Growing up in the Midwest, you couldn’t beat the classic staples of comfort food. You may call it casserole or you might call it hotdish (and be, arguably, wrong), but either way, it tastes like home.
The 2025 Wisconsin State Fair recipe contest was proudly supported by Gather Wisconsin, with participants bringing forth their favorite casserole recipes in hopes of winning the grand prize.
One of our favorites was this Chicken Bacon Tater Tot casserole submitted by Heidi Strauss of Wautoma. This recipe features Wisconsin-grown chicken breasts, shredded up and mixed with bacon crumbles, Ranch dressing, corn and, of course, shredded cheddar cheese. Topped with crispy tater tots, this casserole is filled with the flavors of the Midwest and products grown and raised right here in America’s Dairyland.
I like that this recipe truly is no fuss – simply mix all of the ingredients, top with tater tots, set it in the oven and peek back after 35 minutes or so have passed. Serve with a fresh green salad and a cold glass of milk and you’ve got yourself a warm, hearty meal that is perfect for the cold winter months!
This recipe is toddler-approved by even the pickiest of eaters, so enjoy with the whole family!
Chicken Bacon Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken breast
- ½ cup cooked bacon crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can corn drained
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, bacon crumbles, soup, dressing, cheese and corn. Stir until well mixed.
- Grease a 9×13 dish and spread mixture evenly into the dish.
- Arrange frozen tater tots on top of the mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until tater tots are golden brown and casserole is heated through.