This hearty Bacon Egg and Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect mix of crispy tater tots, rich bacon, and fluffy eggs. It’s like breakfast and comfort food got together for a party!
You won’t believe how easy it is! Just layer everything in a dish, bake it up, and watch it disappear. Ideal for lazy weekends or when you have a crowd to feed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These are a must for that crispy base! If you can’t find them, you could use hash browns, but adjust the cooking time since they may be thinner and cook quicker.
Bacon: For a healthier option, turkey bacon works great! It won’t be as crispy, but it still adds that bacon flavor. Veggie bacon is another choice—just make sure to check the seasonings for a richer taste.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or pepper jack add a nice twist. Vegan cheese is also an option for a plant-based version.
Eggs: Consider using egg substitutes like tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water for a vegan option. Keep in mind the texture will be different but delicious!
How Do I Ensure My Eggs Are Perfectly Set?
The key to cooking the eggs just right is the baking time. You want the casserole to bake until the eggs are fully set but not overcooked. Here are a few tips:
- Check the casserole around the 35-minute mark. The center should be firm and not jiggly.
- If you notice the top browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while the center cooks.
- Let it sit for a few minutes after baking—this helps everything firm up a bit before serving!
Bacon Egg And Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 8 slices of bacon
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes of baking time. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 60 minutes before you can dig in. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for getting a nice golden color on your casserole.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This will help your casserole come out clean and easy to serve.
3. Layer the Tater Tots:
Spread half of the frozen tater tots evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will create a nice base for all those tasty layers!
4. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease. Once it’s cool, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
5. Mix the Eggs:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and if desired, garlic or onion powder. This mixture will bring everything together beautifully!
6. Build Those Layers:
On top of the tater tots, layer half of the crumbled bacon and half of the chopped green onions. Then, pour half of the egg mixture evenly over everything.
7. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the egg mixture for that lovely melty goodness!
8. Add More Tater Tots:
Add the remaining tater tots on top and sprinkle the last of the crumbled bacon and green onions to finish off this delicious layer.
9. Finish Layering:
Pour the remaining egg mixture over the entire casserole, and top with the rest of the cheese. This ensures a cheesy, creamy texture throughout!
10. Bake the Casserole:
Carefully place the casserole in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs are set, the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly. Yum!
11. Cool Before Serving:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit for easier serving.
12. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before you dig in, feel free to garnish with additional chopped green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy this comforting and hearty dish!
This casserole combines golden, crispy tater tots with savory bacon, fluffy eggs, and cheesy goodness, making it a complete and comforting breakfast or brunch dish. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Bacon for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen bacon, but make sure to completely thaw it before cooking. To speed up thawing, you can leave it in the fridge overnight or submerge the sealed package in cold water for about an hour.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk if it seems a bit dry!
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg replacement, you can use a mix of 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for each egg or use 1/4 cup of silken tofu blended until smooth. Another option is to use a commercial egg replacer following package instructions.
