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    Home » Side Dish Recipes » Potato Recipes

    Published: Jul 30, 2019 · Modified: Apr 26, 2026 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 41 Comments

    Tater Tot Poutine with Ham and Cheese

    Jump to Recipe
    A purple skillet filled with cheesy tater tot poutine topped with ham, scallions, and gravy.
    Closeup vertical photo of tater tot poutine with melted cheese, scallions, ham, and title text overlay graphic.

    Tater Tot Poutine is my quick and easy take on the French-Canadian classic, but mine is made with everyone's favorite freezer staple...tater tots.

    Serve this delicious smothered tater tot recipe as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. The choice is yours!

    Closeup photo of a skillet loaded with tater tot poutine, cheese, ham, and green onions.

    Three cheers for all things POTATO!! If you love potatoes and all their versatility, check out the following recipes: Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs, Chicken Pot Pie Potatoes, Vesuvio Potatoes and Gravy, and Mashed Sweet Potato Croquettes.

    This recipe post and its contents may include affiliate links for your consideration. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, but your prices are never increased as a result. Thank you.

    Table of Contents Found Here
    • The ingredient list:
    • Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
    • Why this recipe for tater tot poutine works:
    • Additional add-in suggestions:
    • What is the best method for cooking frozen tater tots for poutine?
    • What tater tots work best for this recipe?
    • Will this recipe work with frozen French fries?
    • Additional tater tot recipes
    • Want other delicious potato recipes?
    • The easy step-by-step photo instructions for making tater tot poutine:
    • Printable Recipe Card
    • Please comment if you've made this recipe.

    Subscribe to my Kudos Kitchen channel on YouTube. IT'S FREE!! Thanks, and I can't wait to see you there!!
    Overhead photo of a purple skillet filled with cheesy tater tot poutine with an orange napkin and a large spoon.

    The ingredient list:

    *Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.

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    • frozen tater tots
    • prepared gravy; beef, chicken, turkey, (either store-bought or homemade)
    • ham (leftovers work great for this recipe)
    • shredded cheddar cheese
    • shredded Swiss cheese
    • chopped scallions
    • olive oil
    • olive oil spray
    • salt and pepper

    Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

    • cast iron skillet
    • spatula
    • cheese grater
    • chef's knife
    • cutting board
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • baking sheet (optional)
    • parchment paper (optional)

    Why this recipe for tater tot poutine works:

    It's fast, easy, and totally customizable!

    Plus, who doesn't love crispy tater tots and melted cheese?!!

    Additional add-in suggestions:

    • Bacon (cooked)
    • Bell Peppers
    • Ground Beef (cooked)
    • Ground Turkey (cooked)
    • Pulled Pork
    • Diced Avocados
    • Diced Tomatoes
    • Shredded Brussels Sprouts
    • Corn Kernels
    • Chopped Broccoli
    • Shredded Chicken (cooked)
    • Sour Cream
    • You get the idea!

    What is the best method for cooking frozen tater tots for poutine?

    When making tater tot poutine, I recommend using a cast-iron skillet if you have one. Nothing else will give the potatoes their deep, dark, color and crunch as a cast-iron skillet can.

    However, this recipe can also be made on a baking sheet or in a casserole dish and you will still have fabulous results.

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    What tater tots work best for this recipe?

    It's totally your call.

    If you have a favorite brand, shape or flavor...go for it!!

    Will this recipe work with frozen French fries?

    Sure!

    If that's what you have in your freezer, don't let me stop you!

    A closeup of a spoonful of tater tot poutine with cheese and green onion.

    Additional tater tot recipes

    This Ham and Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Bake will become your weekend go-to breakfast or brunch staple because everyone loves it. Plus, it's quick to put on the table without much effort.

    This quick to prepare 5-ingredient Smoked Sausage Tater Tot Casserole is a sure thing when it comes to pleasing every member of the family.

    Mashup your potato soup recipe by adding everybody's favorite...tater tots! Tater Tot Chowder is hearty, delicious, and will soon become a family favorite!

    Want other delicious potato recipes?

