Thanksgiving is all about tradition, right? The turkey, the stuffing, the cranberry sauce. It’s a beautiful symphony of flavors we look forward to all year. But let’s be honest, the time before the main event can get a little hectic. You need something to keep hungry guests happy while you put the finishing touches on the big meal.
That’s where the magic of a truly great appetizer comes in. You want something delicious, easy to make, and loved by everyone. This year, I’m suggesting we add a new tradition to the list, one that’s a little playful and seriously tasty. Get ready for one of the most fun Thanksgiving recipes appetizers you’ll ever make.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes these Tater Tot Nachos, or “Totchos,” the ideal choice for your holiday spread? First off, they are incredibly simple to put together. While you’re juggling a dozen other things in the kitchen, this recipe comes together with minimal fuss. It’s a lifesaver.
They are a certified crowd pleaser. Kids love them, adults love them, and they disappear fast. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory beef, and gooey melted cheese is a classic for a reason. It’s comfort food at its finest, making it a wonderful addition to your list of thanksgiving appetizers.
Another great thing is how customizable they are. You can stick to the classic toppings or let your guests build their own. Set up a little topping bar with bowls of sour cream, salsa, and avocado. It turns your appetizer into an interactive and fun experience for everyone.
These also qualify as fantastic Thanksgiving Appetizers Finger Foods. People can just grab a loaded tot and mingle. No need for extra plates or forks, which means less cleanup for you later. It’s a casual, relaxed way to start a joyful celebration. This recipe is a must have for your Appetizers For Thanksgiving Dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 large 32 ounce bag frozen tater tots
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 2 to 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Avocado, cilantro, salsa, sliced olives, and sour cream for garnish
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Cook The Tater Tots
First things first, let’s get that oven working. Go ahead and preheat it based on the directions on your tater tots package. While it’s heating up, grab a baking sheet. I highly recommend lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. It makes cleanup almost nonexistent, which is a gift on a busy cooking day.
Now, spread the tater tots in a single, even layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Giving them space is the key to getting them golden brown and crispy all over. Bake them according to the package instructions. You can even use your air fryer if you prefer an extra crispy texture.
Step 2: Prepare The Savory Ground Beef
While those tots are getting nice and toasty in the oven, it’s time to cook the ground beef. Place a skillet over medium heat and add the beef. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned all the way through, it’s time for the flavor.
Sprinkle in your taco seasoning and stir everything together until the meat is well coated. Let it cook for another minute or so. Once it’s done, make sure to drain off any excess fat. You want savory beef, not greasy tots. Set the skillet aside for a moment.
Step 3: Assemble Your Nachos and Bake
By now, your tater tots should be perfectly crispy. Pull them out of the oven, but don’t turn it off just yet. This is the fun part. It’s time to build your masterpiece. This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes appetizers to assemble.
Evenly sprinkle the cooked ground beef all over the hot tater tots. Next, add the crumbled beef bacon. Finally, cover everything with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Don’t be shy with the cheese. It’s a holiday, after all.
Pop the baking sheet back into the oven. Let it bake for just a few more minutes, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and delicious. This step makes all the difference for your thanksgiving appetizers.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Now you can add all your favorite fresh toppings. Dollops of sour cream, spoonfuls of salsa, sliced olives, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocado are all fantastic choices.
You can even add some green onions or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a little kick. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is still gooey. These are truly amazing Thanksgiving Appetizers Finger Foods.
How To Store Leftovers
Honestly, these Tater Tot Nachos are at their absolute best when served fresh from the oven. The contrast between the crispy tots and melted toppings is what makes them so good. But if you do happen to have leftovers, you can certainly save them.
Let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Just be aware that the tots will soften over time.
When you’re ready to reheat, the oven or an air fryer is your best bet. Spread them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F until warmed through. This will help bring back some of the original crispiness. A microwave will work in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite the same.
Tips
Want to make the best possible Tater Tot Nachos? Here are a few little pointers. The most important tip for this recipe is to get those tater tots really crispy. If they are soft, they can become soggy once you add the toppings. Cook them a few minutes longer than the package says if needed.
To prevent any sogginess, assemble and bake the nachos right before you plan to serve them. If you need to prep ahead, you can cook the beef and bacon in advance. Then just bake the tots and assemble everything when your guests are ready to eat. It makes for one of the best Appetizers For Thanksgiving Dinner.
Remember that liner for your pan? It’s worth mentioning again. Using foil or parchment paper means you can just slide it off the pan and into the trash when you’re done. No scrubbing required. This is a huge help on a holiday.
You can also make your own taco seasoning. It’s often more flavorful, and you can control the salt and spice levels. It’s a simple way to add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving recipes appetizers.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, fun, and incredibly tasty recipe that is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. These Tater Tot Nachos check all the boxes for what a great appetizer should be. They are easy, shareable, and satisfying.
Adding something new and playful to your menu can be a lot of fun. So this year, when you’re planning your Thanksgiving recipes appetizers, give this one a try. I have a feeling it might just become a new family tradition. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Meat?
Absolutely. This recipe is very flexible. Ground turkey or ground chicken would work wonderfully as a substitute for ground beef. You could even use chorizo for an extra kick of flavor. Just cook it the same way with the taco seasoning.
How Do I Make These Vegetarian?
Making a vegetarian version is super easy. Simply omit the ground beef and bacon. You can substitute them with a can of black beans, rinsed and drained, or use your favorite plant based ground meat crumble. They will be just as delicious.
Can I Prepare Any Parts In Advance?
Yes, you can do some prep work to save time. The ground beef and beef bacon can be cooked a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. You can also chop any veggies for toppings. Just wait to bake the tots and assemble everything right before serving to keep them crispy.
What’s The Best Way To Serve These For A Party?
The best way to serve these is right on the baking sheet. Place the hot pan on a trivet or heat proof mat on your table or counter. It creates a fun, communal feel where everyone can gather around and dig in. It’s a key reason these make such great Thanksgiving Appetizers Finger Foods.
Tater Tot Nachos
These easy Tater Tot Nachos, or ‘Totchos,’ are a fun and delicious appetizer, perfect for keeping hungry guests happy before the main meal. Simple to prepare, incredibly customizable, and a certified crowd-pleaser, they combine crispy potatoes, savory beef, and gooey melted cheese for comfort food at its finest. They’re also fantastic finger foods, making them a stress-free addition to any gathering.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven based on tater tot package directions. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Spread the tater tots in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake according to package instructions until golden brown and crispy.
- While tots bake, cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and cook for another minute. Set aside.
- Once tater tots are crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the cooked ground beef, then the crumbled beef bacon, and finally a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the hot tater tots.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for a few more minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Carefully remove from oven. Garnish with dollops of sour cream, spoonfuls of salsa, sliced olives, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocado. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Notes
The most important tip for this recipe is to get those tater tots really crispy. If they are soft, they can become soggy once you add the toppings. Cook them a few minutes longer than the package says if needed.
To prevent any sogginess, assemble and bake the nachos right before you plan to serve them. If you need to prep ahead, you can cook the beef and bacon in advance. Then just bake the tots and assemble everything when your guests are ready to eat.
Using foil or parchment paper means you can just slide it off the pan and into the trash when you’re done. No scrubbing required. This is a huge help on a holiday.
You can also make your own taco seasoning. It’s often more flavorful, and you can control the salt and spice levels. It’s a simple way to add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving recipes appetizers.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
