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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
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: Velveeta 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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