Hey y'all! Have you ever made a big, yummy tater tot casserole and ended up with more than you can eat? Well, good news! You can totally freeze your leftover tater tot casserole. It's a great way to save all that tasty food for another day.
Let's check out how you can reheat a casserole easily and safely.
![Side view of the casserole with a serving removed showing the inside texture.](https://www.restlesschipotle.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/tater-tot-pizza-casserole-3.jpg)
🗝️ Key takeaways
- Yes, you can freeze leftover tater tot casserole.
- Freezing keeps it tasty for later.
- Use the right containers to keep it fresh.
Just about any casserole is a great freezer meal, and tater tot casseroles are easy dinners anyway.
Why not double or even triple the recipe and have a few extras on hand for busy weeknights?
How to freeze leftovers
Freezing your leftovers is super easy! Be sure to let the casserole cool down first. Then, you can either:
- Cut it into portions and put each piece in an airtight container, or
- Wrap the whole casserole dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Make sure it’s wrapped tight to avoid freezer burn.
How to freeze tater tot casserole before baking
I love doubling recipes and freezing one for later! A make ahead freezer meal is nice for those over-the-top chaotic days or to take to a friend who needs dinner.
Just put your unbaked casserole in the baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and pop it into the freezer.
This way, it becomes a handy-dandy tater tot casserole freezer meal!
How to reheat
When you're ready to eat your frozen casserole, you have two choices:
- Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake it in the oven until it's hot and bubbly. This is my recommendation.
- Bake it straight from the freezer, but it’ll take a bit longer to cook. You'll likely need to double the baking time.
🍴Equipment
You’ll need:
- Airtight containers or aluminum foil
- Casserole dish or baking dish
- Disposable aluminum pans, as long as none of the ingredients are acidic (like tomatoes).
💭 Things to know
Expert Tip: Label your containers with the date, what's inside, and heating or baking instructions. Tater tot casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Make sure your casserole is completely cool before freezing to keep it tasting great.
- If you are covering it with aluminum foil cover with a layer of plastic wrap first. This keeps any acids in the recipe from reacting with the aluminum. Just make sure to remove the plastic wrap before baking!
- Once you've thawed and baked your casserole store leftovers in the refrigerator. Don't freeze it a second time.
- I like to pick up inexpensive casserole dishes at thrift shops and garage sales. That way if I take a casserole to someone I don't worry about getting my nice casserole dish back.
- Make sure your casserole dish is freezer to oven safe!
👩🍳 FAQs
Yes! Most tater tot casseroles freeze really well.
It's best to eat it within 3 months for the best taste.
It's good for about 3 to 5 days. Be sure to wrap it well with plastic wrap.
If you wrap it well, your casserole should taste just as yummy as when you first made it!
📚 Related recipes
Now that you know how to freeze tater tot casserole you'll need a great recipe to try out! These are all quick and easy, made with simple ingredients, and family tested and approved!
![Breakfast tater tot casserole being spooned out of the slow cooker.](https://www.restlesschipotle.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Breakfast-Tatertot-Casserole-feat-700x700.jpg)
Crockpot tater tot breakfast casserole
This cheesy tater tot casserole is so easy because it's done in a slow cooker! Wake up to a yummy breakfast.
![Feature image for Pizza Tater Tot Casserole](https://www.restlesschipotle.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pizza-tater-tot-casserole-feat-1-700x700.jpg)
Meat lovers tater tot pizza casserole
All your favorite pizza toppings and tater tots, too! This is one for the picky eaters in the family.
![Overhead view of the casserole with a serving removed.](https://www.restlesschipotle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/sloppy-joes-casserole-feat-700x700.jpg)
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
Who doesn't love a saucy sloppy joe? Get all that flavor and crispy tater tot goodness in every bite.
For more freezer meal ideas check out the Freezer Meals category!
📞 The last word
There you have it! Freezing leftover tater tot casserole is a fantastic way to save your delicious meal for later. Just follow these simple steps, and you'll be all set.
Do you use freezer meals in your meal planning? Leave a comment and let me know.
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