    Chicken Pot Potatoes (pictured below)

    What do you get when you combine a baked potato with all the comfort and goodness of a chicken pot pie, but without all the work? Chicken Pot Pie Potatoes, that’s what!

    A chicken pot potato in a small skillet with parsley and a slat and pepper shaker in the background.

    Tex-Mex Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (pictured below)

    When you want to spice up your dinner options, but still want something healthy and quick, this recipe may be just the thing you’re looking for!

    Tex-Mes Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and scallions with a lime.

    Pimento Cheese Mashed Potatoes (pictured below)

    "It seems like everyone’s favorite side dish is always mashed potatoes. Not that traditional mashed potatoes needed help in the favorites category, but then again why not give them a little update? These Zippy Pimento Cheese Mashed Potatoes are EVERYTHING!"

    A white oval bowl filled with pimento cheese mashed potatoes with butter on top and Idaho potatoes and an orange napkin in the background.

    Tater Tot Poutine (pictured below) THIS IS THE PLACE!!

    Vertical Title Text Collage image of tater tot poutine with title text overlay graphic.

    The easy step-by-step photo instructions for making tater tot poutine:

    • Preheat oven to 425-degrees.
    • Heat an empty 8" - 10" cast-iron skillet for 10 minutes.
    • Brush the hot skillet with olive oil.
    • Immediately add the frozen tater tots in an even layer to the skillet (a casserole dish or sheet pan will also work).
    • Season the tater tots with salt and pepper.
    • Return the skillet to the 425-degree oven for 20-25 minutes.
    • Remove the tater tots from the oven and top them with the ham, gravy, and shredded cheese.
    • Return the tater tot poutine to the oven until the cheese has melted.
    • Remove from the oven and top immediately with chopped scallions.
    • Serve hot with sour cream (not pictured).
    How to make tater tot poutine.
    Vertical title text image of tater tot poutine in a purple skillet.

    When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.

    Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!

    Printable Recipe Card

    Overhead photo of a skillet filled with tater tot poutine.
    QR Code

    Tater Tot Poutine

    Renee Goerger
    Crispy tater tops are topped with gravy, melted cheese, ham, and scallions.
    Have you made this recipe?Please Comment and Rate
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Save this recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 35 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 139 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 package frozen tater tots
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 cup gravy homemade or store-bought
    • 3 ounces chopped ham
    • ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
    • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • ½ cup chopped scallions
    InstacartGet Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 425 degrees
    • If using a cast-iron skillet, heat skillet in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
    • Brush the inside of the hot skillet (or the base of a baking sheet or casserole dish) with oil.
    • Add the frozen tater tots in an even layer to the pan.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
    • Remove and top with the ham, gravy, and shredded cheeses.
    • Return to the oven until the cheeses have thoroughly melted.
    • Remove the poutine from the oven and top with the scallions.
    • Serve hot.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Calories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 435mg

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's recipe for Tater Tot Poutine as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

    Closeup vertical image of tater tot poutine with melted cheese, scallions, ham, and title text overlay graphic.

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!

    Please don't forget to like and follow me across all of my SM channels, and while you're at it stop by and say hello! I'll be looking for you! 🙂

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    Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!

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    More Potato Recipes

    • A spoon holding a serving of potatoes au gratin with onions over the casserole dish.
      Potato Gratin with Beer Cheese Sauce
    • Plump potato gnocchi in a bowl of cheddar soup with carrots, celery and bacon.
      Gnocchi Soup with Cheddar and Bacon
    • A cooked and crumbled bratwurst gravy over a baked potato on a plate with peas.
      Bratwurst and Gravy Baked Potato
    • Melted cheese on the inside of a mashed sweet potato croquette.
      Mashed Sweet Potato Croquettes

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.84 from 6 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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    1. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

      June 26, 2020 at 8:43 am

      Everyone at my house loved it! Tasted SO good!

      Reply
    2. Beth says

      June 26, 2020 at 8:30 am

      Yummy! This looks so delicious and I can't wait to dive in! Can't wait to make this!

      Reply
    3. Skip Pereira says

      January 27, 2019 at 10:21 pm

      really nice recipe but it really needs to be made with cheese curds to be a poutine....

