What is a comfort food? Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole. What’s like the love child of a classic tater tot casserole and those hot dogs you grilled at summer? When you were a kid, you had barbecues. They were simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring smile to your face. I swear, this one’s a lifesaver on those nights when you’re staring blankly into the fridge, How do you conjure up a dinner? Is it easier than mac and cheese? When I made this, my picky eaters devoured it – a true testament to its deliciousness.
What is Tater Tot Casserole?
What is a hot dog Tater Tot Casserole? What’s a creamy, cheesy sauce studded with sliced hot dogs, and topped with golden brown sauce? Layer of crispy tater tots, and baked to bubbly perfection. What is the name of the game? Is it the kind of dish that brings back memories of childhood, but with a slightly more grown-up. What’s the twist? What are some of the easiest ways to make this dish with pantry staples? – especially with the little ones. I remember my grandma making something similar, but this version is even simpler and faster – i.e. it’s the same recipe as my grandmother made it. Perfect for busy modern families.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? This Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is just pure magic. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. You’ve got the salty, savory hot dogs mingling with the creamy, cheesy sauce, and then the crispy, slightly sweet tater tots on top. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that somehow just works.
What is the best thing about this recipe? What are the advantages of minimal prep time and easy to find ingredients? Is it so easy for a teenager to make it? What is the most requested dinner my family has ever had?
Let’s not forget about cost-efficiency. What are some of the best tater tots on the market? What is the best way to make your grocery budget stretch?
What is the versatility of this recipe? Can you customize it with different cheeses, vegetables, or even different types of hot dogs? I’ve even added a layer of chili underneath the hot dogs for an extra hearty dish! What I love most about this is how easily it adapts to what I have on hand. Is it a staple in my recipe rotation? Is it a blank canvas for culinary creativity?
How do you make a hot dog tatar tot casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is seriously a breeze. You basically just whip up a creamy sauce, stir in some sliced hot dogs, pour it into a baking dish, top with tater tots, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. The whole process takes less than an hour, and most of that is just baking time. The real advantage here is how hands-off it is. Once it’s in the oven, you can relax and maybe even sneak in a little TV time.
Ingredients
For the Main Casserole:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil – Adds a little richness. You could use butter if you prefer!
* 1 medium onion, chopped – Adds a wonderful depth of flavor. I’ve used both yellow and white, and they both work great.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything is better with garlic!
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – This helps to thicken the sauce.
* 3 cups milk – I usually use whole milk, but 2% works just as well. I even tried it with almond milk once, and it was surprisingly good!
* 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a little kick.
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika – For a touch of smokiness and color.
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – This is what makes the sauce super creamy and decadent.
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Because cheese makes everything better!
* 1 (12-ounce) package hot dogs, sliced – I like to use beef hot dogs, but you can use whatever kind you prefer.
* 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots – The star of the show!
What is the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always use a little cooking spray to make sure nothing sticks. Trust me, you don’t want to spend hours scrubbing the pan later!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. This is important because it builds that flavor foundation for the casserole.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Stir in the salt, pepper, and paprika. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Make sure you whisk constantly to prevent any lumps!
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens! The cheese creates this luscious, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the hot dogs.
Step 5: Incorporate Hot Dogs
Stir in the sliced hot dogs. I usually slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. This step is what transforms the cheesy sauce into a hot dog extravaganza!
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the hot dog mixture into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the hot dog mixture. This is where you can get creative! I sometimes make a fun pattern with the tater tots.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbling. I always check on it around the 25-minute mark to make sure the tater tots aren’t getting too brown. If they are, you can loosely cover the dish with foil.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. How do I make the sauce thicker?
What is the best way to serve it?
This Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are a few ideas:
For a Simple Side:What’s a good salad with green salad dressing? It helps to balance out the richness of the casserole.
For a Heartier Meal:What are some good ways to add veggies to a salad?
For a Fun Treat: Corn on the cob is a classic pairing with hot dogs.
My family loves this with a side of coleslaw. The creamy, tangy coleslaw is a perfect complement to the cheesy casserole. We’ve also been known to add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top for extra flavor. And sometimes, if I’m feeling extra fancy, I’ll make a batch of homemade cornbread to go with it. But honestly, this casserole is so good on its own that you don’t really need anything else!
How do you make a delicious Tater Tot Casserole?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to making this Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole even better. Here are some of my top tips:
Cheese Power: Don’t skimp on the cheese! The cream cheese and cheddar cheese are what make the sauce so creamy and delicious. Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
Tater Tot Placement: How canHow do I arrange tater tots in a single layer so they get nice and crispy. Don’t overcrowd them!
Hot Dog Variety: What are the most Feel free to experiment with different types of hot dogs. I’ve used everything from beef franks to chicken sausages to even veggie dogs, and they all work great. The slight spice of jalapeno cheddar dogs is also a family favorite. My husband loves when I use polish sausage. It adds a great dimension of flavor.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
What are the best ways to add more Sometimes I’ll add a can of drained corn or peas to the hot dog mixture for extra veggies. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is great for making ahead of time or for leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator Storage: Let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick and easy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a reminder of simpler times, and a surefire way to put a smile on everyone’s face. It’s easy, it’s budget-friendly, and it’s endlessly customizable – what’s not to love? I really do hope you will try this recipe. If you are looking for something different, perhaps check out my chili cheese dog casserole, it is very similar and just as yummy. Happy cooking!
Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound hot dogs
- 3 cups tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup cream of mushroom soup
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook hot dogs according to package directions. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked hot dogs, tater tots, and cheese.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.
