Green Bean Casserole with Tater Tots

This cozy green bean casserole takes everything you love about the iconic holiday side and adds a layer of golden crisp tater tots with a savory touch from a mozzarella and cheddar cheese mixture. Perfect for a family meal or potluck when you want a comforting dish that gets everyone talking and going back for seconds.

I first made this for a friendsgiving when I wanted to jazz up our regular green bean casserole and it instantly became part of our annual tradition my nephew always asks if I am bringing the tater tot version

Ingredients

• Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds richness and a creamy base choose a low sodium version if you want to cut back on salt
• Milk: Helps loosen the soup for the perfect casserole consistency whole milk will be slightly richer
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors use freshly cracked pepper for extra depth
• Garlic powder: Adds savory flavor without the hassle of chopping garlic look for a fresh potent powder
• Onion powder: Boosts umami and aroma try to use a finer powder for best blending
• Canned cut green beans: Tender and easy classic to this casserole be sure to drain well for best texture
• Frenchs fried onions: Irresistible crunch and flavor choose a can with whole pieces for best texture
• Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend: Melts into a gooey comforting layer freshly shredded is best for melting
• Frozen tater tots: The star topping always choose the brand that crisps up best in your oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and let it get hot while you prepare the casserole this means your tater tots will crisp up just right

Mix the Creamy Base:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk with salt pepper garlic powder and onion powder keep whisking until you have a completely smooth and even mixture the spices should be evenly combined so every bite is flavorful

Coat the Beans and Onions:

Add drained green beans and Frenchs fried onions to your bowl fold them gently into the soup base until everything is thoroughly coated resist the urge to overmix as you want the onions to keep some crunch

Assemble in the Baking Dish:

Grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray spread the green bean mixture evenly into the dish get the mixture smooth so your toppings lay flat

Add the Cheese:

Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the green bean layer make sure to spread it right to the edges for an even cheesy blanket as it bakes

Top with Tater Tots:

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single even layer across the entire casserole do not thaw them first as this helps them crisp up and brown perfectly

Bake the Casserole:

Place the dish in the center of your oven bake for thirty five to forty minutes keep an eye out for bubbling cheese and lightly browned tater tots for the best finish

Rest and Serve:

Once baked let the casserole rest for five minutes before serving this allows the layers to set and makes scooping easier

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You Must Know

• This dish feeds a crowd and makes great leftovers
• It is freezer friendly so you can bake ahead
• If you use fresh green beans blanch them first
• My favorite ingredient is always the tater tots that crispy golden top brings back childhood memories of sharing tater tot casseroles at family movie nights now my son always asks for extra tater tots on top and insists on layering a few for a double crispy bite

Storage Tips

You can store cooled leftover casserole covered in the fridge for up to three days make sure it is sealed tightly to keep the tater tots from getting soggy
Reheat portions in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispy top
For longer storage freeze cooled slices in airtight containers up to two months and reheat in the oven

Ingredient Substitutions

Try fresh or frozen green beans if you prefer the flavor over canned just blanch them first so they stay tender
Use Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese for a different cheesy vibe or all cheddar for classic flavor
You can use homemade fried shallots instead of packaged onions for extra crunch

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with honey grilled chicken roasted turkey or even as the main for a casual vegetarian supper
Add a side of cranberries or a crisp salad to balance the richness
For a brunch twist serve with fried eggs and a splash of hot sauce

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Cultural and Historical Context

Green bean casserole is the ultimate American comfort food originating as a Campbell Soup test kitchen recipe in the 1950s
It graces countless holiday tables and potlucks each fall and winter often tweaked by generations to match family tastes

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, simply blanch fresh green beans until tender before mixing them in. This adds a firmer bite and vibrant flavor.

→ How do I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Choose a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup and ensure your fried onions don’t contain animal products.

→ What cheese blend works best for this bake?

A mix of mozzarella and cheddar melts beautifully, offering both stretch and sharpness to the dish.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything except the tater tots, refrigerate, then add the tots and bake just before serving.

→ Are there ways to add extra protein?

For more protein, layer cooked ground beef or turkey between the green beans and cheese before baking.

→ How can I make this lighter?

Use low-sodium soup and reduce the fried onions. Swapping in reduced-fat cheese is another option.