Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate in comfort food that’s kid-approved and sure to win the hearts of everyone at the dinner table, look no further than this Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole. With golden-crisp tater tots crowning a creamy, cheesy base loaded with savory hot dogs and melty cheddar, this retro-inspired dish turns simple ingredients into something magical. It’s the perfect weeknight hero or potluck crowd-pleaser—plus, the irresistible combination of flavors and textures will have everyone requesting seconds!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is how everyday staples come together to create a dish that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts. Each ingredient pulls its weight—whether it brings creaminess, crunch, or pops of color. Here’s how to build casserole greatness:

• Olive oil: Gives the onions and hot dogs a golden, flavorful start—using just a tablespoon makes all the difference!
• Yellow onion: Chopped and sautéed, it adds a gentle sweetness that balances the richness of the casserole.
• Hot dogs: Sliced into rounds, they’re the fun, savory heart of this dish—classic or smoked varieties both work beautifully.
• Condensed cheddar cheese soup: The silky, cheesy backbone that binds the whole casserole together for luxurious texture.
• Sour cream: Provides tang and creaminess, helping create that signature rich and smooth sauce.
• Milk: Thins out the sauce just enough for perfect coverage without making things soupy.
• Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth and a subtle garlicky warmth.
• Mustard (optional): Just a teaspoon takes the flavor up a notch—try classic yellow or Dijon for a little zing.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Divided between the sauce and topping, it melts into gooey pockets and forms a golden crown.
• Frozen tater tots: The crispy, craveable topping that transforms this from casserole to pure comfort food bliss.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all those creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors to life—season to your taste.
• Chopped parsley or green onions (optional): For a fresh and colorful finish that makes every serving look vibrant.

How to Make Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous greasing with oil or nonstick spray. This little bit of prep ensures easy serving (and effortless cleanup) after your Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is bubbling and golden.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Hot Dogs

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add your chopped onion and sauté for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and turns translucent. Stir in those hot dog rounds and cook for another 2–3 minutes so they get a light golden edge and deepen in flavor—this step makes every bite of the casserole extra delicious.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Cheesy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and mustard (if using). This mix becomes the luscious, cheesy sauce that gives the casserole its creamy richness. Fold in your cooked onions and hot dogs, then add 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Season everything with a bit of salt and pepper—give it a taste so you get it just right!

Step 4: Layer and Top

Pour that dreamy cheesy mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Now, arrange your frozen tater tots in a single layer all over the top. The design is up to you—neat rows or a more rustic scattering both work! Finish by sprinkling the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese all over the tater tots for guaranteed melty, golden results.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, keeping an eye on the tater tots as they turn golden and crisp and the cheese gets irresistibly bubbly. When it’s ready, let it rest out of the oven for about 5 minutes—this prevents bubbling sauce burns and helps everything set just right. For a pop of color, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or sliced green onions and get ready to dig in.

How to Serve Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

Garnishes

A quick sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions not only adds a burst of color but a refreshing bite that brightens each forkful. For even more decadence, add a drizzle of hot sauce or ketchup, or tiny dollops of extra sour cream. Toppings are where you can let your personal flair shine!

Side Dishes

Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is hearty on its own, but serving it with crisp green salads or steamed broccoli brings welcome balance. If you want to round out the meal, try classic baked beans, tangy coleslaw, or even a pile of buttered corn for a nostalgia-packed plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual family nights, serve straight from the baking dish for an inviting, “come and get it” vibe. Entertaining friends? Spoon the casserole into colorful ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets—individual portions always impress! You can also turn leftovers into sliders by sandwiching squares of casserole between soft buns for a quirky twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is a dream for next-day lunches or easy dinners. Store cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 4 days in your refrigerator. The tater tots will soften a bit, but reheating gives them new life.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked casserole. Let it cool completely, cut into portions, and wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months—just be sure to label with the date for best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, arrange portions in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). For extra crispiness, try the air fryer or uncover for the last few minutes of reheating. The microwave works too in a pinch!

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausage instead of hot dogs?

Absolutely! Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even cooked Italian sausage are delicious swaps if you want to change up the flavor or use what you have on hand. The Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is super flexible, so experiment away!

How do I make the casserole spicy?

Add a handful of sliced jalapeños into the cheese sauce mixture, or sprinkle the top with pepper jack instead of extra cheddar. A little dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add just enough heat while keeping things family-friendly.

Can I assemble this Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely—assemble everything up to the tater tot topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the bake time to ensure it’s piping hot all the way through.

What’s the best way to keep tater tots crispy?

Always layer the tots on top in a single, even layer and avoid crowding. Baking uncovered lets the heat circulate and the tops get nice and golden brown—if you like them extra crispy, turn on the broiler for the last few minutes (just watch closely!).

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is one of those magical meals that appeals to picky eaters and adults alike. It’s loaded with familiar flavors and fun textures—they’ll love every bite, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.

Final Thoughts

Few things hit the spot like a bubbling tray of Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole—it’s a nostalgic, crave-worthy classic that’s just as at home at a weeknight dinner as it is at a casual gathering. I hope you’ll grab these pantry staples soon and treat yourself (and your family!) to a plateful of ooey-gooey, crispy-topped comfort. Enjoy every last bite!

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