If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that combines crispy, golden tater tots with savory hot dogs and gooey cheese, look no further than this Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe. It’s the ultimate cozy dinner that hits all the right notes with a creamy mushroom base, perfectly seasoned layers, and that irresistible cheese pull that will have every bite melting in your mouth. Whether you’re feeding the family or just want a hearty treat, this dish delivers nostalgic flavors with a modern twist that’s sure to become an instant favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this delicious Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is a breeze with a handful of simple, crowd-pleasing ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table—from the creamy soup that binds the flavors, to the crispy tater tots that add texture and color.
- 6-8 hot dogs, sliced into bite-sized pieces: Adds a juicy, savory protein that’s perfect for kid-friendly meals or casual dinners.
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots: Provides a crispy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole base.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Brings gooey, melty richness and sharp flavor that spices up every layer.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup): Creates a smooth, velvety sauce that ties everything together with comforting earthiness.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the soup base for a perfect creamy consistency without being too heavy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth that enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a gentle sweetness and rounds out the seasoning.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and bringing out the full flavor of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh touch when sprinkled on top before serving.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish): Ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and helps everything bake evenly.
How to Make Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to keep your casserole from sticking and to help with even browning.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to make a smooth, savory sauce that will bind all the ingredients together.
Step 3: Add the Hot Dogs
Fold the sliced hot dogs into the creamy soup mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated with the flavorful base, so every bite bursts with that classic hot dog goodness.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Pour the hot dog and soup mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, layer the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer right on top. This creates the perfect crispy crust when baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The goal here is to get those tater tots golden brown, crisp on the outside, and perfectly soft inside.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot tots. Pop it back in the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and absolutely irresistible.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once baked to perfection, take it out and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. If you like, sprinkle some dried parsley on top for a fresh pop of green before serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of dried parsley adds a lovely touch of color and a subtle herbal note that brightens up this hearty dish. You can also try chopped green onions or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard for that extra nostalgic flair.
Side Dishes
This casserole is already a complete meal, but if you want to add sides, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed veggies works beautifully to balance the richness. Pickles or coleslaw with a bit of acidity also complement the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins for a cute presentation. You could even turn this casserole into handheld bites by spooning it onto toasted English muffin halves and broiling them briefly for a mini sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy and tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well! After assembling but before baking, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen, adding some extra baking time until it’s hot and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve the crispy topping. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but the tater tots may lose some crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic and flavorful, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend to add a different twist.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can swap in cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce for a similar creamy texture and taste in this casserole.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the familiar flavors of hot dogs, cheese, and crispy tater tots, making this recipe a reliable crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Can I make this vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply replace the hot dogs with plant-based alternatives or cooked vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for a delicious twist.
How spicy is this casserole?
This Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is mild and comforting, but you can add a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce if you want a little extra kick.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that brings pure joy and simplicity to your kitchen. Its inviting combination of crispy, gooey, and savory layers is comfort food at its finest. Go ahead and give it a try — your taste buds and your family will thank you for this delightful, heartwarming meal.
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Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and family-friendly dish that combines savory sliced hot dogs with crispy tater tots, all baked to perfection in a creamy mushroom soup base and topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a quick and easy one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6–8 hot dogs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly blended.
- Add Hot Dogs: Add the sliced hot dogs to the soup mixture. Stir well to evenly coat the hot dog pieces with the creamy mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the hot dog and soup mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots become golden brown and crispy.
- Add Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the crispy tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with dried parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup if preferred.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after adding the cheese, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Feel free to add diced onions or bell peppers to the hot dog mixture for additional flavor and texture.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
