If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that brings together childhood favorites with a grown-up twist, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of crispy tater tots, juicy hot dogs, and ooey-gooey melted cheddar cheese, all baked together in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This casserole is not only ridiculously easy to whip up but also hits every note of cozy, indulgent, and downright delicious. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become your go-to crowd-pleaser for weeknights and casual get-togethers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this casserole is simple yet essential, coming together to create layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color you can’t wait to dig into. Each item plays a role, whether it’s the creamy base, the crispy topping, or the savory body of the dish.
- 6-8 hot dogs, sliced into bite-sized pieces: Provides a juicy, meaty backbone that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots: Adds a crispy, golden topping that’s the star texture of the casserole.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Gives a rich, melty, and tangy finish that pulls everything together deliciously.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup): Creates the creamy, savory sauce base that keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the soup base just enough to blend everything smoothly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with a subtle depth of garlicky warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle, aromatic sweetness enhancing every bite.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Vital for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray: For greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking and help browning.
How to Make Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), the perfect temperature to achieve crispy tater tots and a bubbly cheese topping. Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray so nothing sticks and clean-up is a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with half a cup of milk. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and evenly seasoned. This simple base is where the magic begins — creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Incorporate the Hot Dogs
Add the sliced hot dogs to the soup mixture and stir gently to coat every piece. This step ensures that when baked, each bite of hot dog has that rich, creamy flavor surrounding it instead of drying out.
Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole
Pour the mixture of hot dogs and creamy sauce into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly so every corner is filled. Then, take your frozen tater tots and arrange them in a single layer on top. This layer will crisp up nicely, creating the golden crust you’ll love.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are beautifully golden and crispy, with the sauce bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Cheese It Up
Remove the casserole briefly from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the crispy tater tots. Return it to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes so the cheese melts into a rich, gooey topping that’s irresistible.
Step 7: Final Touch and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe cool for a few minutes to make it easier to serve. Sprinkle some dried parsley on top for a burst of freshness and color before digging in.
How to Serve Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of dried parsley adds a lovely pop of color in contrast to the golden casserole crust. If you want to take it a step further, chopped green onions or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard can bring extra flavor and nostalgia to each bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a refreshing balance. You could also serve it with baked beans or coleslaw, classic favorites that complement the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole family-style straight from the baking dish for that cozy, comfort-food vibe, or plate it neatly with a garnish of fresh herbs and a side of pickles to add a surprising tang. It’s also great for potlucks — just cover it and bring it along for instant crowd-pleasing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this casserole again without any fuss.
Freezing
This Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake it from frozen, adding some extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again, usually around 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, though the tater tots might lose some crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives a classic, sharp flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice. Just be sure to use a good melting cheese for that perfect gooey texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
You can easily make a vegetarian version by swapping out hot dogs for plant-based sausages or cooked vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn. The creamy, cheesy base remains just as comforting without the meat.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Many cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soups now come gluten-free—just check the label. Also, ensure your hot dogs and tater tots don’t contain gluten ingredients. This way, you keep the dish safe without compromising taste.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushroom flavor, cream of chicken soup is a great substitute, as mentioned in the recipe. Another option is cream of celery or a homemade white sauce, so long as it’s creamy and flavorful to keep the casserole moist.
Can I add extra veggies to this casserole?
Definitely! Adding chopped onions, bell peppers, or peas can boost the nutritional value and add lovely color and texture. Just make sure to sauté any raw veggies before mixing so they cook through properly during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is hands down one of the most satisfying dishes to make when you want simple comfort food that still feels special. It’s fun to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring bite-sized hot dogs mixed in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole offers a deliciously satisfying blend of flavors and textures that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Hot Dog Mixture
- 6–8 hot dogs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Hot Dogs: Stir the sliced hot dogs into the soup mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the hot dog and soup mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Next, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the hot dog mixture for even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy on top.
- Add Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots, then return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with dried parsley if desired, then cut into portions and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup if preferred.
- For a crispier topping, you may broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after adding the cheese, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Feel free to add diced onions or bell peppers to the hot dog mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the cream soup and hot dogs used are certified gluten-free.
