18 Fun Ways to Cook With Tater Tots

Here’s a fun and cheesy collection for anyone who loves crispy golden tots. From casseroles to nachos, these recipes show just how versatile tater tots can be. You’ll find everything from breakfast bakes to game-day snacks and hearty dinners. There’s something here for every kind of craving—loaded, wrapped, layered, or baked into comfort classics.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots

These bite-sized tots get extra crispy in the air fryer without needing deep frying. Made with sweet potatoes, they’re slightly sweet and pair well with spicy dips. They’re a great side dish or snack with a little twist. The air fryer keeps them light and crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots

Each tot is wrapped in bacon and baked until the edges crisp up beautifully. They’re savory, salty, and bite-sized—perfect for parties or late-night snacks. You can brush them with barbecue or maple glaze for a flavor boost. Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots

Easy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Rotisserie chicken gets mixed with a creamy base, veggies, and topped with golden tots. It’s simple to make with just a handful of ingredients. Everything bakes together in one dish for minimal cleanup. Great for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Easy Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

This dish captures all the Big Mac flavors with layers of beef, cheese, pickles, and secret sauce. Tater tots on top make it crispy and comforting. It’s a fun, unexpected take on the classic burger. Great for feeding a group.
Get the Recipe: Easy Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes

These croquettes are filled with creamy mashed potato inside and crisped up like oversized tots. They’re crunchy on the outside and smooth inside. Great as a side dish or finger food. You can add cheese or herbs for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes

Homemade Tater Tots

These tots are made from scratch with grated potatoes and simple seasonings. They crisp up beautifully when fried or baked. Homemade means you can season them exactly how you like. Great for freezing and reheating later.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Tater Tots

Loaded Tater Tots Recipe

These tots are topped with cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions for a full-on snack. They’re like a loaded baked potato in bite-sized form. Serve them on a platter for game day or parties. Best eaten right out of the oven.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots Recipe

Pie Iron Cheesy Tater Tots

Cooked over an open fire, these tots are pressed in a pie iron with gooey cheese. It’s a camping-friendly recipe with tons of flavor. The outside gets crisp while the inside melts perfectly. Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Pie Iron Cheesy Tater Tots

Shepards Pie With Tater Tots

This twist replaces mashed potatoes with crispy tots on top of savory ground meat and vegetables. It’s hearty and satisfying with minimal prep. The tots soak up some of the gravy as they bake. It’s a fun way to change up a classic.
Get the Recipe: Shepards Pie With Tater Tots

Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

This slow cooker version makes dinner hands-off and easy. Chicken, cheese, and soup come together under a layer of tots. They cook up tender and slightly crisp around the edges. Ideal for busy days when you want something warm waiting.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Tater tot breakfast casserole

Tots, eggs, cheese, and sausage are baked into a filling breakfast dish. Everything comes together in one pan and serves a group easily. You can prep it the night before and bake in the morning. It’s a hit at brunch tables.
Get the Recipe: Tater tot breakfast casserole

Tater Tot Hotdish

A Midwest classic made with ground meat, vegetables, cream soup, and a tot topping. It’s rich, filling, and nostalgic. The tots form a crispy crust over the creamy center. Great for potlucks or family dinners.
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Tater Tot Nachos

Swap the chips for tots and load them up with cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and more. They’re fun, filling, and easy to adapt to your tastes. Serve on a big tray for sharing. Add ground beef or chicken to make them a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Nachos

Tater Totchos

These totchos are all about piling on toppings like a nacho plate. Think melty cheese, beans, salsa, and sour cream. It’s a messy, delicious way to use tater tots as a base. Serve with forks or just dig in.
Get the Recipe: Tater Totchos

Totchos Loaded Tater Tot Nachos

A double name for an over-the-top snack plate. These are covered in cheese, meat, green onions, and sauces. You can serve them on a sheet pan for maximum crunch. Ideal for sharing or solo feasting.
Get the Recipe: Totchos Loaded Tater Tot Nachos

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

A meatless version filled with vegetables and creamy sauce, topped with crispy tots. It’s just as satisfying as its meaty cousins. You can use mushrooms, peas, corn, or anything you have on hand. It’s a good option for mixed eaters.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

Taco Tater Tot Casserole

All the flavor of tacos packed into a cheesy, crispy tater tot bake. Ground beef or chicken gets spiced up and layered under the tots. Top with salsa or shredded lettuce for a fresh touch. It’s a weeknight win.
Get the Recipe: Taco Tater Tot Casserole

Tater Tot Turkey Pot Pie

Leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken fills this creamy base, topped with tots instead of pie crust. It’s rich, comforting, and easy to throw together. The tots bake up golden and crisp. Great for post-holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Turkey Pot Pie

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Creamy chicken and vegetables sit beneath a golden layer of baked tater tots. It’s cozy, simple, and full of flavor. You can use canned soup or make your own base. It’s a longtime family favorite that always disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole