When it comes to internet trends and food, I’m trying it! And Tim Walz’s Hotdish did not disappoint. The one-dish meal is perfect for chilly fall days and makes excellent leftovers.

In the days leading up to being confirmed as Kamala Harris’s vice presidential running mate, Minnesota governor Tim Walz tweeted one of his family’s turkey hotdish recipes. The tweet sent the internet into a frenzy, gaining over a million views. Since then, he has shared even more recipes, including this hot dish featuring juicy bratwurst.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Water: Use enough water to cover the brats.
- Bratwurst: Boil and chop one package of bratwurst.
- Beer: Boil the brats in a mix of water and one bottle of your favorite beer. In honor of Tim Walz, I use Schell’s like he does.
- Filling: The filling is simple—add the boiled brats, diced veggies (yellow or white onion and celery), cheddar soup, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
- Cheese: Add some shredded sharp cheddar to the now-famous “Tim Walz’s Hotdish.”
- Spices: Enhance the flavor with salt, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Tater Tots: And finish it off with a bag of frozen tater tots—it wouldn’t be hotdish without them!
Additions and Substitutions
- Mix up the veggies. Replace the vegetables or add corn, green beans, and peas. You can even use a frozen bag of mixed vegetables to reduce the preparation time.
- More than tots. While many versions are topped with tater tots, that’s not always the case. Finish the meal with cooked pasta or creamy mashed potatoes like my jalapeno mashed potatoes for some heat.
How to Make Tim Walz’s Hotdish
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Boil water in a large pot over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and add the beer and brats. Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the brats with tongs and set them aside.

Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare a baking dish with butter and preheat the oven to 350℉(176℃). Combine the chopped veggies, cheddar soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sharp cheddar cheese, and spices in a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Chop the bratwurst into bite-size pieces and transfer them to the bowl. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Pour the mixture into the dish and arrange a layer of tater tots over the top.

Step 5: Bake uncovered for 50 minutes. Sprinkle more sharp cheddar cheese over the top and cook for 10 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.


If you enjoy Tim Waltz’s hotdish, try more oven-baked recipes!

Serving Suggestions
Hotdish is a hearty meal all on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make it even better. Serve it with a simple arugula spinach salad or vegetables like green beans, corn on the cob, carrots, asparagus, or air fryer Brussels sprouts.
Want to make it extra cozy? Spoon it over baked or grilled sweet potatoes. Try buttery dinner rolls, flaky biscuits, or a side of vinegar coleslaw for a Midwestern touch.
What to do with the Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store the leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Let the dish cool and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Tim Walz’s hotdish freezes for 2-3 months, though the texture may change once frozen.
- Thaw: Defrost the meal in the refrigerator overnight
- Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave or bake uncovered in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a hotdish and a casserole?
Many Midwesterners will tell you that a casserole refers to the dish it’s baked in, not the meal itself. The difference with hotdish is that it’s always a complete meal, packed with vegetables, meat, carbs, and a creamy sauce to bring everything together.
Where did hotdish originate?
While Tim Walz’s hotdish recipe is delicious, he didn’t create the meal. Hotdish is a Midwestern staple—with everyone and their grandma toting their secret family recipe.
If you’re heading to a potluck or cookout in the Midwest, chances are you’re bringing a casserole dish brimming with warm hotdish.
More Quick Dinner Ideas:

Tim Walzs Hotdish
- 9×13 Baking Dish
- 2-3 cups water
- 1 bottle (12 ounces) beer
- 1 package bratwurst (about 5 links)
- 1 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup celery, diced (2-3 celery stalks)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cheddar soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 package tater tots
- Boil water in a large pot over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and add the beer and brats. Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the brats with tongs and set them aside.
- Meanwhile, prepare a 9×13 baking dish with butter and preheat the oven to 350℉(176℃). Combine the chopped celery, onions, cheddar soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Chop the bratwurst into bite-size pieces and transfer them to the bowl. Stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the dish and arrange a layer of tater tots over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 50 minutes. Sprinkle more sharp cheddar cheese over the top and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.