Dinner - Tater Tot Casserole¶

This Tater Tot Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and homemade ranch drizzle. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks and can be made ahead for convenience.

🕒 Time¶

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Temperature: 350°F / 175°C

🧂 Ingredients¶

Main Casserole:¶

8 slices bacon (chopped)
1 cup (150g) chopped yellow onion
2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter
2 tbsp (15g) all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups (300ml) milk, plus 2 tbsp (30ml), divided
3 cups (339g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
¾ cup (180g) sour cream, divided
1 cup (100g) chopped scallions, divided
1 package (32 oz / 907g) frozen tater tots, divided
Pinch kosher salt and ground black pepper

Homemade Ranch Drizzle:¶

¼ cup (60g) sour cream (reserved from above)
2 tbsp (30ml) milk (reserved from above)
1 tbsp (3g) chopped fresh chives
1 tbsp (3g) chopped fresh dill
Pinch kosher salt and ground black pepper

🍳 Instructions¶

Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C.
Cook the bacon:
In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook 8 slices bacon (chopped) until crispy, about 10 minutes.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel.
Reserve 2 tbsp bacon grease in the pot (store the rest for another use).
Sauté onions:
Add 1 cup chopped yellow onion to the bacon grease. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add 2 tbsp butter and let melt.
Make the roux:
Stir in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in 1 ¼ cups milk until combined. Remove from heat.
Add cheese and cream:
Stir in 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, ½ cup sour cream, and ½ cup scallions until smooth.
Assemble casserole:
Stir in half of the tater tots (454g) into the cheese mixture.
Transfer to a 13x9-inch (33x23cm) baking dish.
Top with the remaining tater tots, bacon, and 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese.
Bake for 35 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Prepare homemade ranch:
In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp chives, 1 tbsp dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Finish & serve:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup scallions over the casserole.
Drizzle with the homemade ranch before serving.

💡 Notes¶

Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier bite.
Swap cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy kick.
No need to thaw tater tots — they’ll heat through during baking.
Adjust salt to taste, depending on cheese and bacon saltiness.