      Reply
      • Renée says

        January 28, 2019 at 5:44 am

        Hello, Skip!
        Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it!
        I do know that this isn't an authentic poutine recipe, which is why I referenced it in the title as "Kudos Kitchen Style."
        Next time I make poutine it will definitely have cheese curds!
        Have a wonderful day!
        Renee

        Reply
    4. Renee Goerger says

      November 03, 2015 at 11:15 pm

      Thank you, Rose. It's a fine line I walk with sharing personal stories and/or just getting right to the recipe. I try to make a nice balance without making things boring. Thanks for the lovely compliment. I'm glad you enjoy my blog and I really appreciate the comment!

      Reply
    5. Nutmeg Nanny says

      November 02, 2015 at 4:17 am

      I always wonder if I post about too many types of food but then I remember it's my blog and I like the way things look...haha. I say keep on doing what you're doing 🙂 LIKE this awesome tater tot poutine. It looks amazing!

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        November 03, 2015 at 11:10 pm

        Thanks Brandy. That seems to be the general consensus, so I'll just keep doing what I'm doing. After all, it's all about having fun, right?

        Reply
    6. Cathy Trochelman says

      October 29, 2015 at 5:06 am

      I love poutine and this version looks delicious! I struggle with the niche question all the time, but in reading through people's responses, I like the idea that a certain tone or feel is more important than a specific niche. Good luck figuring it out! 🙂

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        November 03, 2015 at 11:11 pm

        That's what I'm gathering too, Cathy. From what I've been seeing, people (thankfully) seem to be liking what I'm putting out. I'm grateful and excited to keep doing what I love. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

        Reply
    7. Andi Gleeson says

      October 28, 2015 at 5:15 pm

      Holy cow. Hand me some stretchy pants, and let me at it!

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        November 03, 2015 at 11:15 pm

        LOL! Exactly!

        Reply
    8. Kim Bee says

      October 28, 2015 at 5:13 am

      I think sometimes that whole niche things gets lost in translation. I personally don't think it means you have to focus on one type of cooking. I think it's more about focusing your feel and style so your blog is cohesive. Yours is, it's comfort food. Look at PW, she's the most successful blogger of all time, and she makes everything under the sun. But her cooking style and photo style is very "her own". You know when you see her recipes and photos that it's her. I think that's the key to being the perfect brand and niche. Just my humble two cents on niches.

      I love this recipe. This is definitely comfort food at its finest. I want to dive right into the middle of this and eat my way out.

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        November 03, 2015 at 11:17 pm

        Great point, Kim. I'm pleased to have found my style after all these years. Since I'm sharing what I love, I guess it all just falls into place. Thanks so much for your take on the matter.

        Reply
    9. Maris says

      October 28, 2015 at 2:27 am

      OMG. That is all. And also, everything Jenny said above!

      Reply
    10. Jenny Bullistron says

      October 27, 2015 at 1:49 pm

      Yes, please! I order poutine often at restaurants and this needs to happen. At my house. Now. I can't wait to try this recipe!

      Reply
    11. lauren kelly says

      October 27, 2015 at 11:13 am

      I think your niche is fabulous food 🙂 Just keep up the wonderful recipes and people will follow. My family would love this poutine!

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        October 27, 2015 at 12:40 pm

        Thank you so much, Lauren! I'm glad you like the poutine!

        Reply
    12. Kimberly Killebrew says

      October 27, 2015 at 2:41 am

      Yours is an awesome blog, keep up all the tasty work! And this poutine sounds wonderful, the perfect comfort food!

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        October 27, 2015 at 12:38 pm

        I agree about it being comfort food. You just can't beat potatoes, gravy and cheese! Thanks for the kind words, Kimberly!

        Reply
    13. Cookin' Canuck says

      October 27, 2015 at 4:35 am

      There are so many "what if"s in blogging, but there's one rule you should always follow...blog about what makes you happy. If you love the recipes you make and photograph, that will shine through to your readers and you will feel so much more satisfied than if you stuck to a niche that perhaps doesn't always speak to you. And these tater tots? They're definitely speaking to me!

