This tater tot breakfast casserole is a comforting dish that combines crispy tater tots, savory sausage, melty cheese, and fluffy eggs. It’s perfect for potluck brunches, holiday breakfasts, or any occasion where you want a hearty and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
-
Tater Tots Add Fun and Crunch: Tater tots bring a playful touch and a crispy texture to this casserole, making it a fun and unique breakfast option.
-
Hearty and Savory: This casserole is packed with eggs, sausage, cheese, and potatoes, providing a well-rounded meal that will keep you full and satisfied.
-
Easy to Make: The recipe comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a great choice for busy mornings or when you’re short on time.
-
Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it’s for a weekend brunch with friends and family or a potluck gathering. You can also freeze individual portions for quick and easy breakfasts throughout the week.
Ingredients:
-
Breakfast Sausage: You can use turkey sausage, pork sausage, or vegetarian sausage.
-
Eggs: You’ll need a whole carton of eggs for this recipe.
-
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is the classic choice for breakfast casseroles, but you can use any cheese you like.
-
Milk: Any type of milk will work, but I recommend using 1% or 2% milk for a richer flavor.
-
Green Onions: They add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor to the casserole.
-
Salt and Pepper: Season the casserole to taste.
-
Frozen Tater Tots: Keep it easy and use store-bought tater tots for this recipe.
Instructions:
-
Cook the Sausage: Cook the sausage according to the package instructions. Once cooked, chop it into small pieces.
-
Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 1/2 cups of the cheese, milk, green onions (reserve some for garnish), salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked sausage.
-
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the egg mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the egg mixture, gently pressing them in. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the tater tots.
-
Bake: Cover the casserole and bake it at 375°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the tater tots are golden brown.
-
Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the reserved green onions.
Variations:
-
Vegetarian Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole: Replace the sausage with a plant-based option, such as sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
-
Bacon Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole: Use cooked, chopped bacon instead of sausage.
-
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Ham: Swap out the sausage for diced ham.
Storage:
-
To Store: Place leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
To Reheat: Reheat the casserole in a 350°F oven or in the microwave until warmed through.
-
To Freeze: Wrap the casserole in individual portions and freeze for up to 6 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat according to the instructions above.
Tips:
-
For a smoother texture, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
-
To check if the casserole is done, insert a knife or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.
-
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make it easier to cut into perfect squares.
This tater tot breakfast casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
