Loaded Bravas Tots Recipe You’ll Want to Try Tonight
Ever feel like regular appetizers just don’t pack enough punch?
You want something crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive—but it’s hard to find.
Loaded Bravas Tots are an easy appetizer recipe that is here to save the day.
They combine the bold, spicy charm of patatas bravas with the comfort of cheesy, loaded tater tots.
Let’s dig into how to make this game-changing appetizer.
What Is Patatas Bravas?
Patatas bravas is a popular Spanish dish made with crispy potatoes topped with a bold, smoky tomato-based sauce called bravas sauce.
The sauce often features smoked paprika, garlic, and a hint of spice, making it rich and flavorful.
It’s typically served as a tapa, sometimes with a creamy garlic aioli for balance. Simple, yet packed with bold taste, it’s a classic in Spanish cuisine.
To better understand classic and modern cooking terms like patatas bravas, check out this handy culinary glossary. It’s perfect for mastering your next recipe!
What Are Loaded Bravas Tots?
Loaded Bravas Tots are a fusion masterpiece.
Imagine crispy tater tots shaped into bite-sized cups, topped with smoky bravas sauce, gooey cheese, and creamy garlic aioli.
They’re the ultimate party food, snack, or even a casual dinner appetizer.
This recipe blends the comfort of familiar ingredients with the boldness of Spanish “patatas bravas”.
Ingredients: What Makes These Tots Special
Every ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect bite. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tater Tot Cups
- Frozen Tater Tots (48 pieces): The foundation of the dish. Choose your favorite brand for consistent crispiness.
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: Keeps the tots from sticking while adding a hint of flavor.
Bravas Sauce
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): A rich base for sautéing.
- Small Onion (1, finely chopped): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Packs an aromatic punch.
- Smoked Paprika (1 tsp sweet, ½ tsp hot): Gives the sauce its signature smoky warmth.
- Cayenne Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds optional heat for spice lovers.
- Tomato Puree (1 cup): Creates the saucy consistency.
- Roasted Red Peppers (¼ cup, finely chopped): Our unique twist, adding subtle sweetness and depth.
- Sherry Vinegar (1 tsp): Balances the flavors with a tangy kick.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Cuts the acidity of the tomatoes.
Toppings
- Manchego Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully for a nutty, creamy flavor.
- Bacon (4 slices, crumbled): Optional but adds irresistible crunch.
- Garlic Aioli or Sour Cream (½ cup): A creamy topping to cool the spice.
- Fresh Parsley or Chives (2 tbsp, chopped): Brightens up the dish.
- Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): A finishing dusting for visual flair.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Loaded Bravas Tots
1. Make the Tater Tot Cups
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or olive oil. Place two frozen tater tots in each cup. Bake for 10 minutes to soften.
Remove from the oven and press the tots into cup shapes using the back of a spoon or small glass. Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
2. Prepare the Bravas Sauce
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, letting the spices bloom for 30 seconds.
Mix in the tomato puree, roasted red peppers, sugar, and sherry vinegar. Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use an immersion blender to create a smooth sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Tots
Sprinkle manchego cheese into each baked tater tot cup. (This protects the cup from getting soggy!) Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese melts. Spoon a dollop of bravas sauce over each cup.
4. Add Toppings
Top each tot with a small dollop of garlic aioli or sour cream. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and fresh parsley or chives on top. Lightly dust with smoked paprika for a final flourish.
Loaded Brava’s Tot’s Recipe Recap
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Loaded Brava’s Tots Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (4 tots per serving) 1x
Description
This recipe combines crispy, cheesy tater tots with the bold, spicy essence of patatas bravas. With a unique twist of adding roasted red peppers to the bravas sauce, these loaded tots are unforgettable. Perfect for appetizers, game days, or tapas-style meals.
Equipment:
- Mini muffin tin (24 cups)
- Small saucepan
- Blender or immersion blender
- Baking sheet
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
Tater Tot Cups:
- 48 frozen tater tots (about 1 pound)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
Bravas Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (sweet)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (hot)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato puree
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings:
- 1 cup manchego cheese, shredded (or cheddar as a substitute)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional for vegetarians)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or garlic aioli
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Tater Tot Cups:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Place two frozen tater tots into each muffin cup. Bake for 10 minutes to soften the tots.
- Remove the muffin tin and press the softened tots into a cup shape using a spoon or small glass.
- Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cups are golden brown and crispy.
Make the Bravas Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and tomato puree. Add roasted red peppers (the unique twist) and mix well.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Blend the sauce with an immersion blender for a smooth texture. Stir in the sugar, sherry vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Loaded Tots:
- Remove the crispy tater tot cups from the oven. Sprinkle shredded manchego cheese into each cup and bake for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Spoon a dollop of the prepared bravas sauce over each tater tot cup.
- Top with sour cream or garlic aioli, crumbled bacon, and chopped parsley or chives.
Garnish and Serve:
- Lightly dust the assembled tots with smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Serve warm on a platter as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
The addition of roasted red peppers in the bravas sauce enhances the flavor with a subtle sweetness and depth that complements the smoky paprika. This slight originality makes the recipe stand out from classic bravas or loaded tot recipes, providing a perfect balance of bold and savory flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Bake, sauté, blend
- Cuisine: Spanish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 loaded tots
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Why Roasted Red Peppers Make This Recipe Stand Out
Roasted red peppers add a layer of sweetness and smokiness that takes the bravas sauce to another level.
This small addition balances the bold paprika and tangy vinegar, making every bite multidimensional and unforgettable.
How Do You Keep Tater Tot Cups Crispy After Assembling?
Keeping tots crispy is all about timing. Bake the tater tots until they’re fully golden before adding toppings.
Melting the cheese into the cup also aids as a protection from any excess moisture of the Brava’s sauce.
Also, don’t drown them in sauce – it’ll make them soggy. Add just enough to get the flavor.
If you’re not serving them right away, wait to top them. Reheating helps too. Warm tots keep their crunch and make the flavors pop.
Maintaining the perfect crunch on tater tots can be tricky, but these roasting techniques ensure they stay crispy, even after adding toppings.
What Makes Bravas Sauce Different From Regular Tomato Sauce?
Bravas sauce isn’t just tomato sauce.
It’s smoky and bold, with flavors that stand out right away. Smoked paprika gives it a deep flavor, while cayenne adds heat, if you like spice.
Unlike a regular tomato sauce, there are no herbs like basil here. Roasted red peppers are the twist in our recipe, making it sweeter and even more balanced.
It’s the perfect partner for crispy tater tots and takes the whole dish up a level.
If you’re curious about building more flavorful sauces like bravas, our guide on essential sauce terms offers a deeper look into creating bold, balanced flavors.
Ingredient Alternatives
- Manchego Cheese: Swap for sharp cheddar or gruyere if manchego isn’t available.
- Sherry Vinegar: Red wine vinegar works as a substitute.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Use jarred roasted peppers or fresh bell peppers charred on a gas stove.
- Garlic Aioli: Greek yogurt mixed with minced garlic and lemon juice is a lighter alternative.
FAQs About Loaded Bravas Tots Recipe
Yes! Prepare the tots and bravas sauce in advance. Reheat the tots and assemble just before serving.
The spice level is mild but can be adjusted by adding or reducing cayenne pepper.
Most frozen tater tots are gluten-free, but always check the packaging to confirm.
Try jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or avocado for added flavor and texture.
Yes, but the cups will be larger, so adjust the number of tots and cooking time.
Serve warm with extra bravas sauce on the side for dipping.
Absolutely! Skip the bacon and add roasted veggies or beans for a meat-free option.
Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.