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To make the Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tot Casserole, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup sour cream - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup crispy fried onions (optional, for topping) These ingredients create a creamy and cheesy dish that everyone loves. The frozen tater tots provide a crispy base, while the broccoli adds color and nutrition. I always use fresh broccoli for a bright taste and texture. The cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the dish, making it rich and satisfying. You can adjust the amount of cheese based on your taste. For a twist, try different cheeses, too. The sour cream and cream of mushroom soup bring creaminess and depth of flavor. The garlic and onion powders enhance the taste without overpowering the other ingredients. Salt and pepper are key for balance. The crispy fried onions on top add a nice crunch. You can skip them if you prefer a simpler dish. For the full recipe, follow the cooking steps outlined in the next section. Enjoy your cooking! - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes. This step makes them bright green and slightly tender. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. - In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth. - Gently fold in the blanched broccoli and 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese. Make sure every piece of broccoli gets coated. - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom. - Pour the cheesy broccoli mixture over the tater tots and spread it out evenly. - Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. If you like extra crunch, sprinkle crispy fried onions on top. - Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. - Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly. For the full recipe with all the details, check out the recipe guide. Enjoy your warm, cheesy creation! - Correct oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key. A hot oven helps the tater tots get crispy. - How to achieve golden, bubbly cheese: Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This usually takes about 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it. You want a nice crust on top! - Presentation tips for serving: Serve directly from the baking dish. This makes it easy and fun. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color and freshness. - Suggestions for perfect accompaniments: Pair this casserole with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread. These sides balance the richness of the dish. - Overcooking the broccoli: Blanch the broccoli for just 2 to 3 minutes. If you cook it too long, it can become mushy in the casserole. Keep it bright green! - Skipping the blanching step: Don’t skip blanching the broccoli. This step helps keep the texture and color. It also helps the broccoli mix better with the cheese. {{image_2}} You can swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and protein. If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, use cream of chicken soup or a homemade version. This keeps the dish tasty and rich. For cheese, I love mixing cheddar with mozzarella for a gooey texture. You can also use pepper jack for a spicy kick. Other options include gouda or swiss. Each cheese gives a unique flavor and texture. Want to spice things up? Try adding a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper. These spices add warmth and depth. You can also mix in dried herbs like thyme or oregano for a fresh taste. Feel free to add other veggies, like bell peppers or carrots. For protein, shredded chicken or ground beef work great. Each addition makes the dish heartier and more filling. To make this dish a bit healthier, use sweet potato tater tots. They add flavor and nutrients. You can also cut back on cheese or use low-fat versions. This reduces fat and calories while keeping it delicious. Using whole grain tater tots can boost fiber too. These small changes make the dish better for you without losing any comfort. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftover casserole, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for longer. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Make sure you eat it within three to four days. That way, it stays tasty and safe. You can freeze Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tot Casserole, too! First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it well in plastic wrap. After that, place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C). This brings back the nice, crispy texture. In the fridge, you can keep it for three to four days. In the freezer, it lasts up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in color. Enjoy your casserole at its best! For the full recipe, check earlier in this article. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead. Just prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, bake it as usual. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This casserole pairs well with many sides. Try a fresh green salad for crunch. Garlic bread also complements the dish well. You could even serve it with some roasted veggies for added flavor. Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works great. Just make sure to chop it into small florets. Blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. This softens it slightly and helps keep its bright color. Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch and flavor. To reheat leftovers, place them in an oven-safe dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian. Just swap the cream of mushroom soup for a veggie version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you add any. This keeps all the flavors while making it meat-free. Yes, homemade cream of mushroom soup works perfectly. It adds a fresh taste to the dish. Just ensure it has a similar creamy texture. Using homemade soup can elevate your casserole to the next level. Check out the full recipe for tips on how to make it! In this blog post, we covered how to make a Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tot Casserole. We outlined the ingredients you need, from frozen tater tots to fresh broccoli. Then, we shared step-by-step instructions for preparation, making the cheesy mixture, and baking. I offered tips to avoid common mistakes and suggested ways to make the dish healthier or add extra flavors. Remember, this casserole is easy to store and reheat. Enjoy creating this comforting dish that pleases everyone at the table.

Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tot Casserole

Dive into the deliciousness of this Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tot Casserole that's perfect for any family dinner! With layers of crispy tater tots and a creamy, cheesy broccoli mix, this dish is both comfort food and a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make, it's ready in just 50 minutes. Click to explore the full recipe and delight your taste buds with this delightful twist on a classic favorite!
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Ingredients
  

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

3 cups fresh broccoli florets

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup sour cream

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup crispy fried onions (optional, for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth.

        Fold the blanched broccoli and 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture. Make sure everything is well-coated.

          In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer the tater tots evenly across the bottom.

            Pour the cheesy broccoli mixture over the tater tots, spreading it out evenly.

              Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and, if desired, sprinkle crispy fried onions on top for added crunch.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                  Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the baking dish, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy hot!