Hearty Tater Tot Chowder is a sure-fire winner when you're looking for an easy cold-weather dinner. It's quick to make with plenty of crispy, creamy potato flavor.
Since you've landed on this recipe, I'm guessing you're a potato lover...am I right? If so, I I invite to to also take a look at some of my other recipe that feature potatoes: Potatoes Gratin with Beer Cheese Sauce, Vesuvio Potatoes and Gravy, Pimento Cheese Mashed Potatoes, and Fried Cabbage and Leeks with Roasted Smashed Potatoes.
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- How this recipe for tater tot chowder came to be:
- The ingredient list to make creamy tater tot chowder :
- Can leftover mashed potatoes and/or tater tots be used?
- Can instant potatoes be used in place of the russet potatoes?
- Is there anything I can substitute for the bacon in this potato chowder?
- Can store-bought pre-cooked bacon be used?
- The easy photo instructions for making tater tot chowder:
- Can tater tot chowder be made in advance?
- Can this easy potato chowder be frozen.
- Additional recipes featuring tater tots:
- Additional unique and delicious chowder recipes for you:
- Printable Recipe Card
- Please comment if you've made this recipe.
How this recipe for tater tot chowder came to be:
I came up with this idea for tater tot chowder when looking for a way to use leftover tater tots I had in my fridge.
I was so pleased with the result and flavor of this chowder I knew I had to share it because I believe you'll love it as much as we do.
The ingredient list to make creamy tater tot chowder :
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.
- tater tots
- bacon
- onion
- celery
- carrots
- potatoes
- vegetable broth
- cream cheese
- salt and pepper
- Greek yogurt
- cheddar cheese
- green onion
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Can leftover mashed potatoes and/or tater tots be used?
- Yes. You can use leftovers of either of those things.
- Two or more cups of leftover mashed potatoes are needed, and two or more cups of leftover tater tots.
Can instant potatoes be used in place of the russet potatoes?
Yes. That would be a wonderful substitution.
If you like your chowder with plenty of texture, I recommend using this Buttery Homestyle variety of instant mashed potatoes, but if you have your own favorite, by all means use that.
Is there anything I can substitute for the bacon in this potato chowder?
- Pancetta or diced salt pork will work.
- Diced pepperoni will also work, but add it in right before serving as there is no need to cook it.
- You can also leave the bacon out if desired. If you do, sauté the vegetables in 2 tablespoons olive oil, or 2 tablespoons butter.
Can store-bought pre-cooked bacon be used?
It sure can!
I'm all about making busy weeknight meals as quick, easy, and efficient as possible. Go for it!
The easy photo instructions for making tater tot chowder:
- Cook tater tots according to package directions. Set aside.
- Cook 4 medium russet potatoes (oven, microwave, or air fryer), and allow them to cool.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the center of each potato and place them into a bowl. Set aside. Discard the potato skins.
- Prepare the carrots, celery, and onions.
- Add the bacon to a large Dutch oven and saute over medium/high heat, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots, celery and onions to the pot.
- Cook, stirring occasionally for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cooked potatoes to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cream cheese and Greek yogurt.
- Add the cooked tater tots and stir well.
- Stir in the vegetable stock.
- Use a potato masher to break up the tater tots and baked russet potatoes into smaller chunks, if desired.
- Simmer the chowder over low heat (covered) for 10-15 minutes.
- Spoon the chowder into bowls to serve and garnish with the reserved whole tater tots along with chopped scallions and shredded cheddar cheese.
Can tater tot chowder be made in advance?
Yes!
If needed, make the chowder in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container (for up to 5 days).
Reheat, covered, over medium/low heat until hot, stirring frequently.
Can this easy potato chowder be frozen.
To freeze leftovers, spoon the chowder into an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bags. Label and date. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Additional recipes featuring tater tots:
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.
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.
Additional unique and delicious chowder recipes for you:
Apple Corn Chowder is minimally sweet but has maximum flavor! It's a one pot comfort food meal that will satisfy everyone at the table in under 30 minutes!
Creamy Pumpkin Corn Chowder with Shrimp is an easy and seasonal way to upgrade a family favorite. Get ready for rave reviews when you set this thirty-minute meal on the table!
Thick, hearty, and delicious! This Roasted Sweet Potato and Wild Rice Chowder will warm your soul and tickle your taste buds.
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.
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Printable Recipe Card
Hearty Tater Tot Chowder
Equipment
- parchment paper optional
- box grater optional
Ingredients
- 1 bag tater tots cooked according to package directions
- 4 medium russet potatoes baked, cooked, cooled, and scooped (discard skins)
- ¾ pound bacon cut into 1" pieces
- 1 medium (approximately ¾ cup) onion chopped
- 3 large (approximately ¾ cup) carrots medium chopped
- 3 ribs (approximately ½ cup) celery medium chopped
- 1 8-ounce cream cheese softened
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese garnish, optional
- ½ cup chopped green onions garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven according to the tater tot package instructions. Bake the tater tots according to the package instructions.After baking, set half of the tater tots aside and keep warm in a low oven.
- In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium/high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the bacon, along with the salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Add half of the cooked tater tots and all of the prepared (baked and scooped) russet potatoes to the pot along with the vegetable stock.
- Bring the chowder to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes to thicken. *Note - if the chowder is too thick for your liking, add water or additional stock to your preferred consistency.
- If desired, use a potato masher to mash the tater tots and baked potato into smaller (but still chunky) pieces.
- Spoon the chowder into bowls and garnish the remaining whole tater tots, green onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's family-friendly gluten-free tater tot chowder recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
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!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
All of the recipes you'll find here on my website are in loving memory of my son, Greg, who left this earth far too soon and will be forever in our hearts.
Brandi says
Never thought of combiningtatertors with chowder, look great and feel so comforting!
Renée says
It's a riff on potato soup. Thanks, Brandi!
Tayler Ross says
You had me at tater tot! I mean, could there be a more delicious chowder recipe??
Renée says
Glad you approve, Tayler! Thanks so much!