Forget Nachos!! Totchos are Way Better
Forget Nachos!! Totchos are WAY Better! is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by The Hungry Hussey on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 34 min | Total: 59 min
Cost: $24.63 total, $6.16 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Tater Crays (Tater Crowns) (Frozen circular tater crowns, no thaw needed)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (High smoke‑point oil for frying)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (Diced fine)
- 1/2 cup Fire‑Roasted Green Chilies (Canned, drained and diced)
- 1 tsp Heer’s Dust Seasoning (Proprietary seasoning blend (link in video description))
- 8 oz Pulled Pork (Pre‑cooked, leftover or store‑bought)
- 1 tbsp BBQ Sauce (Optional for extra flavor)
- 8 oz Mexican Blend Cheese (Shredded blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream (Full‑fat)
- 2 tbsp Duke’s Georgia Sweet Heat Sauce (Sweet, smoky hot sauce)
- 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar (To thin the sauce)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 small Jalapeño (Thinly sliced, optional)
- 2 tbsp Green Onions (Chopped for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Chipotle Crema (Optional drizzle; can be made by mixing chipotle in adobo with sour cream)
Instructions
Preheat Griddle
Turn the Blackstone griddle on high and let it reach about 350°F (175°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Add Oil
Drizzle 2 tbsp vegetable oil onto the griddle and spread it thinly with the spatula.
Time: PT1M
Cook Tater Crays
Place the frozen tater crays in a single layer, avoiding overlap. Cook 5 minutes, then flip and cook another 5 minutes until golden‑brown and crispy.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Keep Warm
Transfer the cooked tater crays to a warm plate and set aside while you prepare the toppings.
Time: PT2M
Sauté Onions
Add a splash more oil if needed, then sauté the diced onion over medium heat until translucent, about 3‑4 minutes.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium
Add Chilies & Seasoning
Stir in the diced fire‑roasted green chilies, sprinkle 1 tsp Heer’s Dust, and season with salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Warm Pulled Pork
Move the onion‑chili mix to one side, add the pulled pork, drizzle with BBQ sauce and 1 tbsp Duke’s Georgia Sweet Heat. Stir and heat through, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Assemble on Griddle
Return the tater crays to the griddle, top each with the onion‑chili mixture, sprinkle shredded Mexican blend cheese, then add the warmed pulled pork. Add a little more cheese on top.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Steam‑Melt Cheese
Sprinkle 1 tbsp water around the assembled tacho, cover with a foil dome (or large bowl) to trap steam, and let the cheese melt for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Prepare Sweet‑Heat Sauce
In a mixing bowl combine 1/2 cup sour cream, the remaining 1 tbsp Duke’s Georgia Sweet Heat, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Finish and Garnish
Drizzle the sweet‑heat sour‑cream sauce over the tacho, then garnish with sliced jalapeño, chopped green onions, and optional chipotle crema.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Serve the tachos immediately while the tater crays stay crisp and the cheese is gooey.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 22g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 32g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains dairy, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free tater crays, Can be made vegetarian by omitting pork and using beans or jackfruit
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Tater Crays (Tater Crowns): Tater tots
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Avocado oil
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion, Shallots
- Instead of Fire‑Roasted Green Chilies: Fresh jalapeños, Roasted poblano peppers
- Instead of Heer’s Dust Seasoning: Taco seasoning, Chili powder mix
- Instead of Pulled Pork: Shredded chicken, Shredded beef
- Instead of BBQ Sauce: Honey mustard, Ketchup
- Instead of Mexican Blend Cheese: Cheddar cheese, Mozzarella
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt, Vegan sour cream
- Instead of Duke’s Georgia Sweet Heat Sauce: Chipotle BBQ sauce, Sriracha honey
- Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar: White vinegar, Lime juice
- Instead of Jalapeño: Fresh serrano
- Instead of Chipotle Crema: Additional sour cream with chipotle powder
Equipment Needed
- Blackstone Griddle (or large flat‑top grill)
- Spatula (metal)
- Tongs
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Aluminum Foil or Dome Cover
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensure tater crays are cooked in a single layer to achieve maximum crispness
- Season the onion‑chili mixture with Heer’s Dust for the signature flavor
- Cover with foil and add a splash of water to create steam that melts the cheese without soggy tater crays
- Whisk the sour‑cream sauce to the right consistency before drizzling
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high smoke‑point oil like vegetable or avocado oil for the best crunch.
