This cheesy and flavorful casserole is packed with spinach and artichokes, all sitting happily on a bed of crispy tater tots. It’s a fun twist that everyone will love!
Honestly, every bite feels like a little party in your mouth! I like to serve it while watching a movie—it’s the perfect cozy snack with a crunch. 😉
Making this dish is a breeze. Just mix everything together, top with those golden tots, and bake until bubbly. You’ll have a warm dinner ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: I recommend using frozen spinach since it’s pre-washed and chopped. Be sure to thoroughly thaw and drain it to avoid making the dish watery. If you prefer fresh spinach, just sauté about 10 oz until wilted.
Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichoke hearts are a great choice for convenience. If you can’t find them, try marinated artichoke hearts for extra flavor, or replace them with chopped cooked mushrooms for a different twist.
Cheese: Cream cheese adds creaminess while mozzarella provides that stretchy, gooey texture. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you could use reduced-fat cream cheese and mozzarella. Adding sharp cheddar can also boost flavor!
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute if you want a healthier option or don’t have sour cream on hand. It’ll still give you that creamy consistency and tangy flavor.
Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots are perfect for crunch on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using hash browns instead! Just make sure they’re frozen so they bake up nicely.
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole Comes Out Creamy and Flavorful?
Getting the right texture and flavor in your casserole is key! Mixing the spinach, artichoke hearts, and cheeses thoroughly ensures everything is evenly distributed. Here’s how to make it perfectly creamy:
- Once you mix the cheeses and other ingredients, taste the mixture before spreading it in the baking dish. You can adjust seasoning as needed.
- Mix in the milk slowly to reach your preferred creaminess. If you like it a bit thicker, start with less milk and add more if needed.
- Spread the mixture evenly and be sure to cover all the edges. This helps them bake evenly and prevents them from getting too crispy.
How to Make Spinach and Artichoke Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes before you can enjoy this warm, cheesy dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This will make sure it’s hot and ready for your casserole!
2. Mix the Spinach and Artichoke Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed and drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, sour cream, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
3. Add in the Creamy Seasoning:
Next, pour in the milk along with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is nice and smooth. This will give your casserole that yummy flavor!
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the spinach and artichoke mixture evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Take your time to make it level, so every bite is delicious.
5. Top with Tater Tots:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of your creamy spinach and artichoke mixture. Make sure they cover it completely!
6. Bake Until Golden:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly around the edges.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole cool for a few minutes before diving in. It’ll be hot! Then serve up generous portions, and enjoy your Spinach and Artichoke Tater Tot Casserole. Yum!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, use about 10 ounces, roughly chopped. Cook it in a pan over medium heat until wilted, then drain and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the mixture.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier twist! It will maintain similar creaminess and add a nice tang to the casserole. Just use the same amount as indicated in the recipe.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, do so in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, keeping the tater tots crispy. You can also use the microwave but be careful not to overcook it.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Yes, feel free to customize your casserole! You can add cooked chicken or other veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly if you add more volume.
