Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes! Prepare the tots and bravas sauce in advance. Reheat the tots and assemble just before serving.

How Spicy Is This Recipe?

The spice level is mild but can be adjusted by adding or reducing cayenne pepper.

Are These Gluten-Free?

Most frozen tater tots are gluten-free, but always check the packaging to confirm.

What Other Toppings Work?

Try jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or avocado for added flavor and texture.

Can I Use a Regular Muffin Tin?

Yes, but the cups will be larger, so adjust the number of tots and cooking time.

What’s the Best Way to Serve These?

Serve warm with extra bravas sauce on the side for dipping.

Can I Make This Vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon and add roasted veggies or beans for a meat-free option.

Make This Loaded Bravas Tots Recipe for the Perfect Appetizer

Name: Loaded Brava's Tots Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Spanish-American
Ingredients: 48 frozen tater tots (about 1 pound); Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing; 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; 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

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

Units Scale

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

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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