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Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

This Tater Tot Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish, loaded with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, creamy sour cream, and golden tater tots. A perfect meal for family dinners, potlucks, or game day.

A Cheesy, Bacon-Packed Casserole That Everyone Will Love

Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect combination of crispy tater tots, gooey melted cheese, smoky bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce. This dish is warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings. The combination of cheddar cheese, sour cream, and crispy bacon gives this casserole an irresistible flavor, while the golden tater tots add the perfect crunch.


This classic American dish has been a staple in home kitchens for decades. Originating as an easy, budget-friendly meal, tater tot casserole has evolved into a favorite comfort food, loved for its simplicity and indulgence. Whether you're making it for a busy weeknight or a holiday get-together, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep.

  • Family-Friendly – A meal that both kids and adults will enjoy.

  • Perfect for Meal Prep – Can be made ahead and reheated.

  • Loaded with Flavor – Smoky bacon, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots.

  • Great for Potlucks – Feeds a crowd and is always a hit.


Servings

This recipe makes 8 to 10 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or gathering.


Tips & Tricks for the Best Tater Tot Casserole

  • Use Thick-Cut Bacon – It stays meaty and crispy after baking.

  • Shred Your Own Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.

  • No Need to Thaw Tater Tots – They will cook and crisp up in the oven.

  • Make It Spicier – Add pepper jack cheese or diced jalapeños for extra heat.

  • Add Protein – Try ground beef, turkey, or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.

  • Make It Ahead – Assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.


A Brief History of Tater Tot Casserole

Tater tot casserole, often called "hotdish" in the Midwest, has been a comfort food favorite since the 1950s. Originally created as a budget-friendly meal, it quickly became a staple in American households and potlucks. With its crispy potato topping and creamy, cheesy filling, tater tot casserole is a nostalgic and satisfying dish that continues to be a go-to recipe for home cooks.


Commonly Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.


2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.


3. Can I freeze tater tot casserole?

Yes! Freeze before baking and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 45-50 minutes.


4. What other cheeses can I use?

Try pepper jack, Colby Jack, or smoked gouda for a different flavor.


5. Can I make this without bacon?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon or mushrooms.

This Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy tater tots, gooey melted cheese, smoky bacon, and a creamy sauce. Whether you're serving it for family dinner, a holiday gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is simple, delicious, and always a crowd favorite.


Try this cheesy and indulgent tater tot casserole recipe, and enjoy a warm, comforting meal that everyone will love.

Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 8 slices of bacon, chopped

  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons flour

  • 1 ¼ cups milk, plus 2 tablespoons (divided)

  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)

  • ¾ cup sour cream (divided)

  • 1 cup chopped scallions (divided)

  • 1 (32-ounce) package frozen tater tots (divided)

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

  • Pinch of kosher salt and black pepper


Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).


Step 2: Cook the Bacon

  1. Heat a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy (about 10 minutes).

  3. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate.


Step 3: Sauté the Onions

  1. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the pan.

  2. Add the chopped onion to the bacon grease and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 5 minutes).

  3. Stir in the butter and let it melt.


Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

  2. Slowly whisk in 1 ¼ cups of milk, stirring until smooth.

  3. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups shredded cheese, ½ cup sour cream, and ½ cup scallions.


Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Stir in half of the frozen tater tots to coat them in the sauce.

  2. Transfer the mixture to a 13×9-inch baking dish.

  3. Sprinkle the remaining tater tots, bacon, and cheese evenly over the top.


Step 6: Bake Until Golden

  1. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.

  2. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.


Step 7: Make the Ranch Drizzle

  1. In a small bowl, stir together ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons milk, chives, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.


Step 8: Garnish and Serve

  1. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup scallions over the casserole.

  2. Drizzle with the homemade ranch dressing and serve warm.

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