A cheesy, crispy, and indulgent twist on classic tater tots! These bite-sized casserole cups combine crispy tater tots with savory chicken, smoky bacon, and a creamy ranch cheese sauce. Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or family dinners!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Cheesy : Tater tots stay crunchy while the ranch cheese sauce gets gooey.
• Kid-Friendly : Easy to assemble and always a hit!
• Quick & Easy : Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
• Customizable : Add veggies or switch up the protein!

Ingredients (Makes 12–16 Individual Casseroles)

For the Base:

• 24–32 tater tots (enough to fill a muffin tin)
• 1 lb cooked chicken (shredded or diced—use rotisserie for ease)

For the Bacon & Aromatics:

• 6 slices bacon , cooked and crumbled
• ½ small onion , finely chopped (optional)

For the Ranch Cheese Sauce:

• ½ cup ranch dressing
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup sour cream (optional for creaminess)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper , to taste

For Assembly:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 egg (to bind the sauce)
• Optional toppings : Green onions, jalapeños, or crispy fried onions

Garnishes (Optional):

• Extra bacon bits
• Fresh parsley or chives
• Hot sauce for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Cook the bacon :
   • Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
2. Shred the chicken :
   • If using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper, then cook in a pan until done (165°F). Shred with forks.

Step 2: Make the Ranch Cheese Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix ranch dressing , cheddar cheese , sour cream , garlic powder , and onion powder .
2. Stir in the egg to bind the mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the Casseroles

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Line a muffin tin : Spray wells with cooking spray or line with paper liners.
3. Layer the ingredients :
   • Place 2–3 tater tots in each muffin cup.
   • Add a spoonful of shredded chicken .
   • Sprinkle bacon bits and chopped onion (if using).
   • Spoon ranch cheese sauce over the top.
   • Finish with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese .

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake for 20–25 minutes , until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden.
   • For extra crunch : Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch carefully!).

Step 5: Cool & Serve

1. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing with a butter knife.
2. Garnish with green onions or crispy fried onions .
3. Serve warm with extra ranch dressing or BBQ sauce for dipping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Casseroles

• Crispy Tater Tots : Bake them alone for 10 minutes at 400°F (190°C) before assembling to pre-crisp them.
• Double the Sauce : Use a 1:1 mix of ranch and mayonnaise for a thicker, creamier layer.
• No Muffin Tin? : Use a 9×13-inch baking dish for a single-layer casserole.
• Make Ahead : Prep ingredients up to 1 day ahead. Assemble and bake when ready!

Customization Ideas

• Veggie Boost : Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn to the ranch sauce.
• Spice It Up : Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy Overload : Use a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack cheese.
• Breakfast Version : Add scrambled eggs or hash browns for a hearty morning meal.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories : ~300
• Protein : 20g
• Fat : 20g
• Carbs : 20g

Why It’s a Winner

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food mashup—crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavors. The ranch sauce ties everything together, while the bacon and chicken add savory depth. Perfect for satisfying cravings!

Pro Secrets

• Tater Tot Hack : Use leftover baked tater tots for extra crunch.
• Creamy Sauce : Add 1 tbsp melted butter to the ranch mixture for richness.
• Freeze Ahead : Assemble casseroles, wrap in foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.

Final Touches

• Garnish : Top with a sprinkle of paprika or a drizzle of honey mustard.
• Serve with : A side of coleslaw or baked beans for a classic combo.

Your New Favorite Snack! These bite-sized casseroles are a fun twist on tater tots—perfect for parties or a cozy family meal.

Let us know how you like them—tag us in your photos! 🥔✨

Enjoy! 🍴