Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering feast that will have everyone begging for seconds? Look no further than this irresistible Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole - a perfect blend of crispy tater tots, savory bacon, creamy ranch, and melted cheese that promises to be the star of your dining table. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or hosting a weekend gathering, this crowd-pleasing dish combines classic American comfort food flavors into one incredibly delicious casserole that's sure to become an instant favorite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bag of frozen tater tots
- 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Once cooked, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Allow bacon to cool, then crumble into small pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing and 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to create a creamy base for the casserole.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Ensure they are spread out uniformly for consistent cooking.
- Pour the ranch and cheese mixture evenly over the tater tots, making sure to cover most of the surface area.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon pieces generously over the top of the ranch-covered tater tots.
- Top the casserole with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set and cool slightly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions just before serving for added freshness and color.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole!
Tips
- For extra crispy tater tots, avoid overcrowding the baking dish and ensure they're in a single, even layer.
- Use thick-cut bacon for more robust flavor and crunchier texture.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- For a spicy kick, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for better melting and richer flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter version, opt for turkey bacon and low-fat ranch dressing.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or a sharp cheddar for varied taste profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
