This Tater Tot Egg Breakfast Casserole is a morning treat that’s easy to make! Full of fluffy eggs, crispy tater tots, and cheese, it makes breakfast exciting.
Trust me, it’s hard to resist a dish that’s cheesy and golden on top. I like to serve it with a side of fresh fruit for a tasty balance. You’ll impress everyone at the breakfast table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: The heart of this casserole! You can use other frozen hash browns if you want a change, but I think tater tots give the perfect crunch and comfort.
Breakfast Sausage: I love using breakfast sausage for its flavor, but you can easily swap it out for crispy bacon or diced ham for a different twist. Turkey sausage is a great low-fat option too!
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack adds a nice kick. For a creamy touch, blend in cream cheese or use a cheese sauce.
Onion & Bell Pepper: These add great flavor, but you can skip them for a simpler dish. Chopped spinach or mushrooms are good substitutes if you’re looking to add different veggies!
How Do I Ensure the Eggs Set Perfectly?
Getting eggs just right can be tricky. Start by whisking them well with milk and spices in a large bowl. This helps them become fluffy.
- Be sure to pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tots, allowing it to seep in. You can gently shake the dish to help it spread.
- Watch the bake time! Aim for 40-45 minutes until the eggs look set and the top is golden brown. If you find the top browning too quickly, cover it with foil.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives it time to firm up a bit more!
Tater Tot Egg Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 (32 oz) package frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (or bacon or diced ham)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
For the Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tater Tot Egg Breakfast Casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 40-45 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour for a hearty breakfast that serves about 8 people! It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping throughout the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This will help your casserole come out easily once it’s baked!
2. Cooking the Meat:
Now, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through (around 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease from the pan. If you’re using bacon or diced ham, cook until crispy or heated, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. Adding the Veggies:
Next, toss in the diced onion and optional bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This step adds great flavor to your casserole!
4. Layering the Casserole:
In your prepared casserole dish, spread half of the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom. Then, layer the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the tater tots. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over this mixture, creating a cheesy connection!
5. Finishing the Layers:
Top with the remaining tater tots, arranging them in neat rows or covering the entire surface to your liking. This will create a delicious, crispy topping!
6. Mixing the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until everything is well combined and the eggs are fluffy.
7. Pouring the Egg Mixture:
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the arranged tater tots in the casserole dish. Make sure it seeps through to coat the layers well for a perfect bake.
8. Adding the Final Touch:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will melt beautifully and create a deliciously cheesy crust!
9. Baking to Perfection:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 40-45 minutes, or until the egg mixture is set and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
10. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This cooling time helps it set more firmly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor!
Now, your hearty Tater Tot Egg Breakfast Casserole is ready to be enjoyed warm! It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights. Enjoy your delicious and satisfying meal!
Can I Use Frozen Tater Tots Straight from the Freezer?
Absolutely! There’s no need to thaw them. Just spread the frozen tater tots directly into the casserole dish as instructed, and they’ll bake up crispy and delicious.
What Can I Substitute for the Breakfast Sausage?
If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey sausage, bacon, or even diced cooked ham work beautifully in this casserole. For a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or crumbled tofu.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a splash of milk or a bit of cheese on top before reheating for extra creaminess!
Can I Make This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time as needed.
