Name: Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 small onion (diced); 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 6 beef hot dogs (sliced); 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

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If you’re craving something bubbly, melty, and undeniably fun, nothing hits the spot quite like Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole. This playful dish brings together juicy hot dogs, golden tater tots, and plenty of gooey cheese in a creamy sauce that’ll have the whole family clamoring for seconds. Whether you’re serving it up on a busy weeknight or looking for a comforting crowd-pleaser, this casserole delivers hearty flavors and nostalgic vibes with every bite. Prepare to fall in love with a dish that’s equal parts indulgent, easy, and oh-so-satisfying!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole relies on a handful of everyday ingredients, each one bringing something special to the party—from the crisp tenderness of tater tots to the gooey richness of melted cheddar. Here’s how each star ingredient transforms the dish:

Butter: Adds richness and helps the onions turn perfectly soft and aromatic.
Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the creamy base.
Condensed cheddar cheese soup: Acts as the savory backbone for the luscious, cheesy sauce.
Sour cream: Delivers delightful tanginess and keeps the casserole super creamy.
Milk: Helps achieve just the right sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The main event for those irresistible cheese pulls throughout the casserole.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory note that ties the flavors together.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out every flavor in the dish.
Beef hot dogs: Juicy bites of pure comfort, classic and perfect for this bake.
Frozen tater tots: Golden and crispy, they create a delicious, kid-friendly topping and base.

How to Make Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a good coat of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter. This simple step ensures nothing sticks and guarantees scooping up every last cheesy bite is a breeze later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and toss in your diced onion. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes or until the onion softens and turns beautifully translucent. The gentle sweetness from these sautéed onions makes all the difference in the casserole’s flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheesy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the condensed cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, milk, 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, the garlic powder, and a pinch or two of salt and pepper. This is where all that rich, cheesy goodness starts to come together.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Fold the cooked onions and sliced hot dogs right into that creamy base. Next, pour in the frozen tater tots and gently mix until every single tot is coated. You want an even distribution so each bite is a perfect blend of textures and flavors.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese all over the top—this final cheesy layer ensures that irresistible, golden-topped finish.

Step 6: Bake and Rest

Slide your dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the tater tots are gloriously golden. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking; this makes serving easier and helps the flavors mingle even more.

How to Serve Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

Garnishes

This is the moment to add a fresh hit of color and contrast—try a sprinkle of sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley, or even a dusting of smoked paprika. These not only make your Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole look stunning but also add bright flavor or a hint of spice.

Side Dishes

Balance the casserole’s richness with some crisp, cool accompaniments. A simple green salad, tangy coleslaw, or even roasted veggies pair perfectly with all that cheese and potato magic. For a nostalgic vibe, serve up a scoop of applesauce for a sweet-and-savory twist!

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve individual portions in ramekins for a fun, personal touch? Or, bring the entire bubbling Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole to the table for a dramatic family-style reveal. For game day or casual gatherings, try portioning it into muffin tins for hand-held, party-friendly bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge, where it will keep beautifully for up to 3 days—making it a lifesaver for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

This Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole freezes like a champ! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a portion into a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly. If the top gets a little too brown, tent it loosely with foil for the last few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage instead of beef hot dogs?

Absolutely! Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even turkey hot dogs all add their own spin. Just slice them the same way and follow the directions—your Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole will still be delicious and full of personality.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely. Stir in frozen peas, corn, or even diced bell peppers with the hot dogs for pops of color and extra nutrition. It’s a great way to customize the casserole to your family’s tastes.

What’s the best way to get really crispy tater tots on top?

Make sure to bake the casserole uncovered so those tots can brown. If you love an extra-crispy topping, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Check your cheddar cheese soup and hot dogs, as some brands contain gluten. If you use gluten-free versions, this Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole can be a safe and satisfying gluten-free meal option.

Can I assemble it ahead and bake later?

You sure can! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting out cold.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a meal that’s irresistibly cheesy, joyfully nostalgic, and beyond easy, Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is calling your name. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and let this instant classic bring some serious comfort and smiles to your table!

Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole. A deliciously easy-to-make dish that combines the classic flavors of hot dogs, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots in one satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion (diced)
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
6 beef hot dogs (sliced)
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sauté Onions: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onions until soft.
Mix Ingredients: Combine cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, milk, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add cooked onions and sliced hot dogs. Fold in tater tots.
Bake: Pour mixture into the baking dish, top with remaining cheddar cheese, and bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.