Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

Introduction

Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—crispy, golden tater tots layered over a creamy, cheesy mixture of hot dogs, onions, and tangy condiments. It’s quick to prepare, full of family-friendly flavors, and bakes up beautifully for a hearty weeknight dinner or casual gathering. What makes this casserole such a crowd-pleaser is its nostalgic taste, satisfying crunch, and gooey melted cheese—plus, it’s endlessly customizable!

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

Unlike standard casseroles, this version combines nostalgic flavors—hot dogs and crispy tater tots—with a savory cheese sauce that ties everything together. Each bite delivers the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy filling and a crispy potato topping, making it a standout for potlucks, game-day parties, or whenever you need a reliable, comforting meal.

Ingredient Prep for Maximum Flavor

Chopping your vegetables efficiently and evenly helps your casserole cook uniformly and lets the flavors shine. Use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick, consistent dicing of onions and peppers. For slicing hot dogs, a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Board is both gentle on knives and easy to clean.

For melty, gooey cheese throughout, shred your cheese fresh—blenders like the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender can speed up grating if you’re prepping for a crowd.

Building the Best Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

Start by sautéing onions and peppers in a quality nonstick skillet, such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, for even caramelization. Stir in hot dogs until just browned, then mix in your creamy soup base and cheese until everything is perfectly combined.

Layer this savory base in a casserole dish, cover with tater tots, and bake until bubbling and golden brown. For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle a layer of cheese over the tots halfway through baking.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Serve hot from the oven, garnished with sliced green onions or chopped parsley for color. To keep leftovers fresh, store in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, which are leak-proof and keep flavors locked in.

This casserole pairs well with a crisp salad or steamed veggies, and is easy to portion and pack for lunches—consider using a Bentgo Salad Container for a simple, portable meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 6 generous servings, each providing approximately 450–550 calories depending on cheese, soup, and hot dog choices. It’s a rich main course best enjoyed as a once-in-a-while treat!

Recap: Why This Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Is Irresistible

A classic comfort casserole elevated with gooey cheese, savory hot dogs, a creamy base, and a crispy tater tot crown—every bite delivers nostalgic, crave-worthy satisfaction. Make it once and it’s sure to become a staple for busy nights and casual gatherings alike.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. For easy cleanup and perfect browning, line your baking dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.
2. Using your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, finely chop the onions and bell peppers.
3. In a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Sauté onions (and peppers, if using) until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Add sliced hot dogs and continue to cook until slightly browned, about 2–3 more minutes.
5. Stir in condensed cheddar cheese soup and milk, mixing until well combined. Fold in 1 cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Transfer the hot dog mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly.
7. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the tots.
8. Bake, uncovered, for 35–40 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
9. Let cool for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Enjoy a comforting skillet-full of flavor and fun with this Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole—perfect for bringing smiles to your dinner table!