Ham and Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients

- 8 +

• 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 2 cups diced ham
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish

Done!

2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well

Done!

3

Add the diced ham and 1 cup of shredded cheese to the mixture and stir until evenly combined

Done!

4

Spread the ham and soup mixture evenly in the greased baking dish

Done!

5

Layer the frozen tater tots over the top of the ham mixture in a single layer

Done!

6

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the tater tots

Done!

7

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy

Done!

8

Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving

Done!

Kitchen Tools

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Chef's Tips

Use leftover holiday ham to make this recipe even more budget-friendly

For extra flavor, add diced onions or bell peppers to the ham mixture

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier slicing

You can prepare this the night before and bake it fresh in the morning

Troubleshooting

If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes

If the casserole is too dry, add an extra 1/4 cup of milk next time

If tater tots aren't crispy, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end

If the mixture is too watery, drain excess liquid before adding tater tots

Recipe Variations

Bacon lover's version: Replace ham with crumbled bacon

Veggie-packed: Add frozen peas, corn, and carrots to the mixture

Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese

Breakfast style: Add scrambled eggs to the ham mixture

Healthy Alternatives

Use low-fat cream of mushroom soup to reduce calories

Substitute turkey ham for a leaner protein option

Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese to cut down on fat

Add frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrition

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh green salad for a complete meal

Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans

Great for brunch alongside fresh fruit

Perfect with a side of dinner rolls

Nutrition Facts

385

Calories

18g

Protein

32g

Carbs

21g

Fat

3g

Fiber

3g

Sugar

920mg

Sodium

65mg

Cholesterol

Dietary Info

Can be made gluten-free with GF cream soup

Garnish Ideas

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives

Add a dollop of sour cream when serving

Top with sliced green onions

Drizzle with hot sauce for heat lovers

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes

Can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container

Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven at 350°F

Leftover Ideas

Use as a filling for breakfast burritos

Mix with scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast hash

Serve cold as a quick snack

Reheat and top with a fried egg for breakfast

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't thaw the tater tots before baking or they'll become mushy

Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking

Don't skip the resting time after baking - it helps set the casserole

Avoid overbaking or the tater tots will become too hard

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

While you can, tater tots provide the perfect crispy texture and convenience. If using fresh potatoes, dice them small and par-cook them first.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except the tater tots, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add tater tots and cheese right before baking, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! Freeze before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, thaw overnight before baking. If freezing baked, reheat from frozen at 350°F covered with foil.

How do I know when it's done?

The tater tots should be golden brown and crispy on top, and the casserole should be bubbling around the edges. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend work great. For extra flavor, try adding some Parmesan on top.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the crispy tater tots and cheesy flavor. It's a great way to use up leftover ham after holidays.

Reviews

Patricia K

Mar 3, 2026

This is my go-to recipe for using leftover Easter ham! My kids devour it every time. Pro tip: I add a can of drained corn for extra texture.

Robert T

Feb 25, 2026

Made this for Sunday dinner and had zero leftovers! Even my picky teenager went back for thirds. The crispy tater tots are addictive!

Jennifer L

Feb 23, 2026

Really tasty comfort food! I used cream of chicken soup instead and it worked perfectly. Next time I'll add some frozen peas for color.

David M

Mar 6, 2026

Bachelor-approved recipe right here! So easy even I can't mess it up. I threw in some hot sauce and jalapeños for a kick - highly recommend!

Amanda R

Feb 23, 2026

Perfect for meal prep! I make two pans on Sunday and we eat it all week. My husband says it's better than any restaurant casserole.

Carlos G

Feb 28, 2026

Great recipe! I added sautéed onions and bell peppers to the ham mixture - game changer! The tater tots get perfectly crispy.

Michelle B

Mar 13, 2026

This saved my potluck reputation! Everyone asked for the recipe. I used smoked ham and added a little paprika - absolutely delicious!

Thomas W

Mar 6, 2026

My wife made this when I was sick and it was like a warm hug in casserole form. Now it's in our regular rotation!

Stephanie H

Mar 14, 2026

Kids gave it two thumbs up! I snuck in some finely chopped broccoli and they didn't even notice. Will definitely make again.

Kevin J

Mar 17, 2026

Brought this to a church potluck and the pan came back empty! Someone actually licked their plate (not joking). That crispy cheese layer on top is perfection.

Rachel S

Mar 2, 2026

This is what comfort food dreams are made of! I use leftover Christmas ham and it's always a hit. Pro tip: broil it for 2 minutes at the end for extra crispy tots!

Brandon C

Feb 24, 2026

Solid recipe! I added some ranch seasoning to the soup mixture and it was fantastic. My only regret is not making two pans.

Natalie P

Mar 16, 2026

I'm not exaggerating when I say my husband ate half the pan by himself! Easy to make and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Gregory F

Mar 7, 2026

This is THE casserole that converted my wife from a casserole skeptic to a believer. The texture combination is just right!

Diana W

Feb 25, 2026

Made this for a busy weeknight and it was on the table in under an hour! Leftovers were even better the next day. Total winner!