Loaded Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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Cook Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 cups milk
• 8 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 (32-ounce) package frozen bite-sized potato nuggets (Tater Tots), thawed
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 bunch green onions, white and pale green parts chopped, divided

Dill Cream

• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (230C) and grease a 2-quart square baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon.

3. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings from the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Stir in the flour and cayenne pepper, and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

5. Gradually add the milk to the skillet, stirring constantly, and cook for about 3 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.

6. Slowly add 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Then, stir in half of the green onions.

7. In a separate small bowl, place the sour cream and gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot sauce mixture from the skillet. Return this mixture to the skillet and bring it back to a simmer.

8. Add half of the thawed Tater Tots to the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sauce mixture and half of the crumbled bacon. Repeat the layers with the remaining Tater Tots, sauce, bacon, and cheese.

9. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the top is lightly browned.

10. For the dill cream, whisk together the sour cream, milk, and fresh dill in a small bowl. Drizzle the dill cream over the baked casserole and garnish with the remaining green onions.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 611
• Total Fat: 37g (47% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 15g (74% DV)
• Cholesterol: 69mg (23% DV)
• Sodium: 1130mg (49% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 54g (20% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (14% DV)
• Total Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 20g (39% DV)
• Vitamin C: 11mg (12% DV)
• Calcium: 438mg (34% DV)
• Iron: 1mg (8% DV)
• Potassium: 756mg (16% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Loaded Tater Tot Casserole

The Loaded Tater Tot Casserole is a quintessential example of American comfort food, with roots tracing back to the mid-20th century. Tater tots, the small cylindrical potato bites invented by the Ore-Ida company in 1953, became a pantry staple for home cooks looking to create simple yet satisfying meals. This casserole emerged as a creative way to combine the crispy appeal of tater tots with rich, creamy sauces, cheese, and bacon, reflecting post-war America's fascination with convenience foods while still celebrating hearty, home-cooked flavors.

Regional Variations and Local Twists

While the casserole is widely enjoyed across the United States, it has notable regional differences. In the Midwest, the dish often includes ground beef or cream-of-mushroom soup, emphasizing its meat-and-potato roots. Southern versions might feature spicy cheddar or smoked meats, integrating local barbecue traditions. Meanwhile, some West Coast adaptations incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or even avocado, reflecting the regions focus on fresh, lighter ingredients. Despite these variations, the core combination of tater tots, cheese, bacon, and a creamy sauce remains consistent.

How It Stands Out From Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional potato casseroles or shepherds pie, Loaded Tater Tot Casserole is distinguished by its use of pre-formed potato nuggets instead of mashed or sliced potatoes. This gives the dish a uniquely crunchy texture on top while maintaining a soft, creamy interior. The layering of a cheesy, sour cream-based sauce along with crumbled bacon also sets it apart from simpler baked potato dishes, offering a more complex flavor profile and satisfying contrast between textures.

Where Youll Typically Find It

Loaded Tater Tot Casserole is most commonly served in casual home settings, potlucks, or family dinners. Its simplicity and ability to feed a crowd make it ideal for gatherings. Some diners in the Midwest and South also feature this casserole as a comfort-food staple on restaurant menus, particularly in small, family-owned diners. It is equally popular as a hearty side dish for holiday meals, pairing well with roasted meats or fresh green salads.

Interesting Facts You Might Not Know

• The term tater tot itself is a registered trademark, yet it has become a generic name for similar potato bites worldwide.
• During its peak popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, casseroles like this were marketed heavily as time-saving solutions for busy American households.
• Variations of this casserole have inspired creative recipes featuring ingredients from mac and cheese to chili, demonstrating its versatility.
• Some food historians suggest that the layering technique in this dish is influenced by European gratin dishes, adapted to American ingredients and tastes.

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