Here’s a tasty and easy recipe for a Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch! It’s loaded with crispy tater tots, savory eggs, cheese, and sausage or bacon for a hearty and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (or 8 slices of bacon, chopped)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half works best)
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the sausage:
- In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled (about 5-7 minutes). If using bacon, chop the bacon into small pieces and cook until crispy in the skillet. Once cooked, remove the sausage or bacon from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the veggies (optional):
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using). Sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Assemble the casserole:
- Spread the frozen tater tots evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the cooked sausage (or bacon) and sautéed onions/peppers (if using) on top of the tater tots.
5. Prepare the egg mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tots, sausage, and vegetables in the baking dish.
6. Add the cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese) evenly on top of the casserole.
7. Bake the casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want the top to be extra crispy, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
8. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for added color and flavor.
Tips:
- Add more veggies: You can add mushrooms, spinach, or any other vegetables you like to this casserole for extra nutrition.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just bake it as directed (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge).
- Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses.
This Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when you have a brunch gathering. Enjoy!