Hatch Chile Tater Tot Poppers – Perfect for Game Day Snacking
Published Aug 26, 2025
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Football preseason is here, and before we know it, friends and family will be gathering for game-watching days. That means it’s time to start thinking about easy, crowd-pleasing snacks. Hatch Chile Tater Tot Poppers are the ultimate game-day appetizer—crispy, cheesy, and packed with Hatch chile flavor. Even better, this recipe makes a big batch, which is perfect when you’re hosting a crowd. And if you’re planning something smaller, you can easily cut the recipe in half.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something about the combination of golden, crunchy tater tots and creamy, spicy filling that makes these poppers irresistible. They’re gluten-free, easy to make, and require minimal prep time. Plus, using mini muffin tins creates perfectly portioned bites that are just right for snacking during the big game (or halftime refills).
What You Will Need
- Avocado oil spray or gluten-free nonstick cooking spray
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 8 ounces diced green Hatch chiles, drained (hot or mild)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Tips and Variations
For a spicier kick, use hot Hatch chiles or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture. If you prefer a milder flavor, stick with mild chiles and add a little extra cheese for balance. These poppers can also be made ahead—just prepare the tater tot cups, fill them, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Adjust the baking times slightly, keeping an eye on the tots to avoid over-browning.
Do they reheat well?
Absolutely. Just pop them back in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Can I freeze them?
Yes—freeze after baking, then reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Seriously, how great is the combination of tater tots and Hatch chile cheesy goodness? Enjoy!
Hatch Chile Tater Tot Poppers
Ingredients
- Avocado oil spray or gluten-free nonstick cooking spray
- 144 tater tots, (about 32 ounces)
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 (4 ounce) cans diced green chiles (hot or mild), drained
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray two 24 mini muffin pans with oil.
- Put 3 tater tots in each of 48 mini muffin cups. Bake for 10 minutes. Leave the oven on. Using the bottom of a small shot glass or the end of a wooden spoon, smash the tots down to form cups; do not break through the potatoes. Bake for another 15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Combine cream cheese, Mexican cheese, Hatch chiles, and onion powder until well mixed. Divide the mixture between the 48 tater cups. Return to the oven for 10 minutes or until the cheeses are melted and lightly golden brown on top.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
