Smothered Potato Tot Nachos Food

CRISPY CHEESY NACHO TOTS

Steps:

• Bake the Tater Tots® until very crispy, following the package directions.
• Meanwhile, combine the half-and-half, 1 cup of the cheese, and the cornstarch in a small saucepan. Whisking constantly, cook over medium heat until melted and smooth, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the pico de gallo.
• When the Tater Tots are done, transfer them an 8-inch cast-iron skillet. Preheat the broiler to high. Spoon the cheese sauce over the tots and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Broil until the cheese is bubbling and melted, about 1 minute. Top with the cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.

SMOTHERED POTATO TOT NACHOS

Steps:

• Arrange the potato tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with the taco seasoning. Bake according to package instructions. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
• Transfer the potato tots to a large platter, stacking them no more than two high. Pour the Perfect Cheese Sauce over the tots. Garnish with the tomatoes, jalapenos, scallions, cilantro and avocado. Sprinkle with the lettuce and bacon, if using.
• Melt the butter in a medium saucepot over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring often, until a thick paste forms and turns golden brown. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook 30 seconds more.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, adding 1 cup at a time. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer before adding the next. It will be extremely thick at first and will thin with each addition. When all the milk is added bring the sauce to a simmer and cook 5 more minutes. Whisk in the cream cheese.
• Remove the sauce from the heat. Add the Cheddar and Parmesan and whisk until smooth. The sauce keeps refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or frozen for 6 months. If using from cold, carefully bring the sauce back to a boil before serving.

HOMEMADE POTATO TOTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray two 24-cup mini muffin tins with cooking spray.
• Place the russets into a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until halfway done, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain, then use a kitchen towel to carefully remove skins. Let cool for 15 minutes.
• Grate the par-cooked russets into a large bowl. Grate the red potatoes and add them to the bowl as well. Add the salt, pepper, flour and olive oil. Gently combine by hand.
• Scoop one tablespoon of the potato mixture into each muffin cup, pressing flat with your fingers. Bake until brown at the edges, 15 minutes, then flip so that each side gets golden brown! Spray the tops with more nonstick spray and sprinkle with salt. Return to the oven and bake until browned, another 12 to 15 minutes.
• Serve with ketchup and mustard for dipping.

TATER TOTS® NACHOS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
• Arrange potato nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Bake potato nuggets in the preheated oven until golden and heated through, 24 to 26 minutes.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease. Stir water and taco seasoning mix into beef; cook and stir until liquid is thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Pour cheese sauce into a microwave-safe bowl; heat in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir. Continue heating in 15-second intervals until hot, stirring between intervals.
• Spread potato nuggets on a serving plate. Top with meat, cheese sauce, sour cream, onion, and jalapeno slices.

SMOTHERED POTATOES

Steps:

• In large heavy pot fry bacon until slightly crisp; remove, drain and crumble.
• Drain all but 2 tablespoons bacon drippings from pot.
• Add onions, red and green bell peppers, celery and potatoes.
• Cook on medium heat, covered, stirring occasionally without mashing until potatoes are tender; turn off fire.
• Sprinkle over with garlic powder, salt and pepper.
• Add processed cheese and reserved crumbled bacon, stirring gently to coat.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.