Cheddar Sour Cream Tater Tot Bake: Easy Crockpot Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a crispier top, you can place the slow cooker insert under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after cooking, but make sure the insert is broiler-safe.

Alternatively, you can transfer the casserole to a baking dish and broil it briefly. This adds a nice golden, crunchy layer to the cheese without overcooking the rest.

If you want to add vegetables, stir in a cup of frozen peas or diced bell peppers with the soup mixture. They will cook in the sauce and add color and nutrition. For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup mixture. The possibilities are endless.

Variations

• Spicy Chorizo: Replace the bacon with 1 cup of cooked and crumbled fresh chorizo. Add a diced jalapeño to the soup mixture for extra heat. The smoky, spicy flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms and onions. Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken. This version is just as hearty and satisfying.
• Loaded Baked Potato: Add 1/2 cup of chopped green onions and 1/2 cup of sour cream to the top before serving. Sprinkle with extra cheese and bacon for a fully loaded experience.
• Broccoli Cheddar: Stir 2 cups of frozen broccoli florets into the soup mixture before pouring over the tots. The broccoli cooks in the sauce and adds a pop of green.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Freezer

Freeze the fully cooked and cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

The casserole will thicken as it cools, so you may want to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

You can assemble the entire casserole the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator.

In the morning, place the cold insert in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, adding 30-60 minutes to the cooking time. This makes it a great option for busy mornings or for preparing ahead for a crowd.

Serving ideas

Serve this tater tot bake as a main dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.

It also works well as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken. The creamy, cheesy texture pairs beautifully with something fresh and crisp to balance the richness.

For a fun twist, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped chives, or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also serve it with pickled jalapeños or a spoonful of salsa for a Tex-Mex feel. No matter how you serve it, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cheddar Sour Cream Tater Tot Bake: Easy Crockpot Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb frozen tater tots
• 1 cup crispy crumbled bacon
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 tbsp salted butter, cut into pats

Instructions

1. Place the frozen tater tots in an even layer in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the crispy crumbled bacon evenly over the tater tots.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the condensed cream of chicken soup and the sour cream until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the tater tots and bacon.
3. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Dot with the butter pats.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the tater tots are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges.
5. After 4 hours, check the center of the casserole. The tater tots should be fork-tender and the cheese should be golden and bubbling. If not, continue cooking for another 30 minutes.
6. Spoon the hot casserole onto plates. Serve immediately while the cheese is still bubbly.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

38 g

Fat

34 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.