Ham 'N Tater Bake
A hearty and cheesy casserole featuring crispy Tater Tots, tender ham, broccoli, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange the frozen Tater Tots in a layer on the bottom and up the sides of a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are lightly browned.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
- While the potatoes are baking, combine the cream of celery soup and milk in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir until blended, then add the diced ham.
- Stir in the thawed broccoli and turn the mixture into the casserole over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the mixture is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider stirring in some garlic powder or onion powder into the cream of celery mixture. If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade white sauce. For a healthier option, swap regular Tater Tots with sweet potato tots. This dish is versatile and can also include other vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is perfect on its own but pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside Bacon Smokies as an appetizer to complement the main dish. For a more filling option, serve with crusty bread or rolls to soak up any delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning, and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham 'N Tater Bake contains roughly 358 calories, with 14g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (35% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 892mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh broccoli. Just blanch it in boiling water for a couple of minutes before adding it to the casserole. This will ensure it cooks properly in the oven and retains its bright color and crunch.
What can I substitute for Tater Tots?
If you're looking for an alternative to Tater Tots, consider using frozen hash browns or even homemade potato wedges. Just ensure they are cooked to a crispy texture before layering them in the dish for the best results.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).