Ultimate Easy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Ultimate Easy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite stress-free breakfast solution! This Ultimate Easy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to kickstart any morning, whether it's a busy weekday or a leisurely weekend gathering. Packed with savory breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and, of course, those irresistible crispy tater tots, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every single bite. It's incredibly simple to assemble, making it an ideal choice for feeding a crowd or preparing a satisfying meal ahead of time. Get ready to enjoy a warm, hearty, and utterly delicious breakfast with minimal effort!
Ingredients
- 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled (or bacon, diced ham)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (or your favorite blend)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color, optional)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- If not already cooked, cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease. If using onion and bell pepper, add them to the skillet with the sausage during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to soften.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined and frothy.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage (and vegetables, if using) evenly over the tater tots in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage layer.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tots, sausage, and cheese in the dish. Gently press down any floating ingredients to ensure they are submerged.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the eggs are set in the center, the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned, and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set and makes for easier serving.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Make Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole the night before! Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking and bake as directed, possibly adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Crispier Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, you can pre-bake them for 10-15 minutes before adding the other ingredients.
- Meat Swaps: Not a fan of sausage? Easily substitute with cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, ground turkey, or even vegetarian sausage crumbles.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses! Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a Mexican blend all work wonderfully.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to add other finely diced vegetables like mushrooms, spinach (sautéed and squeezed dry), or green chilies for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this casserole with a side of fresh fruit, a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots? A: While you could, it would significantly change the texture and preparation time. If you prefer fresh potatoes, we recommend using thinly sliced or grated hash brown potatoes for a similar casserole experience.
- Q: My casserole is watery. What went wrong? A: This usually happens if the vegetables (like spinach or mushrooms) were not thoroughly squeezed dry before adding, or if the casserole wasn't fully cooked. Ensure the eggs are completely set in the center.
- Q: How long does this casserole last in the fridge? A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
- Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze individual portions of the cooked casserole for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until warmed through. Freezing before baking is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the tots.