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

Tips for success

For the crispiest top, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking. Just transfer the slow cooker insert to the oven (if it's oven-safe) or spoon the casserole into a baking dish.

This will give the onions and cheese an extra golden crunch. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

To make this dish ahead, assemble the layers in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook on low as directed, adding about 30 minutes to the cooking time. This makes it a great option for busy mornings.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken. Add a can of drained corn or diced green chiles for extra flavor. The result is a hearty, meatless casserole that's just as comforting.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the soup mixture. Use pepper jack cheese and top with sliced jalapeños before serving for an extra layer of heat.
• Loaded Baked Potato Style: Replace the pepper jack with sharp cheddar, and add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled sausage or diced ham. Top with chopped chives and a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving.
• Breakfast for Dinner: Add 1 cup of cooked, diced breakfast sausage and 1/2 cup of shredded hash browns to the mix. Use cheddar cheese and top with a fried egg before serving for a breakfast-inspired twist.

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 until hot.

Freezer

Freeze the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Leftovers can be stored 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 texture may soften upon reheating, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Assemble the casserole in the slow cooker insert up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate.

When ready to cook, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 4 1/2 hours, or until the tots are tender and the casserole is bubbling. Add 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Serving ideas

Serve this tater tot bake as a main dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. It also pairs well with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a steak.

This casserole is also great for potlucks and family gatherings. It can be kept warm in the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting for up to 2 hours.

Just stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Enjoy it hot, with a side of hot sauce or ketchup if desired.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Pepper Jack Sour Cream Tater Tot Bake: Easy Crockpot Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb frozen golden potato tater tots
• 1 cup crispy crumbled bacon
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup crispy French-fried onions

Instructions

1. Place the frozen tater tots in the bottom of a 7-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the crispy crumbled bacon evenly over the tots, making sure the bacon is distributed throughout the potato layer.
2. In a separate bowl, stir together the condensed cream of chicken soup and the sour cream until smooth. Pour this mixture over the tater tots and bacon, spreading it gently with a spoon to cover the potatoes as much as possible.
3. Sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese evenly over the soup mixture, then top with the crispy French-fried onions, covering the surface completely.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until the tater tots are tender and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Do not stir during cooking, as this will break up the tots.
5. After 4 hours, check the casserole by inserting a fork into the center. The tots should be tender and easily pierced. If they are still hard, cover and cook for another 30 minutes.
6. Spoon the hot casserole onto plates or bowls, making sure to get some of the crispy top in every serving. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

540

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

38 g

Fat

36 g

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