15 Tater Tot Side Dishes That Go With Everything
Ah, tater tots – the ultimate side dish of our childhood dreams. Who doesn’t love the crispy, golden goodness that’s basically a potato in its purer form? As an adult, I’ve come to appreciate the versatility of these tots, and I’ve discovered that they’re so much more than just a Friday night dinner companion. They’re the ultimate team player, ready to support your meals in ways you never thought possible.
That’s why I’m excited to share these 15 tater tot side dishes that’ll transform your mealtime experience. These recipes are a perfect blend of playfulness, flavor, and convenience – making them a must-try for any foodie worth their salt. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting casserole, a spicy twist, or a light, refreshing side, we’ve got you covered.
1. Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tot Casserole
Why this recipe rocks: It’s the perfect combination of vitamins and indulgence.
#### Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tater tots
– 1 head of broccoli, steamed
– 1 cup of cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 2 tablespoons of butter
Important: Fresh broccoli is essential for this recipe, as it adds a burst of flavor.
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange half of the tater tots at the bottom of a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix the steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, and milk.
4. Pour the mixture over the tater tots and top with the remaining tots.
5. Dot the top with butter and bake for 25-30 minutes.
#### Why You’ll Love It:
This cheesy delight is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The steamed broccoli adds a vital touch of freshness to an otherwise comforting, cheesy casserole.
2. Spicy Southwestern Tater Tot Casserole
Why this recipe rocks: The jalapeño gives this classic a spicy kick.
#### Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tater tots
– 1 cup of pre-cooked ground beef
– 1/2 cup of black beans
– 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup of diced jalapeño
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange half of the tater tots at the bottom of a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix the ground beef, black beans, diced tomatoes, and jalapeño.
4. Pour the mixture over the tater tots and top with the remaining tots.
5. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes.
#### Why You’ll Love It:
This spicy delight is perfect for a cozy night in. The diced jalapeño gives a flavorful kick to an otherwise comforting casserole.
3. Beef Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
Why this recipe rocks: The smoky beef is a perfect complement to the creamy ranch.
#### Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tater tots
– 1/2 cup of crumbled beef
– 1/2 cup of ranch dressing
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of diced onion
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange half of the tater tots at the bottom of a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix the crumbled beef, ranch dressing, and diced onion.
4. Pour the mixture over the tater tots and top with the remaining tots.
5. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes.
#### Why You’ll Love It:
This creamy, savory dish is perfect for a chilly evening. The smoky beef and ranch give it a delightful twist.
4. Green Chili Tater Tot Casserole
Why this recipe rocks: The Hatch green chile adds an authentic touch.
#### Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tater tots
– 1 cup of pre-cooked ground beef
– 1 cup of Hatch green chile
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup of diced onion
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange half of the tater tots at the bottom of a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix the ground beef, Hatch green chile, and diced onion.
4. Pour the mixture over the tater tots and top with the remaining tots.
5. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes.
#### Why You’ll Love It:
This New Mexico-inspired dish is perfect for adventurous foodies. The Hatch green chile gives it a bold, spicy flavor.
5. Cheddar Jalapeño Tater Tot Bites
Why this recipe rocks: The perfect combination of cheesy, spicy goodness.
#### Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tater tots
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup of diced jalapeño
– 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle with cheese and sprinkle the diced jalapeño on top.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
#### Why You’ll Love It:
This snack is perfect for any party or gathering. The combination of cheesy and spicy flavors will have you coming back for more.
6. Garlic Parmesan Tater Tot Bites
Why this recipe rocks: The Italian flavors complement the tater tots perfectly.
#### Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tater tots
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and garlic on top.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
#### Why You’ll Love It:
These bite-sized tater tots are perfect for a movie night or a cozy evening in. The garlic and Parmesan give them a delightful Italian twist.
7. Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Why this recipe rocks: The spicy kick is balanced by the creamy ranch.
#### Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tater tots
– 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken
– 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup of diced onion
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange half of the tater tots at the bottom of a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and diced onion.
4. Pour the mixture over the tater tots and top with the remaining tots.
5. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes.
#### Why You’ll Love It:
This spicy casserole is perfect for football Sundays or game day gatherings. The buffalo sauce gives it a bold flavor.
8. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potato Tater Tot Casserole
Why this recipe rocks: The roasted garlic elevates the dish to a new level.
#### Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tater tots
– 3 cloves of garlic, roasted
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 cups of mashed potatoes
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange half of the tater tots at the bottom of a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, roasted garlic, and butter.
4. Pour the mixture over the tater tots and top with the remaining tots.
5. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes.
#### Why You’ll Love It:
This comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The roasted garlic gives it an irresistible aroma.
9. Italian Sausage Tater Tot Casserole
Why this recipe rocks: The Italian sausage adds an authentic touch.
#### Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tater tots
– 1 cup of pre-cooked Italian sausage
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup of diced tomato
– 1/4 cup of chopped basil
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange half of the tater tots at the bottom of a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix the Italian sausage, diced tomato, and chopped basil.
4. Pour the mixture over the tater tots and top with the remaining tots.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes.
#### Why You’ll Love It:
This hearty casserole is perfect for an Italian-inspired dinner. The Italian sausage gives it an authentic flavor.
10. Creamy Mushroom Tater Tot Casserole
Why this recipe rocks: The creamy sauce is a perfect complement to the tater tots.
#### Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tater tots
– 1 cup of pre-cooked ground beef
– 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup of diced onion
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange half of the tater tots at the bottom of a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix the ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and diced onion.
4. Pour the mixture over the tater tots and top with the remaining tots.
5. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes.
#### Why You’ll Love It:
This comforting casserole is perfect for a chilly evening. The sautéed mushrooms give it an earthy, comforting flavor.
11. Beef Cheddar Tater Tot Casserole
Why this recipe rocks: The smoky beef is a perfect complement to the tater tots.
#### Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tater tots
– 1/2 cup of crumbled beef
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup of diced onion
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange half of the tater tots at the bottom of a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix the crumbled beef, shredded cheese, and diced onion.
4. Pour the mixture over the tater tots and top with the remaining tots.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
#### Why You’ll Love It:
This simple yet satisfying casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering. The smoky beef gives it a delightfully savory flavor.
12. Chicken Fajita Tater Tot Casserole
Why this recipe rocks: The diced bell peppers add a pop of color and flavor.
#### Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tater tots
– 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken
– 1 cup of diced bell peppers
– 1/4 cup of diced onion
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange half of the tater tots at the bottom of a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, diced bell peppers, and diced onion.
4. Pour the mixture over the tater tots and top with the remaining tots.
5. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes.
#### Why You’ll Love It:
This vibrant casserole is perfect for a Mexican-inspired dinner. The diced bell peppers add a pop of color and flavor.
13. Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole
Why this recipe rocks: The scrambled eggs and tater tots are a match made in heaven.
#### Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tater tots
– 6 eggs
– 1/2 cup of diced ham
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange half of the tater tots at the bottom of a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, scramble the eggs and mix with diced ham and chopped parsley.
4. Pour the mixture over the tater tots and top with the remaining tots.
5. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes.
#### Why You’ll Love It:
This breakfast-inspired casserole is perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion. The scrambled eggs and tater tots are a match made in heaven.
14. Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bites
Why this recipe rocks: The buffalo sauce adds an irresistible spicy kick.
#### Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tater tots
– 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken
– 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce
– 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle with buffalo sauce and sprinkle the shredded chicken on top.
4. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
#### Why You’ll Love It:
These bite-sized tater tots are perfect for game day gatherings or party appetizers. The buffalo sauce adds an irresistible spicy kick.
15. Garlic Parmesan Tater Tot Gratin
Why this recipe rocks: The cheesy, garlicky goodness is elevated by the crispy tater tot crumbs.
#### Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tater tots
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup of diced mozzarella cheese
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange half of the tater tots in a baking dish.
3. Drizzle with butter and sprinkle the garlic and Parmesan cheese on top.
4. Top with diced mozzarella cheese and remaining tater tots.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
#### Why You’ll Love It:
This comforting gratin is perfect for a cozy evening in. The crispy tater tot crumbs add a delightful textural contrast.
And there you have it – 15 mouthwatering tater tot side dishes that’ll elevate your meals to a new level. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and classic or adventurous and bold, these recipes have got you covered. With their crispy texture, endless flavor combinations, and effortless meal prep, tater tots are the ultimate team player that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