- If you can’t find Heer’s Dust, a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne works well.
- For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
Troubleshooting
Tater crays are soggy instead of crispy
Make sure the griddle is fully pre‑heated to 350°F and cook the crays in a single, non‑overcrowded layer. If needed, increase heat slightly and finish with a quick flip.
Cheese doesn’t melt fully
Create steam by adding a splash of water and covering with foil for 2‑3 minutes. Alternatively, lower the heat and let the cheese melt slowly.
Sauce is too thick
Whisk in a few more drops of apple cider vinegar or water until the desired drizzling consistency is reached.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Re‑heat on the griddle or skillet to regain crispness.
Freezer: Separate components; freeze cooked tater crays and pulled pork individually for up to 2 months. Re‑heat and assemble fresh.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to dairy and meat.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the sweet‑heat sour‑cream sauce up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
- Pre‑cook the pulled pork and store it in the fridge; re‑heat on the griddle before assembly.
- Tater crays can be cooked ahead and kept warm in a low oven (200°F) for up to 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Tachos (Loaded Tater Cray Nachos) in American comfort food culture?
Tachos blend two beloved American snack staples—nachos and tater tots—into a single handheld indulgence. The concept reflects the U.S. tradition of mash‑up comfort foods that appear at sports bars, backyard cookouts, and late‑night gatherings, celebrating bold flavors and shareable dishes.
How did the idea of using tater crays instead of traditional tortilla chips evolve in American snack cuisine?
Tater crays (tater crowns) offer a sturdier, potato‑based base that holds heavy toppings better than thin tortilla chips. Their rise parallels the popularity of loaded potato skins and tater tot nachos, catering to diners who crave extra crunch and a heartier bite.
What regional variations of loaded potato‑based nachos exist across the United States?
In the Midwest, cheese‑curd‑topped tater tots are common, while the Southwest often adds black beans, corn, and chipotle sauce. The Southern twist, as shown in this video, incorporates pulled pork and sweet‑heat barbecue sauces for a smoky, sweet profile.
During what occasions are Tachos typically served in American gatherings?
Tachos are popular at game‑day parties, tailgate events, casual barbecues, and late‑night snack runs. Their shareable nature makes them perfect for crowds that want a quick, indulgent bite while watching sports or hanging out with friends.
What makes Tachos a unique entry in the broader American snack and appetizer tradition?
The combination of a potato‑based crisp, rich pulled‑pork topping, and a tangy sweet‑heat sour‑cream sauce creates a layered flavor profile—salty, smoky, sweet, and creamy—that isn’t found in traditional nachos or plain tater tots.
What authentic ingredients define a traditional Tacho versus acceptable modern substitutes?
Traditional Tachos use tater crays or tater tots, Mexican blend cheese, pulled pork, and a simple cheese‑sauce. Modern cooks often swap pulled pork for shredded chicken, use different hot sauces, or replace tater crays with sweet potato tots while keeping the core concept intact.
What other American comfort‑food dishes pair well with Tachos at a party spread?
Tachos pair nicely with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, and a crisp green salad. A cold beer or a citrusy lemonade balances the richness of the dish.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Tachos on a griddle?
Common errors include overcrowding the tater crays, which prevents crisping; using too much oil, which makes them greasy; and covering too tightly without steam, which can sog the base. Follow the single‑layer technique and add a splash of water under the foil to melt cheese without steaming the crays.
Why does this Tacho recipe use a foil dome and a splash of water instead of a lid?
The foil dome traps steam from the added water, creating a gentle heat that melts the cheese quickly while keeping the tater crays exposed to the hot griddle surface. A solid lid would trap too much moisture and make the crays soggy.
Can I make Tachos ahead of time and how should I store them before serving?
Yes. Cook the tater crays and keep them warm in a low oven (200°F). Prepare the sour‑cream sauce and pulled pork ahead and refrigerate. Assemble the final dish on the griddle just before serving to retain crispness.
What does the YouTube channel The Hungry Hussey specialize in?
The Hungry Hussey focuses on creative, high‑energy American comfort‑food recipes, often featuring outdoor griddles, bold flavor combos, and playful twists on classic snack foods.
How does the YouTube channel The Hungry Hussey's approach to American comfort‑food cooking differ from other cooking channels?
The Hungry Hussey emphasizes outdoor griddle techniques, fast‑paced storytelling, and signature seasoning blends like Heer’s Dust, delivering over‑the‑top, shareable dishes that are both visually dramatic and approachable for home cooks.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
