Cracked Out Tater Tot Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s ridiculously easy to whip up, you’ve come to the right place. This cracked out tater tot casserole is one of those recipes that’s always a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or just as a cozy weeknight meal. There’s something about the combination of cheesy goodness, crispy tater tots, and the savory blend of ranch dressing that makes this casserole a total comfort food win. Plus, it’s flexible enough to be prepped ahead of time, which is a huge bonus if you’re juggling a busy schedule.

I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, and each time I do, it seems to disappear just as quickly as it comes out of the oven. Whether it’s the crispy tater tots or the cheesy, eggy base, I’m convinced there’s some magic in this combination of ingredients.

this RECIPE

A recipe for good times (and leftovers!)

I remember the first time I made this casserole—it was for a Sunday brunch, and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It seemed simple enough, but I had doubts about how well everything would come together. Well, let me tell you, the moment I pulled it out of the oven and saw those golden, crispy tater tots blanketed in melted cheese, I knew I had stumbled onto something special. The smell alone was enough to bring everyone into the kitchen. And after that first bite? Oh, I was hooked. Even the pickiest eaters couldn’t resist coming back for seconds (and thirds).

Now, it’s a regular in my rotation, especially when I need something easy but satisfying. And honestly, the leftovers might be my favorite part. That is, if there’s any left to save.

A fun twist on a classic casserole

This casserole is a modern take on classic breakfast or brunch dishes, blending the familiar appeal of tater tots with flavors you might expect from a loaded baked potato. Did you know that casseroles have been around in the U.S. since the late 19th century? Back then, they were all about convenience—just like this one. Over time, they evolved, picking up different ingredients and flavor combinations as people added their personal touches. In this case, the addition of ranch dressing mix and cheese makes for a creamy, flavorful dish that’s irresistible.

Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of the show

Tater tots

These crispy potato nuggets are the base of this casserole. They provide that perfect crunchy texture that contrasts so well with the creamy, cheesy interior. If you’re out of tater tots or just want to switch things up, you could try using hash browns or even roasted potatoes for a slightly different texture. Trust me, I’ve tried it, and it works!

Cheddar cheese

Cheddar cheese brings sharpness and a gooey melt factor that makes this casserole irresistible. I’ve found that using a mix of sharp and mild cheddar strikes the perfect balance, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese blends—Monterey Jack or Colby cheese also work beautifully.

Ranch dressing mix

This is where the magic happens. The ranch dressing mix infuses the entire dish with that signature tangy, herby flavor we all know and love. If you don’t have any on hand, a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs can get you close to the same taste.

Eggs and milk

The eggs and milk create the custardy base that holds the casserole together. They bake up to a soft, fluffy texture that contrasts perfectly with the crispy tater tots on top. I’ve tried using a mix of whole milk and half-and-half for an even richer result, but you can also substitute with almond or oat milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

Kitchen gear you’ll need

No need for fancy equipment here—just a few basics and you’re good to go! First off, you’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish. This size is perfect because it allows the ingredients to spread evenly, ensuring every bite has that ideal balance of crispy tater tots and cheesy goodness.

A large skillet will come in handy for cooking the turkey bacon (more on that later), while a big mixing bowl is essential for tossing everything together. Lastly, you’ll need a whisk for combining the eggs, milk, and ranch mix. If you don’t have a whisk, a fork works in a pinch, though I’ve found a whisk gets the mixture smoother.

Step-by-step: making cracked out tater tot casserole

Step 1: Cook the turkey bacon

Start by cooking the turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once it’s done, chop it into bite-sized pieces. I like to cook it just shy of being too crispy because it’ll bake further in the casserole.

Step 2: Mix the tater tots, turkey bacon, and cheese

In a large mixing bowl, combine the tater tots, chopped turkey bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss everything together until it’s evenly mixed, then pour the mixture into your greased baking dish. This part is super easy, but here’s a tip: I sometimes add a bit of extra cheese on top because, well, there’s no such thing as too much cheese, right?

Step 3: Whisk the eggs, milk, and ranch mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and ranch dressing mix. You want this mixture to be smooth and well-combined. If the ranch mix clumps up a bit, just keep whisking until it dissolves. Then, pour this egg mixture evenly over the tater tot mix in the baking dish.

Step 4: Bake to golden perfection

Pop the dish into your preheated oven at 350ºF and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. If you’re worried about the tater tots getting too brown, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes, then uncover it to finish baking.

Let’s talk variations: endless possibilities!

One of the best things about this casserole is how versatile it is. Here are a few of my favorite variations:

Vegetarian

Swap the turkey bacon for some sautéed veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. You can even add spinach for some extra greens. I’ve tried this version, and the vegetables bring a fresh, vibrant flavor that contrasts nicely with the richness of the cheese and tater tots.

Gluten-free

Good news—this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free ranch dressing mix. Just double-check your ingredient labels to be sure.

Dairy-free

If you’re avoiding dairy, use a dairy-free cheese alternative, and swap out the milk for a plant-based option like almond milk or oat milk. I’ve made this version for a lactose-intolerant friend, and it turned out just as delicious!

Spicy kick

If you love heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the egg mixture. I like to add a drizzle of hot sauce on top before serving for an extra punch.

Serving ideas: make it a feast!

This casserole is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to serve it as part of a bigger spread, here are a few ideas. I love serving it alongside a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the casserole. You could also pair it with fresh fruit or a fruit salad for some sweetness and contrast. For brunch, serve with toast or warm, buttery biscuits to complete the meal.

For garnish, a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a nice pop of color and freshness.

beverage pairings

For drinks, I’m a fan of something light and refreshing to go with this casserole. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or an iced herbal tea, like mint or chamomile, is a great way to cut through the richness of the dish. If you’re serving it for brunch, consider offering a sparkling water with a splash of cranberry or lemon juice—it’s light, crisp, and the bubbles make it feel a bit more special.

Storing and reheating tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you’re in for a treat! Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend popping it back into the oven at 350ºF for about 15-20 minutes to bring back that crispy top. You can also microwave individual portions, but the tater tots won’t be as crunchy. A quick tip—if you find the casserole has dried out a bit, just drizzle a tiny bit of milk over the top before reheating.

Scaling the recipe up or down

This recipe is super easy to scale! If you’re cooking for a smaller group, you can halve the ingredients and bake the casserole in an 8×8-inch dish. Just reduce the baking time by about 10-15 minutes. On the flip side, if you’re feeding a crowd, feel free to double the ingredients and use two baking dishes. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan—you want those tater tots to crisp up!

Troubleshooting tips (and how to avoid mistakes)

If your eggs aren’t setting after the full bake time, don’t panic. Just cover the dish with foil and pop it back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes. I’ve had this happen before, especially if my oven wasn’t fully preheated. It’s also a good idea to let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before cutting into it—this helps everything firm up a bit more.

Time to get cracking!

Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or just want a comforting weeknight meal, this cracked out tater tot casserole is bound to be a hit. It’s easy to customize, foolproof to make, and oh-so-delicious. Give it a try, and feel free to tweak it to make it your own—you really can’t go wrong with a recipe like this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just cover tightly and freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

What’s the best cheese to use?
I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.

How do I make this dairy-free?
Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook the potatoes first. Roasted or boiled potatoes work best for this substitution.

Print