Nachos for game day? Been there, eaten that. Totchos for game day? Put us in, Coach. Loaded pulled pork tater tots pile smoky pulled pork, melted cheese, crispy bacon, jalapeños, green onions, and barbecue sauce onto perfectly crispy, golden tots for a game-day dish that’s guaranteed to disappear before halftime. It’s easy to make, easy to share, and hearty enough to keep everyone happy.
How Do You Make Loaded Tater Tots with Pulled Pork?
To make pulled pork loaded totchos, bake frozen tater tots until golden and crispy, then top them with warm pulled pork, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and cooked bacon. Bake until the cheese melts, then finish with barbecue sauce, jalapeños, green onions, sour cream, and your other favorite game-day toppings.
The Butcher Shop’s Loaded Pulled Pork Tater Tots
Ingredients:
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 cups TBS pulled pork, warmed (any flavor)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 slices TBS bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (any flavor)
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapeños
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, optional
- Hot sauce, optional
Directions:
1. Bake the Tots
Preheat the oven to 425°F or according to the package directions. Spread the tater tots in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake until deeply golden and crispy, about 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
2. Warm the Pulled Pork
While the tots bake, warm the pulled pork in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until hot. Stir in a few tablespoons of barbecue sauce for a saucier pork topping.
3. Load the Tots
Remove the crispy tater tots from the oven. Distribute the warm pulled pork evenly over the top. Sprinkle with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and crumbled bacon.
4. Melt the Cheese
Return the baking sheet to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and starts bubbling around the edges.
5. Add the Toppings
Drizzle barbecue sauce over the loaded tots. Add jalapeños, green onions, sour cream, and cilantro, if using.
6. Serve Hot
Bring the loaded tots to the table while they’re hot and crispy. Serve with extra barbecue sauce and hot sauce on the side.
Butcher’s Tips for Success
- Keep them crispy: Spread the tots in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving a little room between them, and bake until they have a crisp, golden exterior.
- Customize your tots: Cater to your crowd with your favorite toppings like coleslaw, fried onions, avocado, or pickles.
- Prep ahead: Cook the bacon, slice the green onions and jalapeños, shred the cheese, and portion out your sauces and refrigerate. When game time approaches, bake the tots, warm the pulled pork, and add your toppings.
Looking for More Game Day Recipes?
Simple Chicken Wings
Sloppy Joe Sliders
Pulled Pork Sliders
Put Loaded Pulled Pork Tater Tots on Your Family’s Table with The Butcher Shop
The best game day food keeps everyone full – and doesn’t leave you trapped in the kitchen. With pulled pork from The Butcher Shop, this recipe delivers. We smoke our pulled pork in-house, low and slow, for a tender, flavorful masterpiece that’s perfect as an entree, sandwiches, or totchos. Like all our meats, it’s 100% natural and locally sourced from farms right here in Southern Oregon.
You’ll also find farm-fresh produce, specialty items like salsa, local beer and wine, and everything else you need for game day – all at prices that won’t break your budget. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep loaded tater tots from getting soggy?
Bake the tater tots until they turn deeply golden and crisp before adding any toppings. Spread them in a single layer and don’t add too much barbecue sauce before the final bake.
Can I make pulled pork tater tots for a large game-day crowd?
Yes. For a larger group, prepare two or more sheet pans to keep the tots in a single layer so they brown and crisp evenly. You can also make different pans with mild and spicy toppings so guests can choose their favorite.
What should I serve with loaded tater tots on game day?
Loaded tater tots pair well with wings, sliders, burgers, sausages, fresh vegetables with dip, or coleslaw. Since the tots are rich and hearty, lighter sides and fresh vegetables can help round out your game-day spread.