Tater Tot Casserole
User Reviews
5
Tater Tot Casserole
Description
Tater Tot Casserole starts with crispy bacon cooked to render flavorful fat, then softened onions sautéed in the reserved bacon grease. A roux made from butter and flour thickens milk into a creamy base combined with sharp cheddar, sour cream, and scallions to create a rich cheese sauce. Part of the frozen tater tots is stirred into the mixture and baked in a casserole dish before topping with the remaining tots, bacon, and more cheese to form a crisp golden crust.
This dish offers a contrast between the creamy, cheesy interior and crunchy potato topping. Fresh herbs like dill and chives brighten the rich flavors while the combination of bacon and cheddar adds deep savory notes. A final drizzle of tangy sour cream mixed with chives and dill adds moisture and a fresh finish.
Tater Tot Casserole makes a satisfying side or main dish and works well with green sides or a salad. It can be enjoyed warm and holds for reheating. Thick-cut bacon is recommended for texture, and the frozen tots do not require thawing before baking. The included ranch-style sauce complements the casserole and can be served separately with salad.
Ingredients
- 8 lices Bacon chopped
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 Tbsp. flour
- 1 ¼ cups milk plus 2 Tbsp., divided
- 3 cups cheddar cheese divided, shredded sharp
- ¾ cup sour cream divided
- 1 cup scallions divided, chopped
- 1 oz package tater tots divided, frozen
- 1 Tbsp. chives chopped fresh
- 1 Tbsp. dill chopped, fresh
- Pinch salt kosher salt
- Pinch black pepper kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Add bacon to a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 10 minutes.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; place bacon on a paper towel.
- Discard all but 2 Tbsp. bacon grease from pan (reserve extra for another use).
- Add onion to bacon grease in pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add butter to pan; let melt.
- Stir flour into butter and onions. Cook, stirring, 2 minutes.
- Stir in 1 ¼ cups milk until combined. Remove from heat.
- Stir in 1 ½ cups cheese, ½ cup sour cream, and ½ cup scallions.
- Stir in half of frozen tater tots; transfer mixture to a 13x9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining tater tots, bacon, and cheese.
- Bake until bubbly, about 35 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes.
- Stir together remaining ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons milk, chives, dill, and salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
- Sprinkle remaining ½ cup scallions over casserole; drizzle with homemade ranch.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon to maintain a meaty texture after cooking.
- The sharp cheddar cheese provides a classic flavor; substitute pepper jack for extra spice.
- Frozen tater tots can be used directly without thawing as they cook through during baking.
- No additional salt may be necessary since bacon and cheese add saltiness; adjust seasoning to taste.
- The included ranch-style sour cream sauce doubles as a salad dressing for a fresh contrast.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8- 10 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 381 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 381kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Cholesterol | 82mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 473mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 249mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1069IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 391mg | 39% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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