Cheesy Tater Tots BBQ Sausage

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

Crispy tater tots are paired with golden, caramelized slices of smoked sausage for a hearty, comforting meal. Generously topped with sharp cheddar and finished with a drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce, this dish offers layers of smokiness and creamy cheese in every bite. Simply bake the tots, pan-sear the sausage with butter, and assemble with plenty of cheese, then melt everything to perfection. Perfect for sharing at the dinner table, these tots and sausage are full of flavor and easy to customize with extra toppings if desired.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:18:06 GMT
A plate of cheesy tater tots with BBQ smoked sausage. Save
A plate of cheesy tater tots with BBQ smoked sausage. | lilicooks.com

Cheesy tater tots with BBQ smoked sausage is the ultimate comfort food creation that always vanishes in minutes at my family table Crisp golden tots, a thick layer of gooey sharp cheddar, and sticky sweet sausage make each bite completely craveable and laid-back enough for any weeknight This recipe is designed to be fuss-free and totally satisfying

The first time I made this my husband went back for thirds and now it is the most requested dish for movie nights Everyone gets excited when they smell the sausage caramelizing in the kitchen

Ingredients

  • Frozen tater tots: Pick a bag with potatoes as the first ingredient for the best crisp texture
  • Smoked sausage: Kielbasa gives classic flavor but you can use any smoked sausage Check for good marbling and a smoky aroma at the market
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps the sausage crisp up in the skillet Always choose real butter for better taste
  • Grated sharp cheddar cheese: Go for freshly grated sharp cheddar for better melt and richer flavor Pre shredded is fine if you are short on time
  • BBQ sauce: Pick your favorite flavor Sweet spicy or smoky all work Lean toward thicker sauces so they coat the sausage well

Step by Step Instructions

Bake the Tater Tots:
Spread tater tots in an even layer on a cookie sheet Bake according to the package directions until golden and crispy This lays the foundation for texture in every bite
Prepare the Smoked Sausage:
While tots bake slice sausage into bite sized rounds Heat a skillet over medium and add butter Place sausage slices in a single layer and cook until edges are crisp and centers are caramelized Usually about 5 to 8 minutes Drain off any extra grease
Sauce the Sausage:
Pour in your desired amount of BBQ sauce Stir to coat every piece until glossy and bubbling Turn off heat and cover to keep warm
Melt the Cheese:
Once tater tots are baked remove them from the oven Top evenly with your grated cheddar Return the tray to the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts fully and blankets the tots
Finish and Serve:
Pile the sauced sausage over the melted cheesy tots Add any extra toppings like green onions jalapenos or ranch if you want Serve directly from the tray or transfer to a platter for sharing
A dish of cheesy tater tots with BBQ smoked sausage. Save
A dish of cheesy tater tots with BBQ smoked sausage. | lilicooks.com

When I started using extra sharp cheddar it really took this dish to the next level The gooey sticky cheese holds all the flavors together It reminds me of summer BBQs in the backyard with my cousins where this was always finished first

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness Microwaving works but will make the tots softer

Ingredient Substitutions

Try using turkey sausage or plantbased sausage for a lighter spin Swap in pepper jack cheese if you like extra heat You can even use waffle fries instead of tater tots for a fun twist

A plate of cheesy tater tots with BBQ smoked sausage. Save
A plate of cheesy tater tots with BBQ smoked sausage. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve with quick pickles crunchy cole slaw or a simple side salad to balance the richness This pairs perfectly with cold lemonade or your favorite icy soda For crowds set up a topping bar with diced onions and extra BBQ sauce

Cultural Context

Cheesy tater tots are a playful nod to classic American casseroles and game day snacks The addition of BBQ smoked sausage adds a hint of Southern comfort and backyard cookout flair making it a modern classic in my home

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor, but you can use any melting cheese you prefer.

→ Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, any smoked sausage such as kielbasa or even spicy varieties work well. Choose your favorite for extra flavor.

→ How can I make the tater tots extra crispy?

Arrange tots in a single layer and bake according to package directions, or give them a few extra minutes for added crunch.

→ Are there recommended toppings for serving?

Try adding sliced green onions, diced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to complement the cheesy, smoky flavors.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can cook the sausage and bake tots ahead. Assemble and melt the cheese just before serving for best results.

Cheesy Tater Tots BBQ Sausage

Crispy tater tots and smoked sausage covered in melted cheddar with bold BBQ flavor in every bite.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Overall Time
40 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 32 oz bag of frozen tater tots
02 14 oz kielbasa smoked sausage, any flavor variety
03 1 tablespoon butter
04 3-4 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
05 1 bottle BBQ sauce, any flavor variety

Steps

Step 01

Bake the tater tots according to the package directions.

Step 02

While the tater tots are baking, slice the smoked sausage into pieces.

Step 03

Heat a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter and cook the sausage until it becomes crispy and caramelized. Drain any excess grease and stir in BBQ sauce to taste.

Step 04

Remove the baked tater tots from the oven, cover them with grated cheddar cheese, and return them to the oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Step 05

Top the cheesy tater tots with the cooked BBQ sausage and add any additional toppings as desired.

Required Tools

  • Cookie sheet

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar cheese)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 420.5
  • Fats: 25.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31.2 g
  • Proteins: 14.4 g