Loaded Baked Potato Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Loaded Baked Potato Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines crispy tater tots with creamy cheese and savory bacon. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, ranch dressing, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Add the cooked bacon, green onions, and half of the cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir to combine.
4. Step 4: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the frozen tater tots evenly on the bottom.
5. Step 5: Pour the sour cream mixture over the tater tots, spreading it evenly.
6. Step 6: Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the sour cream mixture.
• Use turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon substitute to make it lighter or meat-free.
• Mix in cooked corn or peas for added veggies and texture.
• Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and then bake as directed when ready.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

While fresh potatoes can be used, tater tots provide a crispy texture that works best. If using fresh potatoes, parboil and season them before layering for optimal results.

Loaded Baked Potato Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 56 reviews

This Loaded Baked Potato Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy tater tots, creamy sour cream and ranch dressing, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions baked to bubbly perfection. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering all the delicious flavors of a loaded baked potato in an easy-to-make casserole format.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Cheese and Dairy

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped

Seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature before baking the casserole.
2. Mix sour cream and dressing: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, ranch dressing, salt, and pepper. This will create a creamy, flavorful base sauce for the casserole.
3. Add bacon, onions, and cheese: Stir in the crumbled cooked bacon, chopped green onions, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the sour cream mixture, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.
4. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Then, evenly spread the frozen tater tots across the bottom, creating a crispy base layer.
5. Add the creamy mixture: Pour the sour cream and bacon mixture evenly over the tater tots, making sure it covers the top completely to infuse the casserole with flavor.
6. Add remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a golden, cheesy crust once baked.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown, and the tater tots are crispy.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.

Notes

• For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the sour cream mixture.
• Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with a cheese blend like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Use low-fat or reduced-fat sour cream and ranch dressing for a lighter version.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
• For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.

Keywords: Loaded Tater Tot Casserole, Baked Potato Casserole, Cheesy Tater Tot Bake, Bacon Tater Tot Casserole, Easy Dinner Casserole