Cheesy, Spicy Comfort: Perfect Partners For Chili Cheese Tots

Chili cheese tots are a delicious snack or meal that can be made in a variety of ways. The basic ingredients are tater tots, chili, and cheese, but there are many ways to customize this dish to make it your own. You can use different types of cheese, such as sharp or mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or Mexican cheese. You can also add toppings such as sour cream, diced onions, chopped bacon, or green onions.

Chili cheese tots can be made in the oven or an air fryer, and they can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or main course. They are a great option for game day, parties, or movie nights. The dish is simple to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient choice for busy cooks.

Chicken sausage links

Choosing Chicken Sausage Links

Select good-quality chicken sausage links, opting for a savoury flavour profile to complement the other components of the dish. You can find chicken sausage links at most grocery stores or butcher shops. Choose a brand that uses high-quality, fresh ingredients and spices that will enhance the flavour of your chili cheese tots.

Preparation and Cooking

• Slice the chicken sausage links into 1-inch pieces. This allows for easier eating and ensures that each bite includes a variety of flavours and textures.
• Cook the chicken sausage links separately before adding them to the chili cheese tots. You can grill, pan-fry, or bake the sausage links until they are cooked through and slightly browned.
• If using pre-cooked chicken sausage links, such as those found in some stores, simply heat them according to the package instructions before adding them to your chili cheese tots.

Assembly

When assembling your chili cheese tots, there are a few ways to incorporate the chicken sausage links:

• Layer the sausage links: Place the cooked chicken sausage links on top of the first layer of chili and cheese before adding the second layer of tater tots and more chili and cheese. This creates a hearty and flavourful bite with each layer.
• Mix the sausage links into the chili: If you prefer a more integrated approach, you can chop the cooked chicken sausage links into smaller pieces and mix them directly into your chili. This distributes the sausage throughout the dish, so you get a bit of sausage in each bite.
• Serve as a topping: Another option is to use the chicken sausage links as a topping. Simply place the cooked sausage links on top of the final layer of chili and cheese. This presentation style allows each element to shine and provides a variety of textures.

Serving and Storage

Chili cheese tots with chicken sausage links are best served hot and fresh out of the oven. This dish is meant to be indulgent and comforting, so don't skimp on the toppings! If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness to the tater tots.

Sour cream

When choosing a sour cream to go with chilli cheese tots, look for a full-fat variety, as this will have the best flavour and texture. You could also try a flavoured sour cream, such as a garlic or herb variety, for an extra punch of flavour.

If you are making chilli cheese tots for a crowd, you could set out a selection of toppings, including sour cream, chopped spring onions, jalapeños, and chopped tomatoes, so that everyone can customise their own plate.

Diced onions

When it comes to preparing the onions, dicing them is a great option as it creates small, uniform pieces that can be easily mixed into the dish. Dicing onions can be a bit of a chore, but it's worth the effort for the flavour and texture it adds. You can also experiment with different types of onions, such as white or red onions, to find the variety that best suits your taste.

One of the great things about diced onions is their versatility. You can cook them to different levels of doneness, depending on your preference. For example, if you like your onions to have a bit of a crunch, you can sauté them until they are softened but still retain some texture. On the other hand, if you prefer your onions to be more mellow and sweet, you can cook them low and slow until they are deeply caramelized.

In terms of flavour, diced onions add a savoury note to the dish. Their sharp, pungent flavour can help to cut through the richness of the cheese and chili, providing a nice contrast. Additionally, onions are a good source of natural sugars, which can add a subtle sweetness to the dish, especially if the onions are cooked for a longer period of time.

When combining the diced onions with the other ingredients, you have a few options. You can mix them directly into the chili, allowing their flavour to infuse into the sauce. Alternatively, you can sprinkle them on top of the tots as a garnish, adding a fresh, crunchy element to each bite. You can also try lightly frying the diced onions in some oil or butter before adding them to your chili cheese tots, which will enhance their flavour and give them a slightly different texture.

Green onions

The white and white/green ends of green onions have a stronger flavour compared to the green leaves. These ends are better suited for cooking, while the mild-flavoured green leaves can be used in both raw and cooked dishes, or as a garnish. For chili cheese tots, you can chop up some green onions and sprinkle them on top to add a mild onion flavour and a pop of colour.

If you're looking for a more substantial side dish to accompany your chili cheese tots, consider making a green onion salad. Chop up the green onions and mix them with other salad ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and your favourite salad dressing. This can help lighten up the meal, providing a fresh and crunchy contrast to the hearty and cheesy tots.

Additionally, you can incorporate green onions into your meal by including them in a dipping sauce for the chili cheese tots. For example, you could make a green onion sour cream dip by mixing together sour cream, chopped green onions, a squeeze of lemon juice, and some salt and pepper to taste. This dip would complement the flavours of the chili cheese tots nicely.

Bacon

Chop up some crispy bacon into small bits and sprinkle them on top of the chilli cheese tots. The salty, smoky flavour of bacon crumbles will complement the other ingredients perfectly.

Instead of chopping up bacon, you can use pre-made bacon bits, which are widely available in stores. These can be sprinkled on top of the chilli cheese tots, adding a crunchy texture and savoury flavour.

For a heartier option, lay a few crispy bacon strips on top of the chilli cheese tots. This will add a more substantial texture and flavour to the dish. You can also chop the bacon strips into smaller pieces before adding them.

Take it up a notch by wrapping each tot in a slice of bacon before baking. This method creates a delicious combination of flavours and textures, with the crispy bacon providing a tasty exterior for the soft, cheesy tot.

If you're looking to incorporate bacon into the chilli itself, try cooking it with the chilli con carne. Chop up some bacon and fry it until crispy, then add the chilli con carne ingredients and proceed with your favourite chilli recipe. The bacon will lend its flavour to the chilli, creating a unique and tasty base for your tots.

These suggestions offer different ways to include bacon in chilli cheese tots, allowing you to customise the dish to your preferences. Whether you use bacon as a topping or incorporate it into the chilli itself, it's sure to add a delicious savoury touch to this comfort food favourite.

Frequently asked questions