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Loaded Baked Potato Tater Tot Casserole

4.8/5
Loaded Baked Potato Tater Tot Casserole
⏱️
50min Time
👥
8 servings Servings
🟢
Easy Difficulty
💰
Budget Cost
🔥
465 kcal Calories

Video Tutorial

ℹ️ Video Disclaimer: This video is embedded from YouTube and is not owned by us. All rights belong to the original creator. Watch on YouTube

Ingredients

8
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish

2

In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, ranch dressing, salt, and pepper until smooth

3

Add the cooked bacon, chopped green onions, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sour cream mixture. Stir until well combined

4

Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish

5

Pour the sour cream mixture over the tater tots, spreading it evenly to cover

6

Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

7

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown

8

Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving

Kitchen Tools

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)

Chef's Tips

Cook bacon in the oven on a sheet pan for easier cleanup and crispier results

Don't thaw the tater tots - use them frozen for best texture

Reserve some bacon and green onions for garnish on top

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking so it sets properly

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes
If tater tots aren't crispy enough, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end
If casserole is too dry, add an extra 1/4 cup of sour cream or ranch
If mixture is too runny, bake uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes

🔄 Recipe Variations

Tex-Mex style: Add taco seasoning, use pepper jack cheese, and top with jalapeños
Broccoli cheddar: Add 2 cups steamed broccoli florets to the mixture
Buffalo chicken: Replace bacon with diced buffalo chicken and drizzle with buffalo sauce
Breakfast version: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage instead of bacon
Loaded supreme: Add diced ham, mushrooms, and bell peppers

🥗 Healthy Alternatives

Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce fat
Substitute Greek yogurt for half the sour cream for added protein
Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese to cut calories
Add steamed broccoli florets for extra vegetables and nutrients
Use light ranch dressing to reduce calories

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Nutrition Facts

465
Calories
16g
Protein
32g
Carbs
31g
Fat

🥗 Suitable Diets

Vegetarian (if bacon is omitted)
Can be made gluten-free with GF tater tots and ranch dressing

🎨 Presentation Ideas

Sprinkle with extra crispy bacon crumbles
Top with freshly chopped chives or green onions
Add a dollop of sour cream on each serving
Garnish with shredded cheese before serving
Drizzle with extra ranch dressing

📦 Storage & Conservation

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 2 months - best frozen before baking
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in oven at 350°F for 20 minutes

♻️ Leftover Ideas

Reheat and top with a fried egg for breakfast
Use as a filling for loaded potato skins
Serve alongside scrambled eggs for a hearty brunch
Mix with additional cheese and make loaded potato quesadillas
Stuff into bell peppers and bake for stuffed peppers

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't thaw the tater tots beforehand or they'll become mushy
Make sure bacon is fully cooked and crispy before adding
Don't skip greasing the pan or the casserole will stick
Avoid overbaking or the cheese will become oily and separate

FAQ

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

While possible, tater tots provide the perfect texture and convenience. If using fresh potatoes, dice them small, parboil first, and increase baking time by 15-20 minutes.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except the final cheese topping, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the top cheese layer just before baking and add 10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, Colby, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work great. For extra flavor, try mixing in some Parmesan or Gruyere.

How do I make this vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for that savory, umami flavor.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! For best results, freeze before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15-20 extra minutes to the cooking time, covering with foil if needed.

Why is my casserole soggy?

Make sure tater tots are frozen (not thawed) and don't add too much liquid. If it's still soggy, bake uncovered for an extra 10 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or corn all work well. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid from vegetables first.

What can I substitute for ranch dressing?

You can use a homemade ranch seasoning mixed with sour cream, or substitute with cream of chicken soup or a white cheese sauce for different flavor profiles.

Reviews

Melissa R
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 29, 2026
This is literally a loaded baked potato in casserole form and I'm HERE FOR IT! My husband ate half the pan himself. The crispy tater tots with that creamy bacon mixture is perfection!
Trevor K
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 20, 2026
Made this for Sunday football and it was the MVP of the food lineup! Everyone was scraping the pan. Pro tip: I broiled it for 2 minutes at the end for extra crispy cheese!
Jasmine L
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 19, 2026
My kids call this 'the best dinner ever' and request it weekly! I sneak in some broccoli and they don't even complain. Mom win!
Craig M
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Jan 12, 2026
Super tasty comfort food! Only giving 4 stars because I wish I'd added more bacon - can you ever have too much bacon? Next time I'm doubling it!
Valerie T
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 13, 2026
This casserole is DANGEROUS. I made it for a potluck and ended up eating three servings myself before it even left my house. Had to make a second pan!
Jordan P
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 20, 2026
As someone who lives for loaded baked potatoes, this is a game-changer! So much easier than making individual potatoes. The ranch dressing adds such a great tang!
Rachel B
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 27, 2026
Made this for my daughter's sleepover and the girls devoured it! Even the pickiest eater cleaned her plate. Adding this to my regular rotation!
Derek S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 12, 2026
Dude, this is like nachos and loaded fries had a baby! I added jalapeños and it was absolutely fire. My roommates are already asking when I'm making it again.
Christine W
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Feb 4, 2026
Really delicious! I made it healthier with turkey bacon and Greek yogurt instead of some of the sour cream. Still tasted amazing and I didn't feel as guilty!
Aaron F
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 29, 2026
This is my new favorite comfort food! That combo of crispy tots, melted cheese, and bacon is unbeatable. Leftovers are great for breakfast with a fried egg on top!
Brittany H
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feb 3, 2026
I've made this four times in the past month - it's THAT good! My husband said it's better than any restaurant loaded potato. The green onions add the perfect fresh bite!
Miguel A
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 29, 2026
Brought this to a BBQ and people literally fought over the last serving! Someone tried to take the whole pan home. Already texted the recipe to five people!
Emily N
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feb 3, 2026
This saved dinner when I forgot to meal prep! Had all the ingredients on hand and it was ready in under an hour. My picky teenager actually asked for seconds!
Tyson R
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feb 1, 2026
Bachelor cooking at its finest! Easy enough that I can't mess it up and impressive enough that my date thought I could actually cook. Total keeper recipe!
Sandra K
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Jan 24, 2026
So creamy and satisfying! I added some steamed broccoli to sneak in veggies and it was still a hit with the family. Would've been 5 stars but mine came out a bit salty - go easy on the salt!
Patrick L
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 10, 2026
This is what dreams are made of! That crispy cheese layer on top and the creamy bacon mixture underneath... I could cry tears of joy. Already planning my next batch!
Nina G
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 13, 2026
Made this for a church potluck and had to guard the pan with my life! Everyone wanted the recipe. It's like a party in your mouth with every bite!
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