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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
