Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish comes together quickly.
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, savory combination of chili dogs and tater tots.
- Comforting and filling – This bake is packed with flavor and satisfying textures, making it the perfect comfort food.
- Customizable – You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Great for leftovers – It reheats well, so you can enjoy it the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb hot dogs, sliced
- 1 can chili
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Spread the sliced hot dogs in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Pour the chili over the hot dogs, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or use spicy chili for extra heat.
- Different Cheese – Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.
- Extra Toppings – Garnish with sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips.
- Meaty Upgrade – Mix in cooked ground beef or bacon for even more flavor.
- Vegetarian Option – Use meat-free hot dogs and vegetarian chili.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes! Dice fresh potatoes, season them, and bake until crispy before adding them to the dish.
2. What kind of chili should I use?
Any canned or homemade chili works well. You can use classic beef chili, turkey chili, or even vegetarian chili.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bake, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try using Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend for variety.
5. How do I make this dish crispier?
Bake uncovered and broil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the tater tots even more.
6. Can I add beans to the recipe?
Yes, adding a can of drained beans can make the dish heartier. Black beans or kidney beans work well.
7. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes instead of using the microwave.
8. Can I add onions or peppers?
Definitely! Sautéed onions and bell peppers add extra flavor and texture.
9. What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with a side salad, coleslaw, or cornbread to balance out the meal.
10. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chili Dog Tater Tot Bake is a simple, delicious, and satisfying dish that combines all the flavors of a classic chili dog with crispy, golden tater tots. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun meal for a gathering, this bake is guaranteed to be a hit. Try out different variations and make it your own!
PrintCheesy Chili Dog Tater Tot Bake
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food! This Cheesy Chili Dog Tater Tot Bake combines the best of chili dogs and crispy tater tots, all baked to golden perfection with melty cheddar cheese. It’s an easy, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5min
- Cook Time: 30-35min
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6servings
- Category: Casserole, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb hot dogs, sliced
- 1 can chili
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Spread sliced hot dogs evenly in a baking dish.
3️⃣ Pour chili over the hot dogs and spread evenly.
4️⃣ Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5️⃣ Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
6️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes or until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7️⃣ Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Spicy Variation: Add diced jalapeños or use spicy chili.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Extra Toppings: Garnish with sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips.
- Vegetarian Version: Use meat-free hot dogs and vegetarian chili.