Memphis BBQ Pork Totchos Recipe

Tater tots: Frozen potato bites that become crispy when baked.

Pulled pork: Pre-cooked shredded pork, often found in the deli section.

Bbq sauce: A tangy and sweet sauce used to flavor the pulled pork.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheese that melts well and adds a creamy texture.

Sour cream: A tangy dairy product used as a topping.

Green onions: Chopped fresh onions that add a mild, peppery flavor.

Pickled jalapeños: Sliced jalapeños preserved in vinegar, adding a spicy kick.

To ensure your tater tots come out extra crispy, try spreading them out in a single layer on the baking sheet without overcrowding. This allows hot air to circulate around each tot, promoting even cooking and crispiness. Additionally, you can flip the tater tots halfway through the baking time to achieve an even golden-brown texture on all sides.

• frozen tater tots - Substitute with sweet potato tots: Sweet potato tots offer a slightly different flavor and a bit more nutritional value.

• frozen tater tots - Substitute with hash browns: Hash browns can provide a similar texture and crispiness.

• cooked pulled pork - Substitute with shredded chicken: Shredded chicken can absorb the BBQ sauce well and provides a leaner protein option.

• cooked pulled pork - Substitute with jackfruit: Jackfruit is a great vegetarian alternative that mimics the texture of pulled pork.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with buffalo sauce: Buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick for those who prefer heat.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and offers a milder flavor.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack adds a bit of spice and a different flavor dimension.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture with added protein.

• sour cream - Substitute with creme fraiche: Creme fraiche offers a richer, tangier flavor.

• chopped green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives provide a similar mild onion flavor.

• chopped green onions - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note.

• sliced pickled jalapeños - Substitute with banana peppers: Banana peppers offer a milder heat and tangy flavor.

• sliced pickled jalapeños - Substitute with pickled pepperoncini: Pickled pepperoncini provide a similar tangy and spicy kick.

• Allow the tater tots and pulled pork mixture to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the tater tots soggy.
• Transfer the cooled totchos to an airtight container. If you have a large batch, consider using multiple containers to avoid overcrowding.
• For best results, store the sour cream, green onions, and pickled jalapeños separately in small airtight containers. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from making the tater tots soggy.
• Place the containers in the refrigerator. The totchos will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the totchos on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Add the sour cream, green onions, and pickled jalapeños after reheating.
• For freezing, follow the same cooling and separating steps. Place the totchos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the totchos to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and contents.
• Store the sour cream, green onions, and pickled jalapeños in separate freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The totchos can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the frozen totchos for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Add the sour cream, green onions, and pickled jalapeños after reheating.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover Memphis BBQ Pork Totchos evenly on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the totchos on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispier texture, use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the totchos in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping.

• For stovetop reheating, use a non-stick skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the totchos in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

• To reheat in a toaster oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the totchos on the toaster oven tray and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted.

• For a unique twist, reheat using a broiler. Preheat the broiler on low. Spread the totchos on a baking sheet and place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. This method will give you a crispy top layer while keeping the inside warm and gooey.

• Oven: Used to bake the tater tots and melt the cheese on top of the dish.

• Baking sheet: A flat surface to spread and bake the tater tots until crispy.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cooked pulled pork with the BBQ sauce.

• Spatula: Handy for spreading the BBQ pulled pork mixture evenly over the tater tots.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, and pickled jalapeños.

• Knife: Used to chop the green onions.

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

• Serving platter: To present the finished Memphis BBQ Pork Totchos attractively.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking sheet when removing it from the oven.

Use pre-cooked pulled pork: Save time by using store-bought pulled pork instead of cooking it from scratch.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while gathering ingredients to reduce waiting time.

Microwave tater tots: Partially cook tater tots in the microwave before baking to cut down on oven time.

Shred cheese in advance: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese or shred it ahead of time to streamline the process.

Prep toppings ahead: Chop green onions and slice pickled jalapeños in advance to save time during assembly.