Crispy, golden, and endlessly riffable – Blackstone Smashed Tater Tots are the ultimate griddle-side obsession.
One bite and you’ll never go back to plain tots again. I’ve smashed, flipped, and experimented with everything from smoky bacon drizzles to gooey breakfast stacks.
These aren’t just side dishes – they’re crowd-pleasing flavor bombs. Some are spicy, some are sweet, all are addictive.
If you’ve got a Blackstone and a bag of frozen tots, you’re halfway to greatness.
1. Classic Griddle Smash with Cheddar & Chives
Nothing beats the OG version of Blackstone Smashed Tater Tots. Start by heating your griddle to medium-high and lightly oiling the surface.
Add frozen tater tots in a single layer – don’t crowd them. Let them sizzle until golden on the bottom.
Now smash each tot gently with a metal spatula until flattened like mini potato pancakes.
Flip when the bottom crisps up, then sprinkle with sharp cheddar while the other side gets golden. Finish with fresh chives and flaky sea salt.
Pro tip: For ultra-crisp edges, don’t flip too early – let them caramelize like hash browns.
2. Smoky Bacon Ranch Smash Tots
Layer flavor on flavor with this backyard BBQ favorite. Cook bacon strips directly on the Blackstone until crispy, then set aside and use the rendered fat to smash your tots – yes, that’s the flavor bomb.
Once the tots are crisp and golden, crumble the bacon over the top and drizzle with a cool homemade ranch sauce.
Toss in a handful of Monterey Jack and let it melt into creamy perfection.
This one’s rich, indulgent, and downright addictive. Perfect for tailgate spreads or weekend brunch.
Pro tip: Add a pinch of smoked paprika while smashing for that smoky kick.
3. Southwest Chipotle-Lime Tots
Ready for some heat? Toss your tots in a dry rub made from chipotle powder, garlic salt, cumin, and a hint of lime zest before griddling. Flatten and sizzle until they’re golden and irresistibly crisp.
Finish with a squeeze of lime juice, crumbled cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro.
These Blackstone Smashed Tater Tots burst with zesty, smoky flavor – kind of like street tacos, but in potato form. Totally different vibe, seriously satisfying.
Pro tip: Serve with chipotle aioli on the side for dipping – trust me, it seals the deal.
4. Breakfast Tots with Eggs & Sausage Crumble
Start your morning the crispy way. Cook sausage patties on the Blackstone and crumble them up.
Then, smash your tots right into the sausage drippings for mega flavor. After crisping, crown them with soft scrambled eggs and cheesy Colby Jack goodness.
Let everything melt together into one griddled breakfast masterpiece.
This dish eats like a skillet breakfast but with the crunch and attitude of loaded hash browns.
5. Buffalo Blue Cheese Smash Tots
If you love wings, this is your jam. Start by cooking your tots plain until crispy, then smash and drizzle with buffalo sauce while they finish cooking.
The sauce caramelizes slightly on the hot surface, giving a tangy crust. Crumble blue cheese over the top and toss on some scallions for a spicy, savory bite.
Think of these like buffalo chicken wings – but with tater tots doing all the heavy lifting.
Pro tip: Hit with a final drizzle of blue cheese dressing just before serving to balance the heat.
6. Loaded Pizza-Style Tater Smash
Turn your tater tots into a griddle-friendly version of pizza! After smashing your tots golden brown, spoon on a bit of pizza sauce, add shredded mozzarella, and pepperoni slices right on top.
Cover with a melting dome just until the cheese bubbles.
Sprinkle oregano and chili flakes for that authentic pizza parlor finish.
Kids go nuts for this one. It’s also great as an after-school snack or game-night plate.
7. Garlic-Parmesan Herb Crust Smash
This one smells like heaven. Smash the tots in garlic-infused olive oil (just toss a few crushed cloves into the oil before use).
Once they crisp up, sprinkle with a mix of grated parmesan, fresh parsley, and dried Italian herbs. The cheese melts slightly, fusing with the crust.
It’s a gourmet twist you can prep in 15 minutes flat, but it tastes like a chef did it.
Pro tip: Hit the tots with a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving – it brightens all that garlic and cheese beautifully.
8. Tex-Mex Fiesta Smash with Black Beans & Corn
This version brings the taco truck right to your backyard.
Once your tots are smashed and crispy, top with sautéed black beans, charred corn kernels, diced red onion, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
Add a bit of shredded queso blanco and let it melt in. A few jalapeño rings never hurt anyone!
Pro tip: Use frozen fire-roasted corn for an extra punch of flavor – it chars beautifully on the Blackstone.
9. Southern-Style Gravy Tots
This one’s for comfort food lovers. While your tater tots are smashing and crisping, whip up a sausage country gravy in a skillet on the side.
Hit those crunchy tots with a generous ladle of gravy – you’ll get crispy edges and silky sauce in one delicious mouthful.
It’s a cross between biscuits and gravy and loaded fries – and yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
10. Korean-Inspired Gochujang Glazed Smash Tots
Go bold with umami! Smash your tots, then brush them with a sticky glaze made from gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.
Let the glaze caramelize just slightly on the hot griddle. Sprinkle on green onions, a pinch of sesame seeds, and toss in nori strips for a bold finish.
This one’s fiery, sweet, and packed with depth. It’s an East-meets-West snack fusion.
11. Jalapeño Popper Tater Smash
Love jalapeño poppers? This version transforms the concept into a griddle-top party. Smash the tater tots and let them crisp until golden.
Then dollop each tot with a mix of softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, and diced pickled jalapeños.
Let the heat melt everything slightly, then top with crushed Ritz crackers for that popper-style crunch.
12. Maple-Bacon Dessert Tots
Okay, I know this sounds wild – but it works. Smash your tots until golden, then brush them lightly with maple syrup and a touch of melted butter.
Let them caramelize on the hot surface.
Finish with crispy bacon crumbles and a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. It’s sweet, salty, crispy – almost like churros met breakfast potatoes at a diner.
Pro tip: Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup. The real stuff caramelizes better and doesn’t burn as easily.
Final Thoughts
Blackstone Smashed Tater Tots are one of those things that look simple… until you taste them done right.
Whether you’re going bold with gochujang glaze, going cheesy with a pizza twist, or diving into Southern comfort gravy land, these crispy smashed bites are a blank canvas for flavor.
Tips to Nail It Every Time:
- Don’t rush the crust: Let the tots brown fully before flipping. Crispy = magic.
- Use a good spatula: A flat metal press or burger smasher works best.
- Oil smart: Use high-smoke-point oils like avocado or canola for perfect griddle browning.
- Cook in batches: Overcrowding ruins the smash.
Honestly? Once you try these, regular tots feel… basic. And your griddle? It just found its new signature dish.
