This Tater Tot Egg Breakfast Casserole is a fun and tasty dish! It’s packed with fluffy eggs, crispy tater tots, and cheesy goodness. Perfect for a crowd or a cozy family breakfast.
I love how everyone can dig in and enjoy it together. Plus, it’s super easy to make—just layer, bake, and brunch is served! What’s not to love about breakfast in one pan? 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These are the star of the dish! While frozen tater tots are super convenient, you can use homemade potato rounds if you prefer. Just chop up potatoes, season, and bake them until crispy.
Eggs: Fresh large eggs are essential for that fluffy texture. If you want a lighter version, you can swap in egg whites or an egg substitute. This will still work well in the casserole.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives great flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese can add a fun twist.
Bacon and Sausage: These add richness. If you’re looking for lighter options, turkey bacon or chicken sausage work well. For a vegetarian choice, skip the meat and load up on veggies instead!
Vegetables: Optional veggies like bell peppers and onions really enhance the flavor. You can swap in spinach or mushrooms based on your taste or what you have on hand.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Cooked?
To get a well-cooked casserole, the key is balancing the baking time and checking for doneness. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven properly. This ensures even cooking right from the start.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time. Aim for 45-55 minutes, but check it around the 40-minute mark.
- Poke in the center with a knife or toothpick; it should come out clean when the eggs are set.
- Let it rest after baking! This helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
Trust me; following these steps will help you achieve a beautiful, cheesy, and satisfying casserole that everyone will love!
Tater Tot Egg Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 45-55 minutes to bake. So, in total, you should budget about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes from prep to serving. Perfect for a weekend family brunch or holiday breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Layer the Tater Tots:
Spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure they’re arranged in a single layer to create a nice, crispy base for the casserole.
3. Mix the Eggs:
In a large bowl, crack the 8 eggs and whisk them together with 1 cup of milk, salt, and pepper until fully combined. This mixture will be the custard that holds everything together.
4. Sauté the Veggies (if using):
If you’re adding diced onions and bell peppers, sauté them in a pan over medium heat with a little oil for about 3-5 minutes until softened. Then, let them cool slightly before adding them into the casserole.
5. Create the Layers:
Now, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots. If you’re using bacon or sausage, sprinkle the meat on top, followed by the sautéed veggies. This will create delicious layers of flavor.
6. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring it fills the gaps between the tater tots so that every bite is loaded.
7. Final Cheese Layer:
Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt and become bubbly as it bakes.
8. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows it to firm up a little. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color.
Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and comforting Tater Tot Egg Breakfast Casserole! Perfect for about 8 servings, it’s great for a hearty breakfast or brunch that everyone will love.
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Tater Tots?
Yes, you can! Simply peel and chop fresh potatoes into small cubes, season, and bake them until crispy before layering them in the dish. This will give you a fresher taste and a bit of crunch!
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the bacon and sausage and load up on additional veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can also add extra cheese for a delightful cheesy flavor.
Can I Prepare This the Night Before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or oven until heated through, ensuring it stays nice and soft!
