If you’re a fan of bold, flavorful dishes that satisfy your cravings, then Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos are about to become your new favorite snack or meal. These loaded tater tots, or “totchos,” combine the beloved flavors of buffalo chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing for an irresistible taste explosion. Prepare to dive into a platter of these irresistible totchos and experience the ultimate comfort food indulgence.

What Are Totchos?

Totchos, a delicious fusion of tater tots and nachos, have become a popular dish in recent years. They take the classic crispiness of tater tots and top them with an array of mouthwatering ingredients, creating a unique and satisfying snack or meal. Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos take this concept to new heights, combining the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the creamy goodness of ranch dressing and the salty crunch of bacon.

The Origin of Buffalo Chicken Flavors

The iconic buffalo chicken flavor has its roots in Buffalo, New York, where the famous “Buffalo wings” were first created in the 1960s. The combination of spicy, tangy, and buttery flavors quickly became a beloved staple in bars and restaurants across the country. Over time, the buffalo chicken flavor has expanded beyond just wings, appearing in dips, sandwiches, and now, totchos.

Why Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos Are a Crowd-Pleaser

Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos are a crowd-pleasing dish for several reasons. First, the combination of flavors is hard to beat – the spicy and tangy buffalo chicken, the creamy ranch dressing, and the salty, crispy bacon create a flavor profile that is both comforting and addictive. Additionally, the tater tot base provides a satisfying crunch that complements the other toppings perfectly. Finally, totchos are a shareable dish that can be easily customized to suit different tastes, making them an ideal choice for gatherings, game days, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and visually appealing treat.

Ingredients Overview

To create these mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced cooked chicken is the star of the show. You can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even leftover baked or grilled chicken breasts.
Buffalo Sauce: A key component that gives the dish its signature flavor. You can use a store-bought buffalo sauce or make your own homemade version.
Tortilla Chips: The foundation of the totchos, you’ll want to use sturdy, high-quality tortilla chips that can hold up to the toppings.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a classic cheesy element to the dish. You can also experiment with other cheese varieties, such as pepper jack or mozzarella.
Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon provides a delightful salty crunch. You can cook the bacon in the oven, on the stovetop, or even in the microwave.
Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dressing ties all the flavors together and adds a cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken.
Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.
Blue Cheese (Optional): For those who love the tangy flavor of blue cheese, crumbled blue cheese is a delicious addition.

When it comes to the serving size, this recipe will yield approximately 4-6 servings, depending on how generously you top the totchos.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own irresistible Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the Chicken and Sauce: In a bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce, making sure the chicken is evenly coated.
Layer the Tortilla Chips: Spread the tortilla chips out in an even layer on a large baking sheet.
Add the Chicken and Cheese: Top the tortilla chips with the buffalo chicken mixture, and then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Scatter the Bacon: Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the cheese and chicken.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Drizzle and Garnish: Remove the totchos from the oven and drizzle the ranch dressing over the top. Sprinkle the sliced green onions and, if desired, the crumbled blue cheese over the dish.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos immediately, while they’re hot and crispy. Provide extra ranch dressing or hot sauce on the side for those who want to add more flavor.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos

To ensure your Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Crispy Totchos: For the crispiest tater tots, make sure to spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding.
Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, or try using a different type of sauce, like BBQ or ranch, in place of the buffalo sauce.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your personal spice preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more if you want a bolder, spicier flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the components of the dish in advance, such as cooking the chicken and bacon, shredding the cheese, and slicing the green onions. When ready to serve, simply assemble and bake the totchos.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos are the perfect shareable snack or meal for a variety of occasions. They pair beautifully with cold, refreshing beverages like beer, crisp white wine, or even a tangy margarita. For a complete meal, consider serving the totchos alongside fresh veggies, a simple salad, or your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or celery sticks.

Variations on Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos

While the classic version is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Vegetarian Totchos: Use roasted cauliflower or marinated tofu in place of the chicken for a meatless version.
Different Flavor Profiles: Try swapping the buffalo sauce for a tangy BBQ or spicy Tex-Mex sauce, or mix things up with shredded pulled pork or ground taco meat.
Seasonal Variations: For a fall twist, use roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash instead of tater tots. In the summer, top the totchos with fresh tomatoes, corn, and avocado.
Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses, to find your perfect flavor combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I make Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos?

To make Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos, start by cooking tater tots according to package instructions. While the tots are cooking, cook diced chicken in buffalo sauce until fully cooked. Once the tots are done, layer them on a baking sheet and top with the cooked buffalo chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and ranch dressing. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with green onions and additional ranch dressing before serving.

2. Can I make Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components of Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos ahead of time and assemble them just before serving. Cook and store the tater tots, buffalo chicken, bacon, and shredded cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply layer the tots on a baking sheet, top with the prepared ingredients, and bake in the oven until heated through.

3. Can I make Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos by using meatless chicken strips or tofu instead of chicken. Simply cook the meatless chicken in buffalo sauce as you would regular chicken, and proceed with the recipe as directed. You can also omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative to make the dish completely vegetarian.

4. How do I store leftovers of Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos?

If you have leftovers of Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the totchos on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick and easy meal. Just be sure to add any fresh toppings, like green onions or ranch dressing, before serving.

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Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos are the ultimate comfort food indulgence that combines all the flavors you love into one delicious, shareable dish. Whether you’re hosting a game day celebration, a casual get-together, or simply craving a satisfying snack, these totchos are sure to impress and delight your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make this recipe your own. Dive in, grab a fork, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible combination of buffalo chicken, bacon, and creamy ranch in every bite.

Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos Recipe

Author: Time of Recipes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

If you’re a fan of bold, flavorful dishes that satisfy your cravings, then Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos are about to become your new favorite snack or meal. These loaded tater tots, or “totchos,” combine the beloved flavors of buffalo chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing for an irresistible taste explosion. Prepare to dive into a platter of these irresistible totchos and experience the ultimate comfort food indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken: Shredded or diced (rotisserie, grilled, or leftover chicken)
1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Store-bought or homemade
3 cups sturdy tortilla chips: High-quality to hold toppings
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Or other cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella
1 cup crispy bacon: Crumbled
1/2 cup ranch dressing: For drizzling
2 green onions: Sliced, for garnish
1/2 cup blue cheese: Optional, crumbled

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the Chicken and Sauce: In a bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
Layer the Tortilla Chips: Spread the tortilla chips out in an even layer on a large baking sheet.
Add the Chicken and Cheese: Top the tortilla chips with the buffalo chicken mixture, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Scatter the Bacon: Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the cheese and chicken.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Drizzle and Garnish: Remove the totchos from the oven and drizzle ranch dressing over the top. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and crumbled blue cheese if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot and crispy, with extra ranch dressing or hot sauce on the side.

Notes

Crispy Totchos: Spread the tater tots in a single layer to avoid overcrowding.
Ingredient Substitutions: Experiment with different cheese types or sauces.
Spice Level: Adjust buffalo sauce to suit your preference.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare components in advance for easy assembly when ready to serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Buffalo chicken, bacon, ranch, totchos, comfort food