Emeril's Tater Tots N Cheese Bake

Dive into comfort food heaven with Emeril's Tater Tots N Cheese Bake, a creamy, cheesy casserole that reinvents the classic tater tot dish with bold flavors and a rich homemade cheese sauce. Featuring golden, crispy tater tots smothered in a velvety blend of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and sour cream, this kid-friendly favorite is elevated with a touch of paprika, garlic powder, and optional cayenne for a subtle kick. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or potlucks, this dish bakes to golden perfection in just under an hour and can be garnished with fresh green onions for an irresistible finishing touch. With its indulgent layers of flavor and easy preparation, this recipe will make your weeknight meals unforgettable.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 32 ounces frozen tater tots
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 stalks green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in the baking dish. Set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth.

Step 6

Add the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.

Step 8

Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the tater tots in the baking dish, ensuring all the tots are coated.

Step 9

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy topping.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Optional: Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for a pop of freshness and color.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1806.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3883.7

Total Fat 273.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 134.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 30.2g
Cholesterol 571.8mg	0%
Sodium 8520.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 297.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.9g	0%
Total Sugars 35.0g
Protein 100.9g	0%

Vitamin D 155.4IU	0%
Calcium 2493.3mg	0%
Iron 8.7mg	0%
Potassium 3286.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.7%

Protein: 10.0%

Carbs: 29.4%