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        October 27, 2015 at 12:40 pm

        You're right, Dara. Thank you. I need to stop "shoulding" and keep on keepin' on.

        Reply
    14. The Food Hunter says

      October 26, 2015 at 10:49 pm

      I think it is wonderful just the way it is!!

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        October 27, 2015 at 12:37 pm

        Awww. Thanks!

        Reply
    15. Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says

      October 27, 2015 at 2:11 am

      Oh yum, this is some serious comfort food...tots, gravy, melted cheese! I think that as long as you're sharing what you love, your content is perfect.

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        October 27, 2015 at 12:37 pm

        I am, and I do. Thanks Heather.

        Reply
    16. Ginny McMeans says

      October 26, 2015 at 9:07 pm

      You and your sister sure get some great recipe brainstorming done. Cast iron just turns potatoe recipes into a dream. Not true about needing a niche. Center Cut Cook is not that many years old and she is huge! She cooks it all. What will help is 'that one recipe' that goes crazy and stays there forever (words from Ashley). Ashley's boost was her chocolate lasagna. Of course, all of her recipes are wonderful - just like yours!

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        October 27, 2015 at 12:36 pm

        I'm waiting for that one viral recipe, Ginny. Thanks for the lovely comment. I'll keep on keeping on 🙂

        Reply
    17. Des @ Life's Ambrosia says

      October 26, 2015 at 9:05 pm

      OH MY GOD. I can't even handle all of this deliciousness. I love poutine but you've gone and made it even better with tots. Yum!

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        October 27, 2015 at 12:35 pm

        HaHaHa! You can handle it! I know you can!

        Reply
    18. Erin Dee says

      October 26, 2015 at 8:51 pm

      I love your blog the way it is! I think finding a niche is difficult when you don't do special diet stuff. How many non-niche and non-special diet blogs are there?! I can't really think of any. Except two. Or three. And aww! I bet your sons secretly read your blog. 🙂

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        October 27, 2015 at 12:35 pm

        LOL, I'm not too sure about my sons reading my blog, Erin, but I do know they enjoy the food! Thanks for the kind comments. Much appreciated!

        Reply
    19. Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says

      October 26, 2015 at 5:29 pm

      I love restaurant inspired recipes - it happens to me sometimes too! I love the use of tator tots....the best! I don't have a niche with my blog either and I don't care - it's what I like! Variety 🙂

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        October 27, 2015 at 12:34 pm

        I suppose it's true what that say, variety is the spice of life 😉 Thanks, Ashley!

        Reply
    20. Back for Seconds says

      October 26, 2015 at 3:23 pm

      I think your blog is perfect the way it is. It's a great reflection of YOU and all the things you love. And I am loving this poutine. Woah.

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        October 27, 2015 at 12:33 pm

        You're so sweet. Thank you so much for all the support!

        Reply
    21. Carol says

      October 26, 2015 at 3:09 pm

      I say it is your blog. and you should do as you want to with it. Everything is very clean and clear. Love that. Good food, nice things to look at. 🙂 keep it up. we the peanut gallery will reap the rewards of your efforts. thank you.

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        October 27, 2015 at 12:32 pm

        This is one of the nicest comments I've ever read. Thank you so much, Carol. I'm glad you're enjoying what I'm putting out!

        Reply
    22. Kacey Joanette says

      October 26, 2015 at 1:15 pm

      What a fun recipe! Anything poutine-related is a win in my books! I know what you mean about finding a niche. I guess I am really broad, too, but there are people like ourselves out there that like to do a bit of everything. So we do have a small niche in the end 🙂

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        October 27, 2015 at 12:31 pm

        I never really thought of it that way, Kacey. Great point! I'm glad we're in this together!

        Reply
    23. Chandra Sirois says

      October 26, 2015 at 1:13 pm

      I totally know what you mean about the blog being your creative outlet. My hubby will go crazy for this as his family is from Quebec!

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        October 27, 2015 at 12:31 pm

        I hope you and he both love this recipe, Chandra. Thanks so much!

        Reply

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