Post updated 9/5/2020
A twist on a classic favorite. This Fish Sticks Casserole is perfectly spiced and is ideal for the entire family to enjoy. Your kids will loves their favorites baked into a family-sized casserole.
I am counting down the days until my kids are back to school. This summer has been quite tolling and I am ready to create a new routine.
Me time has been a rare occasion and I cannot even remember the last time I got a pedicure or hair cut. Getting back into the kitchen is my biggest joy now that I have a really beautiful kitchen.
You all know I adore cooking and cleaning up so I have been living on Pinterest getting inspired by quick and hearty meals. Casseroles are such a big deal in the fall so drumming up fun twists on some classics like Gorton’s Crunchy Fish Sticks was a no-brainer.
This recipe is almost identical to my sausage or bacon breakfast casserole with the exception of the protein.
Gorton’s Crunchy Fish Sticks make the most AMAZING casserole addition EVER for meatless meals.
If you do not believe me, buy a box or bag for yourself at your local grocer and get into the kitchen to whip up this Fish Sticks Casserole.
The best part is, you can make it a family affair when it comes to making this casserole. Kids love to help in the kitchen and there is plenty they can help with, with this meal.
My kids fish sticks as much as I did as a kid.
I still remember Saturday night dinners consisting of Fish Sticks and mashed potatoes or fries.
Those were my glory days as a kid, and I hope to provide the same memories for my kids with this classic food.
Personally, I love that Gorton’s Fish Sticks are still just as yummy as they were when I was a child.
I love when they get extra crispy because they are perfect for dipping in ketchup or tartar sauce…yummy!!
The kids adored every bite of this Fish Stick Casserole, and exclaimed I “must” make it again once school starts!
I served our baked Fish Sticks Casserole with sour cream and chives, but you can also serve it with ketchup, or tartar sauce which would taste oh so amazing!
What are some back to school meals your family loves?
Fish Sticks Casserole
Equipment
- 3-quart casserole baking dish to bake casserole in
- Oven rack adjusted to center position
- 2 baking sheet to cook tater tots & fish sticks
Ingredients
- 24 whole Gorton’s Crunchy Fish Sticks Pre-baked according to the package
- 16 ounces Tater Tots Pre-baked according to the package
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Frank's Red Hot Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 16 ounces shredded cheddar *freshly grated works best
Instructions
- Pre-cook the tater tots and Gorton's Fish Sticks according to the package instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and spices until fully combined.
- Pour egg/milk mixture into a large, greased casserole dish.
- Add half of the cooked tater tots onto the top of the egg mixture.
- Over the tater tots, add half the fish sticks.
- Add 1 cup of cheese, and repeat the process until you have another layer of tots, fish, and cheese.
- Bake for 35-40 mins at 375°F. or until egg are fully cooked. The casserole should feel firm when gently pressed.
- Cut into portions and serve
I am NOT a fish stick fan. HOWEVER, this looks so good to me! I would be willing to give this a try. It has that comfort food look and I just know I would love it! Thanks for making a believer of me!
So you want to put 6 eggs and 2 cups of milk in the bottom of the casserole and then throw in potatoes? You’re going to have scrambled egg topped with soggy potatoes. This is supposed to be made with thawed hash browns with milk and egg and cheese mixed in. Put on the bottom of the casserole. Top with the fish. Add more cheese after baking. This way you have a firm custardy potato bottom under the fish.
Oh my gosh! I never would have thought to put these in a casserole! What an awesome idea. Looks delish!
Oh I am actually sad the summer is ending as I have had such a great summer with all my kids this summer. My son is already back in high school and we miss him already. This looks like a great dinner for those super busy days once they begin again
This is a great idea and a fun way to mix things up a little! Perfect for back to school
This is the first time I’ve heard of fish stick casserole, but what a great idea to get kids in the kitchen and try something new they will love to eat.
Oh this does look yummy! All 3 of my kids like fishbowl sticks, we’ll have to try this!
Now THIS is something I don’t think I would have ever thought of . . .! My Kiddies grew tired of the plain old fish sticks a while ago but I think this may be the perfect way to reintroduce an old favorite!
I would have never thought to use fish sticks in a casserole. Brilliant! This looks like it would be a great weeknight dish when you need a little bit of comfort food.
Oh yum!! This looks SO good!! Growing up, I LOVED fishsticks! The kid still in me wants to make this ASAP lol.
This is definitely an easy back to school meal. I need to bookmark this since we all go back to work and school in two weeks.
What is red pepper sauce?!
Hi Sally!
That would be like a Frank’s red pepper sauce or Pete’s. Whatever you prefer.
Follow up to my previous comment. This does have a good taste, but I would definitely use a dish that had less “real estate” than a 9×13, at least 3 quart but maybe an oval, just less.
Can it be frozen?
Hello, yes you can freeze it!
Recipe looks yummy 😋 but I do think the saturated fat in nutritional content is off. American heart association recommends no more than 2g of saturated fat per day. You state in one slice there’s 21g? Give yourself some credit. It can’t be that much!
Can you make ahead then bake?
No! It would be too soggy!
Can I use frozen french fries instead? I’m out of tots :(
Hello, you can but be sure to pre-bake them. They will however lose their crispness.
This was a terrific easy quick recipe. I served it with home made tartar sauce. Next time I make this I am going add chopped green chilies and serve with salsa as we live in the southwest. Will let you know how it turns out. Thanks for the recipe.