Waffled Tater Tot Grilled Cheese (2-Ingredient Kid Favorite!)
This 2-ingredient Waffled Tater Tot Grilled Cheese is the ultimate after school meal or weeknight dinner—crispy, gooey, and totally irresistible for kids and grown-ups alike. Perfect for busy school days, picky eaters, or whenever you need a no-fuss comfort meal fast. Last updated: September, 2025 – refreshed with new tips and links for this school year.
Real-Life Tested: Kid-Approved
This one’s a huge hit in our house—especially with my son, Cole. He gets sandwich fatigue (don’t we all?), so this crispy, cheesy mashup is always a welcome change. I’m even training him to make it himself. If you’ve got kids tired of the same old lunch routine, this is the reset button.
Why You’ll Love This Waffled Tater Tot Grilled Cheese
- Just 2 ingredients
- Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
- Great for school lunches or lazy weekend meals
- Kid-approved (especially if they’re sandwich-fatigued!)
What You Need (Just 2 Ingredients!)
- Tater Tots – Frozen is fine! These become the “bread” when waffled.
- Cheese – Go for melty cheeses like American, cheddar, fontina or mozzarella.
Optional but amazing: Add a swipe of bacon jam inside for a sweet-savory twist.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat your waffle iron to high.
- Arrange tater tots in a tight, single layer directly onto the hot waffle iron.
- Press and cook until golden brown and crispy—about 5–7 minutes.
- Add cheese, then top with another layer of tater tots and waffle again.
- Remove carefully, slice, and serve hot.
Pro Tip: Spritz the waffle iron with non-stick spray before adding tots for extra crisp.
Make It Your Own
- Add bacon or bacon jam for next-level flavor
- Top with a fried egg for a brunch twist
- Spread with guacamole for a California-style upgrade
- Mix in jalapeños for a spicy kick
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FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
Frozen tater tots work best here since they hold shape and crisp up easily. Homemade may fall apart.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
American cheese melts beautifully, but cheddar or mozzarella work great too.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap in foil and refrigerate. Reheat in a toaster oven for best texture.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Pre-waffle the tater tots and store them in the fridge. Assemble and reheat in minutes.
Meta Description: 2-ingredient Waffled Tater Tot Grilled Cheese is the easiest kid-approved lunch or dinner. Crispy, gooey, and perfect for busy school days.
Suggested Tags: kid-friendly, school lunch, quick meals, 2-ingredient recipes, comfort food
Categories: Lunch, Dinner, Quick & Easy, Kid Favorites
Waffled Tater Tot Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 48 tater tots
- 5 oz. Fontina cheese
Instructions
- Preparation: Heat oven to 200 degrees F.
- Cover waffle iron with non-stick spray and bring to temperature. Place tater tots in a waffle iron and cook until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes (time will vary according to machine). Transfer waffled tater tots to oven to keep warm.
- Assembly: Place half of cheese onto a slice of waffled tater tot. Place a second waffled tater toto on top. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Transfer to a baking sheet and cover each sandwich with a large bowl, bake until cheese melts, about 5-7 minutes.
About the Author: Matt Robinson is the dad behind Real Food by Dad, a trusted dad food blog sharing fast, family-friendly recipes since 2014.
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