If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and pure comfort, look no further than Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole. This easy casserole combines crispy tater tots, juicy hot dogs, gooey cheddar, and a creamy, tangy sauce that brings everything together in spectacular fashion. It’s a nostalgic, kid-approved dish that’s just as beloved by adults, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or those “I need dinner on the table fast” kind of nights.

Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, you’ll create a casserole that’s loaded with flavor and texture. Every ingredient here has a purpose, whether it’s adding richness, creaminess, or that irresistible golden crunch on top. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each one matters:

Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté the onions to sweet, golden perfection.
Onion: Diced small for a pop of savory sweetness that forms the flavor base of the casserole.
Hot Dogs: Sliced into bite-sized pieces, they bring a fun, classic taste that pairs perfectly with the cheesy sauce.
Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup: The secret to a luscious, creamy filling that’s loaded with cheesy goodness.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and richness, making the sauce velvety smooth.
Milk: Thins the sauce just enough so it can coat every tater tot and hot dog.
Yellow Mustard: Just a touch for a zingy, classic hot dog flavor hiding in the creamy sauce.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory notes and rounds out the flavors.
Black Pepper: A little pepper goes a long way to balance the richness and add a mild kick.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (divided): Melted into the sauce and sprinkled on top for that classic cheesy pull.
Frozen Tater Tots: The crunchy, golden topping that makes every bite of this casserole irresistible.

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. While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray. This step ensures the casserole comes out easily and the edges get perfectly crispy.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Brown the Hot Dogs

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent—about 4 to 5 minutes. Toss in the sliced hot dogs and let them cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want just a hint of browning for extra flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheesy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, milk, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. You’ll end up with a creamy, zippy sauce that’s the heart of this Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole. Stir in the sautéed onions and hot dogs, plus 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the cheesy mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single, even layer—it’s okay if they overlap just a bit, but you want them mostly in contact with the heat so they get crispy.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. The tater tots should be deeply golden and crunchy. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, then bake for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let your Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole rest for about 5 minutes out of the oven. This little pause helps the sauce thicken slightly, making it easier to serve those perfect, cheesy scoops.

How to Serve Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced green onions or fresh chives adds a burst of color and a mild, oniony crunch. For those who love a little heat, a drizzle of hot sauce or a dusting of smoked paprika can really make the flavors pop. Even a dollop of extra sour cream on the side works wonders.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but it’s even better with a fresh, crisp side salad or some steamed green beans to balance out the richness. For a more indulgent spread, corn on the cob or baked beans are classic comfort food pairings.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole in individual ramekins for a fun twist, especially for parties or kids’ nights. Or, scoop portions into warm sub rolls for an over-the-top sandwich experience—perfect for game day gatherings. You can even top with pickled jalapeños or crumbled bacon for an extra layer of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a dream! Simply transfer any remaining casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay flavorful and safe to eat for up to 3 days. The tater tots will soften a bit, but the taste remains spot on.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly (either the whole dish or individual portions) in plastic wrap and foil. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back the magic, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20 minutes). You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven helps restore some crispy texture to the tater tots.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even diced ham work beautifully in this recipe. The key is to use something fully cooked and slice it into bite-sized pieces so it melds with the creamy, cheesy base.

What can I do if I don’t have condensed cheddar cheese soup?

If you’re out of cheddar cheese soup, you can substitute with condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup and add extra shredded cheddar for flavor. The texture will be just as creamy, with a slightly different but still delicious taste.

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

Definitely! Assemble the casserole (except for the tater tots) and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the tater tots right before baking so they stay crispy and perfect. This makes it a fantastic option for meal planning or potlucks.

How do I make this casserole spicier?

For a spicier kick, stir some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cheese sauce, or use pepper jack cheese in place of some cheddar. You can also offer hot sauce at the table for those who like extra heat.

Is Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole kid-friendly?

Without a doubt! Kids love the combination of hot dogs, cheese, and crispy potatoes. The mild, creamy sauce makes it approachable for picky eaters, but it’s just as satisfying for grown-ups looking for a nostalgic, filling meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that brings joy, warmth, and a little bit of fun to your dinner table, you can’t go wrong with Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face—so give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your home!

Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

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

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Description

This Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and kid-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Featuring tender sautéed hot dogs and onions mixed in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crispy golden tater tots and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole combines flavors and textures in a simple baked dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Base and Sauce

1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, diced
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Proteins and Cheese

8 hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Topping

1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots

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Instructions

Prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Sauté the onions and hot dogs: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the sliced hot dogs and cook for another 2–3 minutes until lightly browned, then remove from heat.
Make the cheese sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, milk, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
Combine ingredients: Stir the sautéed onions and hot dogs into the cheese sauce mixture along with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine.
Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Arrange a single layer of frozen tater tots on top of the mixture.
Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Add final cheese layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.

Notes

This casserole is excellent for make-ahead meals and can be refrigerated before baking.
For variation, substitute hot dogs with smoked sausage or diced ham.
Serve with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the hearty dish.
Use reduced-fat cheese and soup options to reduce calorie and fat content if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American