Cheesy Tater Tot Delight Casserole
This Cheesy Tater Tot Delight Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish that combines the savory goodness of tater tots, creamy soups, and a generous helping of cheese into a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a family favorite I picked up from a delightful conversation overheard in a grocery store line. It’s a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit your family’s tastes; whether you love the crunch of celery or prefer a simpler flavor, it’s sure to please. Topped with a crispy potato chip crust, this casserole is as delicious as it is easy to prepare. Serve it up with a simple side salad for a hearty, well-rounded meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen tater tots
453.59 g (thawed)
Melted butter
118.29 ml (separated into 2 - 1/4 cup portions)
Salt
2.46 ml (to taste)
Pepper
2.46 ml (to taste)
Minced onion
78.78 ml (fresh)
Cream of mushroom soup
59.14 ml (or use cream of chicken/soup if preferred)
Sour cream
118.29 ml (regular)
Shredded cheddar cheese
295.73 ml (shredded)
Crushed potato chips
236.59 ml (for topping)
Celery
59.14 ml (minced (optional))
Chives
to taste (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup of melted butter, salt, pepper, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Mix until well blended.
3
In a separate bowl, gently mix the thawed tater tots with the minced onion and shredded cheddar cheese. If you're using celery, add it at this stage for extra crunch.
4
Combine the two mixtures from steps 2 and 3, stirring until the tater tots are evenly coated.
5
Pour the tater tot mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
6
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter with the crushed potato chips. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the casserole.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Tater Tot Delight Casserole?
It is a comfort dish that combines tater tots, creamy soups, and cheese, topped with a crispy potato chip crust.
Should the tater tots be frozen or thawed when making this casserole?
The tater tots should be thawed before mixing them with the other ingredients.
What type of soup is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for cream of mushroom soup, but you can also use cream of chicken soup if preferred.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for approximately 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Can I add vegetables like celery to this dish?
Yes, you can add 59.14 ml of minced celery for extra crunch when mixing the tater tots.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe recommends using shredded cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture.
What is the topping made of?
The topping is a mixture of crushed potato chips and melted butter.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
What size casserole dish is required?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the dish?
Yes, make sure to use a greased casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Can I use chives in this recipe?
Yes, chopped chives can be added to taste as an optional ingredient.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Combine the wet ingredients first, then mix the tots with onion and cheese, and finally combine everything together.
Is the onion used in this recipe fresh or dried?
The recipe specifies using fresh minced onion.
Can I substitute sour cream with anything else?
While the recipe calls for regular sour cream, many people substitute it with plain Greek yogurt for a similar texture.
What should I serve with this casserole?
A simple side salad pairs perfectly with this hearty, well-rounded meal.
How much butter is needed in total?
You will need 118.29 ml of melted butter, separated into two 1/4 cup portions.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as the ultimate comfort food and a family favorite.
Can I use different types of potato chips for the topping?
Yes, while plain chips are standard, you can experiment with flavored chips for a different taste profile.
How much tater tots do I need?
The recipe requires 453.59 grams of thawed frozen tater tots.
Should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let it cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven.
What makes the topping golden brown?
The combination of crushed potato chips and melted butter bakes into a golden brown, crispy crust.
Is this a Southern recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a Southern recipe, reflecting its hearty and creamy nature.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish, though you may need to adjust the cooking time.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe uses 118.29 ml of regular sour cream.
What spices are included?
Salt and pepper are added to taste, approximately 2.46 ml each.
Can I use a different cheese besides cheddar?
Yes, while cheddar is recommended, you can use other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Absolutely, it is described as a family favorite that can be adjusted to suit different tastes.
Can I add protein to this casserole?
While not in the original instructions, many people add ground beef or shredded chicken to make it even heartier.
How do I ensure the tots are evenly coated?
Stir the tater tot mixture thoroughly after combining it with the soup and sour cream mixture.