When you combine crispy tater tots, smoky pulled pork, and a mountain of gooey melted cheese, magic happens. Enter Pulled Pork Totchos, the ultimate comfort food mash-up that’s perfect for game day, family dinners, or any time you’re craving something indulgent. Think nachos, but with tater tots instead of chips—crispy, golden perfection topped with barbecue goodness. This recipe is customizable, easy to throw together, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Let’s dive into this savory, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible dish.
What You’ll Need
For the Totchos Base:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 cups pulled pork (homemade, store-bought, or leftover)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
For Toppings:
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Pro Tips
- Extra Crispy Tater Tots: Bake the tater tots a little longer than the package instructions suggest to ensure maximum crispiness—they’ll hold up better under the toppings.
- Reheat Pulled Pork Properly: Warm your pulled pork in a skillet or microwave before adding it to the totchos to ensure everything stays hot and delicious.
- Customize the Cheese: Use your favorite melty cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or smoked gouda for extra flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
- Serve Immediately: Totchos are best enjoyed fresh and hot before the tots lose their crispiness.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Small saucepan (to warm pulled pork)
- Spatula
- Serving platter
Substitutions and Variations
- Tater Tot Alternatives: Use sweet potato tots or waffle fries for a fun twist.
- Pulled Pork Swap: Replace pulled pork with shredded chicken, beef brisket, or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, smoked gouda, or even queso for a different flavor.
- BBQ Sauce Variety: Try a tangy Carolina mustard sauce, a spicy chipotle BBQ, or a smoky bourbon BBQ sauce.
- Add More Toppings: Add diced tomatoes, avocado chunks, black beans, or pickled red onions to make it even heartier.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pulled Pork: If you’re making pulled pork from scratch, prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat before assembling the totchos.
- Toppings: Chop green onions, jalapeños, and cilantro in advance and store them in the fridge in airtight containers.
How to Make Pulled Pork Totchos
1. Bake the Tater Tots
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
2. Heat the Pulled Pork
While the tater tots bake, warm the pulled pork in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2–3 tablespoons of barbecue sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
3. Assemble the Totchos
Once the tater tots are crispy, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large serving platter or keep them on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tots, then layer the warm pulled pork on top.
4. Melt the Cheese
Return the assembled totchos to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
5. Add Toppings and Serve
Drizzle barbecue sauce over the melted cheese and pulled pork. Top with sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeño slices, and cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Leftovers and Storage
- Fridge: Store leftover totchos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating Tip: Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to crisp up the tater tots again—microwaving may make them soggy.
Conclusion
Pulled Pork Totchos are the perfect comfort food for any occasion, from game day gatherings to casual family dinners. They’re crispy, cheesy, savory, and customizable to suit your flavor preferences. Whether you keep it simple or pile on all the toppings, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds (and maybe thirds). Share your creative twists in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own. Enjoy your delicious totchos!
