• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Work With Me
  • Contact

CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Pepperoni Totchos

appetizer· snacks· Tailgating Recipes
September 9, 2021

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Pepperoni Totchos – Tater tots are tossed in an herb butter, covered with mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni and served with marinara sauce to make the best tater tot nachos you’ve ever had!

angled photo of pepperoni totchos on a baking sheet and marinara sauce

Football season is among us, people! We put on our first football game the other night and it felt so good. It signaled the beginning of cooler weather, oversized scarves, and delicious tailgate foods. Yay!

We are choosing to stay home for football games this year so we’ll be enjoying it from our living room and cozy couch. I actually prefer it this way, health crisis or not, so bring on the homegating!

To celebrate the start of the season, I have a new sharable treat for you. It’s a recipe for these Pepperoni Totchos. I looooove totchos. They’re just as they sound – nachos made from tater tots. No tortilla chips here! They’re easy to make at home but much more exciting than boring chips.

But before we dive into the recipe, let’s take some time to looks at these yummy totchos!

overhead wide shot of pepperoni totchos on a blaing sheet with marinara dipping sauce
two fingers pulling at some pepperoni totchos

Making these totchos

Just like nachos, totchos come together super fast. You are simply layering toppings on top of tater tots. How simple is that?

But before you can start layering, the tots have to be cooked and crispy. Otherwise, they will be all soggy under all the toppings. So bake or fry the frozen tots according to the directions on the package before getting started on the totchos.

Next, toss the cooked tots in an herb butter made by adding Italian seasoning to melted butter. This step ensures that the tots are coated in delicious flavor.

Then, place the tots in an even layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, and mini pepperoni. I like using mini pepperoni because it ensures that you get pepperoni in every bite without being too overpowering.

Finally, the tots are baked for 10 minutes to melt the cheese and crisp the pepperoni. Remove from the oven and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

angled shot of pepperoni totchos

Tips & Tricks

  1. If you can’t find fin mini pepperoni, simply buy normal pepperoni and cut into quarters.
  2. Make sure the tots are cooked and crispy before you continue layering on toppings. Otherwise, the tots will get soggy and yucky.
  3. These tots are best served warm. They come together so fast, though, so no need to do any prep ahead of time.
Print Recipe

Loaded Totchos

Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 32-ounce bag frozen tater tots
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 3 ounces mini pepperoni

Instructions

  • Cook tater tots according to package instructions. Add melted butter and Italian seasoning to a large bowl and mix together. Add cooked tots and toss into melted herb butter.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lay buttery cooked tots onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the tots. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni over the cooked tater tots. Bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes, or until cheese is completely melted. Remove from oven. Serve immediately with marinara sauce.

Pin for later:

collage of photos of pepperoni totchos with descriptive text

More recipes you’ll love:

BBQ Chicken Nachos
a sheet pan with BBQ Chicken Nachos on them and a slice of lime cut and off to the side
Loaded Totchos
loaded totchos on a baking sheet with parchment paper on it drizzled with ranch tomatoes and green onions, shot from overhead
Potato Skin Bites
potato skin bites topped with bacon sour cream and green onions, shot from a side angle

Share this:

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

11 Comments

« Salami & Cheese Rolls
Roasted Tomato Mac & Cheese »

Comments

  1. [email protected] says

    May 7, 2025 at 11:30 am

    Totchos for game day? Yes, please! I love the idea of home gating—comfy couch, great food, and no long lines. While we’re talking about convenience, if you’re expecting any game-day gear or snack deliveries, http://www.dtdc-tracking.com is a super handy tool to keep tabs on your packages. Can’t wait to try this recipe!

    Reply
  2. annakena says

    January 20, 2025 at 5:47 am

    These Pepperoni Totchos sound amazing! They remind me of the rice purity test—layered and full of surprises, each bite is a delightful mix! Perfect for homegating during football season!

    Reply
  3. Nadalie Bardo says

    September 11, 2021 at 8:49 am

    How have I never heard of Totchos before? Is this an American thing? They look tasty.

    Reply
  4. Bella says

    September 10, 2021 at 7:06 pm

    oh these look so tasty!!! such a great recipe! tarter tots are m fav!!

    Reply
  5. Marta says

    September 10, 2021 at 8:25 am

    My kids will love making these. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  6. Kristen Wood says

    September 9, 2021 at 11:02 pm

    My kids loved these, thanks so much!!

    Reply
  7. Beth says

    September 9, 2021 at 10:31 pm

    These are so delicious and perfect for gatherings that are just a hit here every time! Excited to make these for our movie night tomorrow,so yummy and easy to make!

    Reply
  8. Tisha says

    September 9, 2021 at 10:13 pm

    My kids are going to love these!!

    Reply
  9. Alejandra says

    September 9, 2021 at 9:57 pm

    What a great recipe, this is the perfect snack food for a casual night when I have friends over!

    Reply
  10. Andrea says

    September 9, 2021 at 9:54 pm

    What a fantastic recipe for game day or just the weekend to snack on. The whole family will love this.

