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Ever thought about combining mac and cheese with tater tots? This Mac and Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up. Creamy, cheesy pasta meets crispy, golden tots in a dish that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It's easy to make, and the kids will love it. Let's dive in!
The name of the recipe: Mac and Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 package frozen tater tots
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Top with an even layer of frozen tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
What You Will Need
Read more: Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make mac and cheese tater tot casserole
- Elbow macaroni: Provides the classic pasta base, offering a chewy texture that pairs well with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly, creating a rich, gooey sauce that binds the casserole together with a sharp, tangy flavor.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the cheese sauce, ensuring it coats the macaroni evenly and remains smooth.
- Butter: Enhances the richness of the cheese sauce, adding a subtle, savory depth to the overall flavor.
- Frozen tater tots: Creates a crispy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy macaroni and cheese beneath.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Mac and Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Saucepan: Used to melt butter and cheese, creating a smooth sauce for the macaroni.
- Baking dish: Holds the macaroni and cheese mixture topped with tater tots for baking.
- Colander: Drains the cooked macaroni, removing excess water.
- Wooden spoon: Stirs the cheese sauce and macaroni, ensuring even coating.
- Oven: Bakes the casserole, making the tater tots crispy and golden brown.
Mac and Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
A delicious and comforting casserole combining mac and cheese with crispy tater tots.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni
- 3 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 package Frozen Tater Tots
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Top with an even layer of frozen tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Notes:
For extra flavor, you can add cooked bacon bits or a sprinkle of paprika on top before baking.
Read more: Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the mac and cheese mixture as directed.
- Pour into a baking dish but don't add tater tots yet.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the mac and cheese mixture in a freezer-safe dish.
- Skip adding tater tots for now.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Add tater tots on top before baking.
For a fun twist, try adding crushed potato chips on top of the tater tots before baking. It adds an extra layer of crunch and flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How long does it take to prepare this casserole?
About 15 minutes for prep, plus 45 minutes for baking.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne or shells works well.
Is it possible to add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely, cooked bacon or ground beef makes a great addition.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Try mozzarella, gouda, or a cheese blend for different flavors.
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