Sometimes, you just need a dinner that makes everyone at the table light up—and this Chili Cheese Dog Tater Tot Bake does exactly that. It’s like a mashup of your favorite ballpark snack and the ultimate comfort food casserole. With juicy hot dogs, zesty chili, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots all baked into one glorious dish, it’s impossible to resist.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, looking for a potluck crowd-pleaser, or just craving something indulgent, this bake hits the spot in the most delicious way.
Short Description
This Chili Cheese Dog Tater Tot Bake is a crowd-pleasing comfort food casserole featuring layers of hot dogs, hearty chili, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for game day or a fun family dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can chili (with or without beans)
- 6–8 beef hot dogs, sliced into rounds
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Cooking spray
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Tools Needed
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Skillet (optional, if sautéing onions or hot dogs)
- Mixing spoon
- Oven
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Layer the Good Stuff
Spread the sliced hot dogs evenly across the bottom of the dish. If you’re using onions, you can sprinkle those on top here or sauté them briefly first for extra sweetness.
Spoon the chili over the hot dogs, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the chili layer.
Step 3: Add the Tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top. You can go neat rows or just scatter them—no wrong way here.
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Cheese It Up
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Why You’ll Love It
- Kid-Friendly – All their favorites in one dish.
- Customizable – Use spicy chili, veggie dogs, or add jalapeños for a twist.
- Great for Game Day – It’s like stadium food… but baked and better!
- Minimal Effort – Uses store-bought ingredients and comes together fast.
Variations & Tips
- Swap cheddar for a cheese blend like Monterey Jack or Colby.
- Add a can of drained diced tomatoes for more texture.
- Want it meatier? Stir in cooked ground beef with the chili.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything except the tater tots, refrigerate, and add tots right before baking.
Can I use homemade chili?
Absolutely. Use your favorite leftover chili for even more flavor.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Pop individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
Chili Cheese Dog Tater Tot Bake is the kind of comfort food that brings smiles all around the table. It’s hearty, cheesy, and just plain fun. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a game-day feast, this recipe is bound to become a regular in your rotation.