
Sonic's Extreme Chili Cheese Tots are a popular menu item, and many have tried to recreate the dish at home. The cheese used in the copycat recipes is shredded cheddar cheese, and some recipes specify that it should be yellow cheddar cheese. However, one source suggests that the cheese used in Sonic's Cheese Tots is American cheese, similar to Kraft singles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar |
| Cheese Form | Shredded |
| Additional Toppings | Chili, Jalapeno Slices, Ranch Dressing, Onions |
| Nutritional Information | Calories: 410kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 16g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 53mg, Sodium: 994mg, Potassium: 459mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0g, Vitamin A: 325IU, Vitamin C: 12.7mg, Calcium: 247mg, Iron: 2.8mg |
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What You'll Learn

Sonic uses cheddar cheese on its tater tots
Sonic's Chili Cheese Tots are easy to make at home and can be served for breakfast or dinner. The recipe is straightforward: cook the tater tots according to the package directions, heating the chili in a small pan simultaneously. Place the cooked tots in a bowl or on a plate, and top with the heated chili, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped white onions, and jalapeno slices. Finally, drizzle ranch dressing over the top.
The full recipe, including ingredients for the chili, is as follows. First, preheat your oven to 450F (232C) or according to the directions on your chosen brand of frozen potato tots. Coat a no-stick cooking spray on a 13" x 9" (33 x 23cm) baking dish. Line up a single layer of potato tots in the dish, packed tightly as they will shrink during cooking. Brown beef at high heat in a skillet and use a spatula to break up the meat as finely as possible. Add chili mix, tomato sauce, and water (use the empty tomato sauce can for measuring the water).
Once the tots are cooked, place them in a bowl or on a plate and add the chili, cheese, onions, and jalapenos. Finish with a drizzle of ranch dressing. This recipe yields a serving of 4-6 people, with a total time of 32-33 minutes, including 2-3 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of active cooking time.
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Cheddar cheese is shredded or sliced
Sonic Drive-In's Cheese Tots are made using shredded cheddar cheese. This is the most common variety of cheese used across their menu, including their tater tots.
Sonic's tater tots are a popular side dish, and their cheese tots are a much-loved variation. The cheese used on these tots is shredded cheddar, which is a natural companion to the potato. The cheese is shredded to allow for even coverage across the tots, and to ensure a good ratio of cheese to potato in each bite. Shredded cheese also melts more easily than sliced, creating a gooey texture that is desirable for this type of dish.
Shredded cheddar is a versatile topping, and its sharp, tangy flavour is a good match for the other ingredients in Sonic's tater tot dishes. For example, in their Chili Cheese Tots, the cheddar is paired with chili, jalapenos, and ranch dressing. The sharpness of the cheddar cuts through the richness of the chili and the creamy dressing, while also complementing the heat of the jalapenos.
The use of shredded cheddar also allows for a faster cooking process, as it melts quickly and can be evenly distributed. This is ideal for a fast-food setting, where speed and efficiency are key.
While shredded cheddar is the standard cheese used on Sonic's tater tots, some customers have requested sliced cheese as a substitute. This option is available, but shredded cheese is the default method of preparation for their cheese tots.
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Cheese tots are a popular side dish
Sonic's Extreme Chili Cheese Tots are described as a "treat" and a delicious comfort food that can be easily recreated at home. The dish consists of tater tots loaded with chili, cheese, jalapeño slices, and other toppings. The cheese used in the recipe is shredded cheddar, which melts beautifully over the hot tater tots and blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
The copycat recipe for Sonic's Extreme Tots is a popular choice for those who want to enjoy these cheese tots at home. It is a simple, quick, and convenient option for a busy day or a fun addition to a movie night. The ease of preparation makes it a go-to meal when you're short on time but still want something tasty and satisfying.
Cheese tots are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. They are a great snack for game nights or a quick bite after a long day. The combination of crispy tater tots, melted cheese, and spicy jalapeños creates a unique and indulgent flavour profile that has made Sonic's Cheese Tots a popular choice for customers looking for something more than just a regular side dish.
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Sonic's cheese tots are easy to make at home
Firstly, you will need to buy some tater tots; you can get these at most grocery stores, or you can make them from scratch if you prefer. While the tater tots are cooking in the oven, heat up some chili in a pan on the stove. You can use canned chili or make your own, and if you like beans, feel free to add them. For an authentic Sonic experience, it seems that shredded cheddar cheese is the variety of choice, but you can use any cheese you like.
Once your tater tots are cooked, place them in a bowl or on a plate, and then add the chili and cheese. You can also add some chopped white onions, jalapeno slices, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. This recipe is a quick and easy way to make a tasty snack, and it's a great option for a busy day or a fun movie night. You can also make it your own by adding extra ingredients, such as fresh jalapenos or a mix of red and white onions.
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity, and it is a great, easy meal to have in your repertoire. It is a complete meal, and the recipe is very forgiving, so you can adapt it to your taste. You can even skip the cheese if you don't have any, as one source suggests that they still taste great without it. So, get creative and enjoy making your own Sonic Cheese Tots at home!
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Toppings include chili, jalapenos, and ranch dressing
Sonic's Extreme Chili Cheese Tots are loaded with flavour and texture. The base of this delicious dish is, of course, the tater tots, which are topped with a generous helping of chili, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced jalapenos. But it doesn't stop there—these tasty tots are then drizzled with creamy ranch dressing, taking the flavour to the next level.
The combination of spicy, salty, and creamy makes these tater tots a truly mouth-watering treat. The shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the hot chili, creating a rich and indulgent topping. The jalapenos add a nice kick of heat, which is balanced by the cool, creamy ranch dressing.
This dish is a perfect example of comfort food done right. It's a complete meal, great for a quick and easy dinner or a satisfying snack. The tater tots provide a crispy, golden base, while the toppings add flavour and substance, making this a hearty and indulgent option.
While the star ingredients are, of course, the cheese, chili, jalapenos, and ranch dressing, some recipes also include chopped white onions for an extra punch of flavour. Some recipes also suggest browning beef to add to the dish, creating an even more substantial meal.
Sonic's Extreme Chili Cheese Tots are a popular choice for those looking to recreate this drive-in favourite at home. They are a great option for a movie night or a comforting meal when you're short on time.
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Frequently asked questions
Sonic uses shredded cheddar cheese on their tater tots.
In addition to cheese, Sonic's tater tots are topped with chili, chopped onions, jalapeño slices, and ranch dressing.
The nutritional content of Sonic's tater tots varies depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, a single serving of their tater tots typically ranges from 410 to 879 calories, with substantial amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

























