This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole brings together all the comforting flavors you crave in one delicious dish. The crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and gooey melted cheese create a hearty meal that’s perfect for any breakfast or brunch. Each bite is filled with flavor and texture, making it a sure hit with everyone at the table.
Perfect for feeding a crowd, this casserole is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite breakfast meats, vegetables, or cheeses. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just enjoying a cozy weekend morning, this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is sure to be a family favorite. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish if you’re looking to save time in the kitchen!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 pound breakfast sausage
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1 onion, chopped
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1 bell pepper, chopped
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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6 large eggs
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1 cup milk
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon paprika
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Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
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Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
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Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 3-4 minutes.
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Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly in the prepared baking dish.
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Spread the cooked sausage and veggie mixture over the tater tots.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
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Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and tater tots.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole: A Hearty and Flavorful Start to Your Day
A good breakfast is often the foundation of a great day, and nothing beats the comfort and warmth of a breakfast casserole to fuel your morning. Among the many breakfast casserole options, the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole stands out as a crowd favorite. This recipe combines familiar, hearty ingredients into one dish that is easy to prepare and guaranteed to please the whole family. It’s the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and satisfying flavors, all served in a convenient, make-ahead casserole form. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, preparing a meal for a busy family, or just in the mood for a cozy, filling breakfast, the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole has got you covered.
Why Choose Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole?
One of the best things about Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is how versatile and customizable it is. The star of the show, of course, is the tater tots. These crispy, golden little potato bites act as the base for the casserole, creating a satisfying crunch and acting as the perfect vehicle to hold all the other flavors. Add in your choice of savory sausage, bacon, or even vegetarian options, and you’ve got yourself a well-rounded dish packed with protein and flavor. Top it off with a blend of melted cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella, and you have a rich, creamy casserole that everyone will enjoy.
This dish is not only filling and tasty but also incredibly convenient. With minimal preparation and cooking time, it’s easy to make in advance, saving you precious time in the morning. You can prepare it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it in the morning while you get ready for the day. Or, if you prefer, you can assemble it and bake it right away either way, you’ll have a satisfying breakfast ready in under an hour.
Versatility: Customizing Your Tater Tot Casserole
One of the reasons this recipe is so popular is because of how easily it can be customized. While the traditional Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole calls for breakfast sausage, you can easily switch it up by using ground turkey, chorizo, or even bacon to suit your taste. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the sausage with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers, making it a hearty, veggie-packed meal.
In terms of cheese, cheddar and mozzarella are common choices, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a sharp Parmesan to give it a bit of bite. You can also play around with the seasoning to match your preferences add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a sprinkle of herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more earthy flavor.
This dish can also be personalized to meet dietary preferences and needs. If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free tater tots (which are easy to find in most grocery stores) and ensure that any processed ingredients, like sausage, are also gluten-free. To make it dairy-free, use plant-based cheeses and swap out the milk for a dairy-free alternative, like almond milk or oat milk.
Ideal for Any Occasion
While the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a breakfast favorite, it is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed any time of day. It makes for a fantastic brunch dish, especially when you’re hosting guests or preparing a big meal for a holiday or special occasion. You can easily serve it with a side of fresh fruit, a light salad, or some fresh crusty bread to balance out the richness of the casserole. It’s a great dish for Easter brunch, Christmas morning, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dish that doesn’t require hours of preparation.
Additionally, this casserole is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have ready-to-go breakfasts for several days. Simply reheat a portion in the microwave or oven, and you’re set for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s especially helpful for those who lead busy lives but don’t want to sacrifice flavor or nutrition in their morning routine.
Nutritional Benefits
While a Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a comfort food indulgence, it’s not without its nutritional benefits. Potatoes, the main component of the casserole, are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, helping to support overall health and digestion. When combined with protein-rich sausage or other meat options, this dish provides a balanced meal to start your day. The eggs add additional protein and essential nutrients like choline, while the cheese provides calcium for strong bones.
However, as with all comfort foods, it’s important to keep portion sizes in mind. While this casserole is filling and satisfying, consuming it in moderation will help you maintain a balanced diet. If you’re looking to make this dish a little lighter, you can use leaner meats, reduce the amount of cheese, or incorporate more vegetables into the casserole to boost its fiber content.
Make-Ahead Convenience
One of the best aspects of the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is the ability to make it ahead of time. This is perfect for busy mornings or when you have guests over and don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Preparing it the night before is incredibly easy simply assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and place it in the fridge overnight. The next morning, pop it in the oven to bake, and you’ll have a hot, delicious breakfast ready in just 40 minutes.
This make-ahead convenience also makes it a great option for meal prepping. Whether you’re prepping for the week ahead or simply making extra to have leftovers, this casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual portions of the casserole for later use. Just make sure to wrap each portion tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake until warmed through.
Conclusion:
The Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a versatile, comforting, and filling dish that is sure to be a hit in any household. With its combination of crispy tater tots, savory sausage, eggs, and melted cheese, it’s a breakfast option that is as satisfying as it is easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for a special occasion or prepping for busy mornings ahead, this casserole delivers convenience, flavor, and nutrition in one hearty dish.
From its customizable ingredients to its ability to be made in advance, the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a meal that is sure to earn a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation. Plus, its comforting flavors make it a dish that’s perfect for a weekend brunch or a simple weekday meal. Give it a try today and discover why this casserole is loved by so many!