Hey there, breakfast lovers! If you’re like me and always on the hunt for a delicious and easy breakfast idea, you’re in for a treat. Today, I want to share one of my favorite morning recipes: Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole. This dish is perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or whenever you need a hearty start to your day.
So, what makes this casserole so special? It’s packed with crispy tater tots, gooey cheese, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs. Each bite is a perfect mix of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can feed a crowd, which is great if you have a big family or guests over.
Making this casserole is a breeze. Just cook the sausage, mix it with the eggs, milk, and cheese, then layer it all with the tater tots in a baking dish. Pop it in the oven, and in no time, you’ll have a golden, bubbly breakfast that’s ready to be devoured.
I love how versatile this recipe is. You can make it ahead of time, so all you have to do in the morning is bake it. It’s also perfect for meal prepping. Just cut it into portions and store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick breakfast during the week.
Trust me, once you try this Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole, it’ll become a staple in your breakfast rotation. It’s tasty, filling, and super easy to make. Give it a try and start your day off right!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes – Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole
- Ingredient Prep: For best results, make sure the tater tots are spread out evenly in the dish to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Layering Tip: Layer the sausage and cheese between the tater tots rather than just on top to create a more integrated texture and flavor throughout the casserole.
- Cheese Choices: Using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack can add a nice depth of flavor. Consider using part-skim cheeses for a lighter version.
- Cooking the Sausage: Ensure the sausage is browned and crispy before adding it to the casserole, as this will add a nice texture and richer flavor.
- Egg Mixture: Whisk the eggs thoroughly with the milk and seasonings to ensure the casserole is fluffy and evenly seasoned.
- Oven Monitoring: Depending on your oven, cooking times may vary slightly. Start checking the casserole around the 50-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
- Resting Time: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking. This resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole
4
servings10
minutes55
minutes450
kcal1
hour5
minutesWake up to the ultimate comfort food with this Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole! Packed with crispy tater tots, melty cheese, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs, this dish is a breakfast dream come true. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and even easier to love, it’s the perfect way to start your day!
Ingredients
1 pound ground breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled
30 ounces frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese divided
8 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Alternative Ingredients:
Sausage substitute: Bacon or diced ham 1 pound
Cheese substitute: Monterey Jack or Colby cheese 2 cups
Milk substitute: Almond milk or soy milk 1 cup
Spice substitute: Smoked paprika ½ teaspoon instead of garlic powder
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350ºF and grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter.
- Cook Sausage – In a nonstick pan over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the sausage until browned (about 8-10 minutes). Place the frozen tater tots in the greased baking dish. Add the cooked sausage and 1½ cups of shredded cheese. Mix gently to combine.
- Prepare Egg Mixture – In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients – Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tots and sausage in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.
- Bake – Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown around the edges.
- Serve – Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- nonstick pan
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 15mg
FAQ – Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole
Can I prepare the Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole the night before?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Assemble everything except the egg mixture and store it in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, add the egg mixture and bake as directed. This makes it perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
What can I serve with the Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a light salad, fresh fruit, or yogurt to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, consider serving with toast or a bagel.
Can I freeze the leftover Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, slice it, and then freeze the slices in individual portions. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to eat.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage or replace it with a plant-based sausage alternative. Ensure that the substitute is cooked according to package instructions before adding it to the casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when the egg mixture is fully set, and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly while baking, you can loosely cover it with foil.
