Bacon Ranch Tater Casserole – Dive into the ultimate comfort food. With our Bacon Ranch Tater Casserole! Perfectly combining tender shredded chicken. Crispy bacon, and golden tater tots. All wrapped up in a creamy ranch mixture. This dish is a hearty. And delicious meal. That’s sure to win over the entire family. Ideal for those busy weeknights. Or when you’re craving something deeply satisfying.
The first time I made this casserole. Was on a chilly evening. When I was looking for something that could warm us up. And bring the family together. To my delight. It was an instant hit! My husband. Always a bit picky. Went back for seconds. And even my little one. Who’s notoriously tough to please. Asked for more. It was a beautiful moment of content smiles. And full bellies. That turned this recipe. Into a family favorite.
What makes this Bacon Ranch Tater Casserole truly special?
This Bacon Ranch Tater Casserole. Is a culinary delight. That stands out for its incredible ease of preparation. Mouthwatering combination of flavors. And versatility for various occasions. It cleverly uses ingredients like pre-cooked chicken. And frozen tater tots. To cut down on prep time. While the blend of crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and melty Colby Jack cheese. Creates a comforting taste sensation. That’s hard to resist. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner. A potluck with friends. Or a cozy weekend lunch. This casserole promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Bringing smiles. And satisfaction to any table.
What You Need To Make This Bacon Ranch Tater Casserole Recipe?
Shredded Chicken: This is the cozy start of our dish. Easy to prepare. And full of comforting flavors. It’s all about bringing ease. And heartiness to the table.
Cream of Chicken Soup: It wraps the ingredients in smoothness. Blending everything together. In a creamy embrace. That’s both comforting and delicious.
Sour Cream: Adds a lovely richness and a hint of tang. Giving the casserole a depth of flavor. That’s as comforting as a warm blanket on a cold night.
Milk: Just a bit. To keep our dish moist and tender. Milk is like the quiet hero. That ensures everything comes out just right.
Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix: This is where the magic happens. Adding zest. And personality to the casserole. Making every bite a little celebration of flavor.
Black Pepper: A touch of warmth and spice. Just like a little nod to the simple joys in life.
Colby Jack Cheese: Melty and slightly tangy. This cheese is all about adding that gooey, comforting goodness. That makes everything better.
Bacon: Who doesn’t love bacon? Its smoky richness adds a layer of joy and crunch. Making the dish a true crowd-pleaser.
Tater Tots: Golden and crispy. They bring a fun. And satisfying crunch. That takes you back to the simple pleasures of childhood.
Green Onions: A final sprinkle. For a burst of fresh flavor. Adding a little color. And zest to round off the dish beautifully.
Steps To Make Bacon Ranch Tater Casserole:
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Step 1: Begin by warming your oven to a cozy 375F. Take a 9×13-inch pan. And give it a loving spray. With oil to ensure nothing sticks.
Step 2: In a large bowl. As if hugging all the ingredients together. Mix the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and ranch seasoning. A whisper of black pepper. And a cup of Colby Jack cheese. Stir until they’re all happily acquainted.
Step 3: Gently transfer this mixture into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. As if tucking it into bed.
Step 4: Sprinkle half of the bacon over the top. Like a blanket of flavor.
Step 5: Carefully arrange the tater tots on top. Ensuring each one. Has its place in the casserole.
Step 6: Bake in your preheated oven. For about 30 minutes. Until the top starts to turn golden. And the aroma fills your kitchen.
Step 7: Add the remaining cheese. Returning it to the oven for another 10 minutes. Allowing the cheese to melt. Into a bubbly blanket.
Step 8: Once done. Sprinkle the rest of the bacon. And the green onions over the top. Like adding confetti to a celebration. Serve warm. And watch as it brings smiles. And comfort to your table.
Tip:
For a truly unforgettable Bacon Ranch Tater Casserole. Here’s a pro tip: layer your ingredients thoughtfully. Before adding the tater tots. Sprinkle half of your cooked. And crumbled bacon over the creamy chicken mixture. Then proceed to lay the tater tots snugly on top. This middle layer of bacon. Infuses the casserole. With smoky flavors. Throughout as it bakes. Ensuring every bite. Is packed with that delightful bacon taste. It’s a simple step. That makes a big difference. Turning your casserole into a dish. That’s not just eaten. But remembered.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole. Cover it. And refrigerate it up to a day in advance. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. If you’re baking from cold.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Prepare the casserole without baking. Cover tightly. And freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. And bake as directed. Adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
To make this recipe healthier. Try using low-fat sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and cheese. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. Or leave it out for a veggie option. Try using cauliflower. Or veggie tater tots. To cut down on calories. Choosing chicken breast over darker cuts of meat helps too. These swaps. Keep the dish delicious. But make it lighter. And better for you.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Bacon Ranch Tater Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 c chicken cooked and shredded
- 1 10.5 ounces can cream of chicken soup
- 1 c sour cream
- ½ c milk
- 2 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ c shredded Colby Jack cheese divided
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 5 c frozen tater tots
- ¼ c green onions thinly sliced
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 375F. And grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a big bowl. Mix the chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning, some black pepper, and 1 cup of cheese. Until well combined.
- Spread this mixture evenly in the greased pan.
- Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon over the top.
- Lay the tater tots in a single layer. On top of everything.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Until the tater tots are golden.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. And bake for another 10 minutes. Until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Take it out of the oven. Top with the rest of the bacon. And the green onions. And it's ready to serve!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
