Avoid A Soggy Tater Tot Casserole With This Simple Assembly Tip

Tater tot casserole is a midwestern delicacy. Usually, a tater tot casserole has a base of ground beef, canned vegetables, and canned cream soups, topped with a layer of tater tots forming a golden potato "crust." It's a cozy, hearty meal invented by farmwives during the Great Depression when affordable, filling food that could be prepared in large portions was vital. The dish grew in popularity and evolved, becoming a popular addition at potlucks, dinner parties, and other community events. The first recipe for a casserole or "hotdish," as it is formally known in its home state of Minnesota, can be found in a community cookbook from the 1930s.

Today, every iteration of tater tot casserole follows the original framework: protein, veggie, starch, and sauce. It remains a comfort food that is central to midwestern culture, representative of the salt-of-the-earth identity that has been forged in this region. With endless room for customization, tater tot casserole can be adjusted to suit any dietary restriction or food preference. The only non-negotiable is a crispy, fluffy, golden crown of tater tots on top. To get the crispiest tots possible, don't overcrowd the pan. It may be tempting to load up the top of your casserole with a mound of tater tots, but the rule of quality over quantity applies here. Taking the time to spread the tots over the top allows more air flow throughout the crevices between them and provides extra surface area for crisping up.

If crispy tater tots are the most important element to you, toss them in a bowl with a light coating of avocado or vegetable oil before layering them on the casserole. This helps add a crunch that is truly addictive. This can also be a great opportunity to add an extra sprinkling of seasoning, like dried herbs and seasoned salts. Finishing the casserole with a few minutes in the broiler is never a bad idea, just stay close to make sure it doesn't burn. Lastly, for the crispiest tots possible, double fry them. Cook your tots in the air fryer or oven before they even touch the top of your casserole for the perfect potato crunch. After all, the ingredients should be cooked-through before they even get put into the oven together, so use that to your advantage and get those tater tots a little more golden.

As for other ways to add variety to your tater tot hot dish, think about adding some freshness. Diced onions, cilantro, and jalapeños over a casserole made with salsa, taco seasoning, and pepperjack cheese would be divine. Or, one user on Reddit suggests a loaded baked potato-inspired casserole by topping with sour cream, bacon crumbles, and green onions. Packing the base full of caramelized onions, mushrooms, beef, and a rich onion gravy, then topping with tater tots and a layer of gruyere cheese could be another fun way to add new flavors to a classic casserole.