Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and fun to eat? Well, say hello to Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole! This dish is everything you love about classic comfort food: crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Imagine crispy tater tots baked with melty cheese and savory hot dogs all nestled in a creamy sauce. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or satisfying your own cravings for something indulgent.

This casserole is simple enough to throw together on a busy night, but it’s also a fun twist on the classic hot dog and tater tot combo. It’s like a warm hug in a dish! Whether you’re looking for a fun weeknight dinner or a dish to take to your next potluck, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

Quick & Easy

This casserole comes together in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy nights when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen. You can even prep it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!

Kid-Friendly

It’s like the dream meal for kids! They’ll love the crispy tater tots and cheesy hot dogs, making this a great option for picky eaters. It’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.

Comforting & Satisfying

The combination of crispy tater tots, savory hot dogs, and creamy cheese is pure comfort food bliss. Every bite is warm, cheesy, and full of flavor—just the kind of dish that makes you feel all cozy inside.

Customizable

Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to make this dish your own. You could toss in some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even a handful of shredded carrots for a little extra veggie goodness.

Ingredients

Tater Tots

The star of the dish! These tater tots are baked to crispy perfection, creating the ideal base for all that cheesy goodness.

Hot Dogs

The hot dogs add a savory, meaty component that brings this casserole to life. Feel free to use beef, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based hot dogs to suit your tastes.

Shredded Cheese

A combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese creates that ooey-gooey melted goodness that holds everything together and gives this dish that perfect cheesy bite.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This cream of mushroom soup brings a creamy, rich texture that ties the casserole together. It adds moisture and flavor, ensuring the tater tots stay crispy while the hot dogs stay juicy.

Milk

A splash of milk helps thin out the soup a bit to create a smooth sauce that coats all the ingredients and keeps the casserole nice and moist.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder

A little garlic powder and onion powder add extra savory flavor to the casserole. These pantry staples make a big difference in building the flavor profile.

Salt & Pepper

Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. These basic seasonings bring out all the other flavors, making the casserole even more irresistible.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Slice the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces. You can cut them into rounds or smaller chunks, depending on your preference. Set them aside.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. This will be the creamy base for your casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the sliced hot dogs and half of the shredded cheese. Pour the soup mixture over the top, spreading it evenly. Then, layer the tater tots on top, arranging them so they cover the casserole completely.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden. After the casserole is done baking, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, and you can serve it with a side of your favorite veggies or a crisp salad to balance out the richness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 27g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 16g
Vitamin D: 6% DV
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 8% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

Crisp Green Salad

Pair this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The crispness and acidity of the salad will cut through the richness of the casserole, making it the perfect side dish.

Roasted Vegetables

If you want to add some veggies to the meal, roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers are a great choice. They add a pop of color and a nice contrast to the savory casserole.

Garlic Bread

A side of garlic bread or buttered dinner rolls would be a perfect addition to scoop up any extra cheesy goodness from the casserole dish.

Additional Tips

Use Different Cheese

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Adding pepper jack or Colby jack cheese can give the casserole a little kick and extra flavor.

Add Veggies

For extra nutrition, you can add some veggies like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even spinach to the casserole mix. It’s an easy way to sneak in some extra greens.

Make It Ahead

This casserole is great for make-ahead meals! You can prepare everything and assemble the casserole in the baking dish. Then, cover and refrigerate it overnight. Just pop it in the oven the next day and bake it as directed.

Make it Spicy

If you like a little heat, add some jalapeños or hot sauce to the casserole for an extra spicy kick.

Store Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy meal the next day.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use different kinds of hot dogs?

A1: Absolutely! You can use beef, turkey, chicken, or even veggie hot dogs. Pick your favorite, and the casserole will still taste amazing.

Q2: Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup with something else?

A2: Yes! You can use cream of chicken soup or even cream of celery soup as a substitute. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using a lower-fat version of the soup.

Q3: Can I make this casserole without cheese?

A3: If you’re not a fan of cheese, you can skip it, but the casserole might be a little less creamy. Alternatively, you can use a dairy-free cheese substitute if you prefer.

Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?

A4: Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just assemble it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Q5: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

A5: Yes! Simply swap the hot dogs for veggie hot dogs or another meat substitute. You could also try adding more veggies to fill in the space.

Q6: How can I make this casserole spicier?

A6: Add jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the casserole before baking. If you like it extra spicy, you could also drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving.

Q7: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A7: Yes! You can prepare and assemble the casserole, then cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, just pop it in the oven and bake as usual.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?

A8: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Q9: Can I use frozen tater tots for this recipe?

A9: Yes! Frozen tater tots are perfect for this casserole. Just bake them directly from frozen, no need to thaw.

Q10: Can I add other toppings to this casserole?

A10: Of course! You can top the casserole with crispy bacon, green onions, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings all the flavors we love into one easy-to-make dish. It’s cheesy, hearty, and perfect for feeding a crowd (or just satisfying your own cravings). Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole will always be a hit. Enjoy!

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