Easy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Okay, so this is the real deal. This Easy tater Tot breakfast casserole Recipe isn’t just food; it’s a survival tactic on busy mornings. Picture this: crispy tater tots, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and all the cheesy goodness you could ever want, baked into one glorious dish. It’s comfort food, it’s easy, and it makes everyone happy. Trust me, you need this in your life.
My family? They’re obsessed. Seriously, if I even whisper the words “tater tot casserole,” my husband starts doing a little happy dance. I remember this one time, I was super sick and had zero energy, but he begged me to make it. So, like the amazing (and slightly delirious) wife I am, I dragged myself into the kitchen, threw this bad boy together, and BAM! Suddenly, everyone was happy, and I felt like Super Mom, even though I was pretty sure I was rocking a fever of 102. It’s magic, I tell ya.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Tater Tot breakfast casserole recipe
- It’s ridiculously easy. Like, even I can’t mess it up, and that’s saying something.
- Tater tots are involved. Need I say more? Crispy, golden, potato-y goodness.
- It feeds a crowd. Perfect for weekend brunch or when the in-laws decide to show up unannounced.
- It’s totally customizable. Throw in whatever veggies or cheese you have lurking in the fridge. No rules here!
- Leftovers are amazing. Cold, reheated, whatever. Don’t judge.
How to Make It
Alright, listen up, because this is easier than folding laundry (and I hate folding laundry). First, you gotta brown your sausage. I usually just crumble it up in a pan and cook it until it’s not pink anymore. Don’t overthink it. Then, in a big bowl – I use the one that’s slightly chipped because it’s my favorite – whisk together your eggs, milk, cheese (duh), and whatever seasonings you’re feeling. Salt, pepper, garlic powder… sometimes I throw in a little paprika if I’m feeling fancy.
Next, grease a baking dish. I usually just use cooking spray, but you could use butter if you’re feeling old-school. Arrange your tater tots in the bottom of the dish. Seriously, cover the whole bottom. Then, pour your egg mixture over the tots, sprinkle with more cheese (because why not?), and bake until it’s golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before you cut into it, or you’ll end up with a molten cheesy mess. Not that that’s a bad thing, but, you know, presentation. Easy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
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Ingredient Notes
- Tater Tots: Okay, these are the star of the show. Frozen is totally fine. I mean, who has time to make their own tater tots? Pro-tip: I’ve used the seasoned ones before, and it adds a nice kick.
- Sausage: Use whatever kind you like! I usually go for breakfast sausage, but Italian sausage is also amazing. Just make sure you cook it first, unless you like crunchy sausage (ew).
- Eggs: Gotta have ’em! They’re what holds everything together. I usually use large eggs, but if you only have medium, it’ll be fine. Just throw in an extra one for good measure.
- Milk: Any kind of milk works. I’ve used everything from whole milk to almond milk, and it all turns out pretty much the same.
- Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a little bit of parmesan would be delicious. I’m a firm believer that there’s no such thing as too much cheese.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder are my go-tos, but feel free to get creative! Onion powder, paprika, chili powder… the possibilities are endless.
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown sausage in a skillet, then drain excess grease.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, cheese, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Grease a baking dish.
- Arrange tater tots in the bottom of the dish.
- Pour the egg mixture over the tater tots and sausage.
- Sprinkle more cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown and set.
- Cool slightly before serving.
What to Serve It With
Honestly? This casserole is pretty much a meal in itself. But if you’re feeling fancy, you could serve it with a side of fruit salad, some toast, or maybe even a mimosa (or three).
Tips & Mistakes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the sausage. It’ll steam instead of brown, and nobody wants soggy sausage.
- Make sure your tater tots are frozen solid. If they’re thawed, they’ll get mushy in the casserole.
- Don’t overbake it! Overbaked eggs are rubbery and gross.
- If you’re using a glass baking dish, let it cool slightly before cutting into it. Otherwise, it might shatter. (Don’t ask me how I know.)
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and seasonings. This recipe is super flexible!
Storage Tips
Okay, so if you actually have leftovers (which is a rare occurrence in my house), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave, the oven, or even eat it cold straight from the fridge. I’m not gonna lie, I’ve done that more than once. It’s surprisingly good cold. Don’t judge me!
Variations and Substitutions
- No sausage? Use bacon, ham, or even veggie sausage. Whatever floats your boat.
- Out of cheddar? Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a little bit of parmesan.
- Don’t like milk? Use almond milk, soy milk, or even water in a pinch.
- Want to add some veggies? Throw in some chopped onions, peppers, or mushrooms.
- Feeling spicy? Add some diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.
I once tried to make this with sweet potato tots instead of regular tater tots. It was… interesting. Not terrible, but definitely not the same. I also tried adding a layer of spinach once, thinking I was being healthy. My kids refused to eat it. Lesson learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Easy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 32 oz frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled
- 8 large eggs beaten
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper fresh ground
- 0.25 cup green onions chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cooked and crumbled sausage evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture over the sausage in the baking dish.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the egg mixture.
- Bake in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
