Mac Cheese Tex-Mex Tater Tots (Printable Version)
Crispy tots with creamy macaroni, Tex-Mex seasonings, fresh garnishes, and melted cheese—perfect for sharing.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Tater Tots
01 - 2 lbs frozen tater tots
→ Mac and Cheese
02 - 7 oz elbow macaroni
03 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
05 - 1 cup whole milk
06 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
07 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
08 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
09 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Tex-Mex Toppings
13 - 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
14 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
15 - 1 small tomato, diced
16 - 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
17 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
18 - 1/4 cup sour cream
19 - 1/4 cup salsa
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange frozen tater tots in one layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and crisp, turning halfway to ensure even browning.
02 - Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook following package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until cheeses are fully melted and sauce is creamy and smooth.
05 - Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure all pieces are coated evenly.
06 - Transfer crispy tater tots to a large ovenproof dish. Spoon the prepared mac and cheese evenly over the tater tots.
07 - Sprinkle shredded Mexican blend cheese on top. Place dish back in the oven and bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Remove from oven. Garnish with sliced spring onions, diced tomato, jalapeño slices, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle sour cream and salsa over the top just before serving.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Fun mashup of two comfort foods
- Perfect for sharing with friends and family
02 -
- Contains dairy and gluten (check all labels for allergens)
- Best served immediately for maximum crispness
03 -
- Add pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice
- Use gluten-free pasta and tater tots for a gluten-free version