    Reply
  11. Serena says

    September 9, 2021 at 6:25 pm

    Such a fun take on nachos. Can’t wait to try this!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi, my name is Sharon. I’m an accountant by day, risk-taking baker and food enthusiast by night. Come join me as I share my favorite recipes and test out new ones along the way!

fall flavors

a slice of chocolate pecan pie on a plate with another plate of pie in the background, shot from a side angle

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Candied Pecans

zoomed in shot of Smashed Sweet Potatoes with cheese being shredded over them

Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Garlic Butter

photo of two glasses of sangria with the pitcher in the background

Cranberry Apple Sangria

pint glass of pumpkin cream cold brew coffee with a metal straw

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

angled view of cup of dirt pudding

Cup of Dirt Pudding

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

Breakfast
Appetizers
Entrees
Salads
Sides
Drinks
Desserts
Roundups
Holidays

Browse by Date

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Policy

holiday favorite

Apple Pie Cake

overhead shot of finish amaretto baba cake before slicing

Amaretto Baba Cake

whole nutella cream pie shot from an overhead angle

Nutella Cream Pie

angled shot of french almond cakes sitting on a white plate

French Almond Cakes (Financiers)

zoomed in shot of a Rum Cake surrounded with raspberries on top of a cloth napkin, shot from the front

Rum Cake

 

The Pumpkin Cheesecake Macaron! Pumpkin butter i The Pumpkin Cheesecake Macaron! 

Pumpkin butter is just like apple butter – a spreadable puree of deliciousness with tons of spices – but made with pumpkin puree instead of apple (duh). I've seen pumpkin butter sold in stores (near the jams and jellies) but it wasn't available at my store yet. 

So I just made my own using a recipe from Skinnytaste. I only made a half-batch and it was more than enough!

Side note: I've been using the leftover pumpkin butter to flavor my coffee in the mornings. Just a teaspoon goes a long way! 

Why these are special: These macarons are so delicate, yet chewy and BEYOND flavorful, you guys! Move over, pumpkin spice latte, there's a new favorite pumpkin treat in town! 

These are restaurant-quality French cookies you can make at home! Yes, they take some practice and attention to detail, but they're SO worth it! The "wow" factor alone is incredible, and they taste even better than they look!

RECIPE: https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-macarons/
These babies are called Peanut Butter Blossoms! T These babies are called Peanut Butter Blossoms!

The peanut butter cookie base is so soft and chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness from the sugar coating. And that Hershey Kiss on top? It's not just decoration – it's an essential part of the experience! Every bite has peanut butter AND chocolate!

Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday cookie exchanges, bake sales, homemade gifts, or honestly ANY time you're craving that classic peanut butter and chocolate combo! 

Ready to make these classics? https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/peanut-butter-blossoms/
These Mint Chocolate Fudge Cookies have so many el These Mint Chocolate Fudge Cookies have so many elements that it was really hard to name them! They're chewy, chocolatey, minty, have a layer of buttercream, and a nice dollop of fudge on top. I decided 4 words were the max I could use when naming them so I settled on mint chocolate fudge cookies!

Mint cookies have long been a love of mine, whether it's a thin mint or mint cookie ice cream. I love the duo of chocolate and mint together, but it is EVEN better when the chocolate is in the form of a cookie! 

March tends to be the unofficial month of mint because of St. Patrick's Day and the Shamrock Shake at McDonald's making its annual appearance this time of year. So I had to give you a fun, new mint cookie to celebrate these flavors! 

Perfect for St. Patrick's Day parties, cookie exchanges, gifts for mint chocolate lovers, or any time you want to impress with a stunning cookie! 

https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/mint-chocolate-fudge-cookies/
I present to you my Pigs in a Blanket Wreath! The I present to you my Pigs in a Blanket Wreath!

The wreath isn't hard to assemble at all! You just make the little pigs in a blanket like you normally do - using crescent dough and mini hot dogs - but just arrange them in a ring and bake. Simple as that! I added a little poppy seeds to step up the presentation a little. But if you have picky little eaters, you can leave them off!

About that dipping sauce... When serving the wreath, don't forget the dipping sauce! I love honey mustard with my hot dogs so that's what I wanted to serve with this wreath. But not just any honey mustard. No, no. This is a Dr Pepper honey mustard, guys! I make a killer Dr Pepper mustard glaze for my Thanksgiving ham so I know first-hand how well Dr Pepper pairs with the mustard flavors! 

https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/pigs-in-a-blanket-wreath/
For this Roasted Tomato Mac & Cheese, I've topped For this Roasted Tomato Mac & Cheese, I've topped it with roasted tomatoes to help balance out the richness of the cheese and pasta. Because the tomatoes are roasted, they have a similar flavor you would find in a tomato soup. And we all know how incredible cheese and tomato soup go together! 

The combination of creamy, rich mac and cheese with those slightly acidic, charred roasted tomatoes is PERFECTION. It's like eating grilled cheese with tomato soup, but elevated! The tomatoes cut through the richness in the best way possible.

Perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or potlucks! 

Ready to make this? 💌 Comment "MAC" below and I'll send you the link!

#MacAndCheese #ComfortFood #PastaRecipes

Copyright © 2026 Certified Pastry Aficionado · Web Design by Viva la Violet

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.