. This prevents them from clumping together.
• Once frozen, transfer the tater tots to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.
• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tater tots on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and crispy.
• If you prefer using a microwave, place the tater tots on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Note that this method may result in less crispy tater tots.
• For best results, avoid reheating chili cheese tater tots in a microwave as it can make them soggy. The oven or toaster oven is recommended for maintaining crispiness.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chili cheese tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

• For a quicker option, use a microwave-safe dish. Place the tater tots in the dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add an extra minute if needed.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tater tots in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• For stovetop reheating, use a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the tater tots in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through and crispy.

• If you prefer a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tater tots on a toaster oven tray and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are hot and the cheese is melted.

• Oven: Used to bake the tater tots until they are crispy and golden brown.

• Baking sheet: A flat surface to spread the tater tots in a single layer for even baking.

• Saucepan: Used to heat the chili over medium heat until it is warmed through.

• Serving dish: A dish to transfer the baked tater tots to before adding the chili and cheese.

• Spatula: Useful for transferring the tater tots from the baking sheet to the serving dish.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the shredded cheddar cheese and optional sour cream.

• Knife: For chopping the green onions if you choose to use them as a garnish.

• Cutting board: A surface to chop the green onions on.

• Oven mitts: Essential for safely handling hot baking sheets and dishes.

• Can opener: Used to open the can of chili.

Preheat while prepping: Preheat your oven as you prepare the tater tots and chili to save time.

Use microwave for chili: Heat the chili in the microwave instead of a saucepan to speed up the process.

Shred cheese in advance: Shred the cheddar cheese ahead of time or buy pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep time.

Line baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat on your baking sheet for easy cleanup and faster transfer of tater tots.

Serve in same dish: Use an oven-safe serving dish to bake and serve, eliminating the need to transfer the tater tots.