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I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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Okay, so I gotta confess something. I've always had a weakness for cheesy tater tots. But, you know, the whole dairy thing started to not sit so well. That's why I was on a MISSION! To create a vegan version that's just as satisfying – if not more so – than the original. And, guys? I think I nailed it! These aren't just 'good for vegan' tots; they're just plain GOOD tots. Seriously, my meat-loving friends devoured them at my last BBQ. You will not be disapointed.
What makes these tots so special, you ask? Well, first, we're starting with frozen tater tots for that perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Then comes the star of the show: a luscious vegan queso, made from cashews, nutritional yeast, and a blend of spices that'll make your taste buds sing. Finally, we top it all off with a tangy, smoky chipotle ranch that adds a delightful kick. The combination is like a party in your mouth, a seriously delicious, albeit slightly messy, party. It's hard to go wrong here.
Required Equipments
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- High-Speed Blender
- Small Saucepan
- Medium Bowl
- Whisk
Vegan Queso Tots with Chipotle Ranch: Frequently Asked Questions
Vegan Queso Tots with Chipotle Ranch
Craving something comforting *and* plant-based? Dive into these crispy Vegan Queso Tots, smothered in a creamy, dreamy vegan queso and drizzled with a smoky chipotle ranch. They're a flavor explosion you won't believe is dairy-free!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven's warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me, this will save you from a sticky situation later.
- Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and crispy. Keep a close watch; ovens vary, and nobody likes burnt tots!
- While the tots are baking, let's whip up the vegan queso. In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel, drained), vegetable broth, tapioca starch, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, turmeric (for color and a hint of flavor), salt, and black pepper.
- Blend everything on high speed until smooth and creamy. This might take a minute or two, depending on your blender. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon of vegetable broth at a time until you reach your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the tots but pourable.
- Pour the queso into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until warmed through and slightly thickened. Don't let it boil! We just want it nice and melty.
- Now, for the chipotle ranch! In a medium bowl, whisk together the vegan mayo, plant-based milk (unsweetened), chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (finely minced – start with one and add more to taste!), lime juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like it spicier, add more chipotle pepper. If you prefer a tangier ranch, add a splash more lime juice or vinegar. Set aside.
- Once the tots are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving plate or bowl.
- Generously drizzle the warm vegan queso over the tater tots, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
- Drizzle the chipotle ranch over the queso-smothered tots. Feel free to add as much or as little as you like. I personally love a generous drizzle!
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
📝 Notes
- For a spicier queso, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- If you don't have a high-speed blender, you may need to soak the cashews for a longer period (up to 2 hours) to ensure they blend smoothly.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper in the ranch to your desired level of spiciness.
- You can also use other toppings, such as black beans, corn, or avocado, to customize your queso tots.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 10 g
Fat: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 5 g
Calcium: 50 mg
