Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its hearty blend of crispy tater tots, savory breakfast sausage, smoky bacon, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole is a comforting way to start your day—or to turn breakfast into a celebration! Whether it’s for a leisurely weekend brunch, a special holiday morning, or a cozy family dinner, this dish is perfect for any occasion.

This casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s a dish that can be easily customized to fit your family’s preferences. Want to add extra veggies? Go ahead—throw in some bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms! If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap out some ingredients without compromising on flavor.

For many families, Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a beloved tradition, especially during holidays like Christmas or Easter, when you’re gathering around the table with loved ones. It’s easy to prepare in advance, making it a stress-free dish that allows you to spend more time enjoying the company of friends and family rather than in the kitchen. And who doesn’t love the satisfying crunch of tater tots, paired with the rich, savory flavors of sausage and bacon?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

To make this hearty casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 packages breakfast sausage (1 lb)
1 lb bacon (uncured recommended)
1 (32 oz) package tater tots
12 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tbsp green onions for garnish

Ingredient Notes:

You can swap the breakfast sausage for turkey sausage if you prefer a leaner option.
If you’re not a fan of bacon, feel free to use ham or even a mixture of both.
The combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese is ideal for melting and flavor balance, but you can use any cheese you like—feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
The green onions are optional but add a fresh crunch and bright flavor to balance out the richness of the dish.

How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Meat: Start by cooking your breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks and brown it thoroughly. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the bacon until it’s crispy and golden. Once it’s ready, crumble it into small pieces and set aside, reserving a bit for garnish later.
Layer the Tater Tots: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. Then, spread the tater tots evenly across the bottom of the dish in a single layer. This will form the crispy base of your casserole.
Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. The milk helps keep the casserole creamy while the eggs bind everything together. Add in the cooked sausage and half of the crumbled bacon, along with 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well-combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the egg mixture over the tater tots, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Gently shake the dish to help the eggs settle around the tots. The tater tots will begin to absorb the eggs as they bake, making the casserole hearty and comforting.
Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set in the center and lightly golden on top. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Top with Cheese: After the casserole has baked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt into a gooey, golden layer.
Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to slice. Garnish with the reserved crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Additional Tips:

Make-Ahead Option: This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare everything the night before and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven and bake as usual. This is a huge time-saver, especially on busy mornings or when hosting guests.
Freezing: If you want to prepare this for a future meal, you can assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and freeze it for up to two months. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the egg mixture. It’s an easy way to add more nutrients without compromising flavor.

Details:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Breakfast/Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Carnivore

Notes:

You can easily customize this casserole by switching up the meats or cheeses. It’s one of those dishes that’s forgiving and adaptable.
For a bit of extra flavor, you can add a dash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 916 kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 70g
Saturated Fat: 26g
Cholesterol: 406mg
Sodium: 1777mg
Potassium: 742mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 936 IU
Vitamin C: 10 mg
Calcium: 394 mg
Iron: 3 mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the sausage and bacon for veggie sausage or other plant-based proteins. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach, to bulk up the casserole and give it more texture.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, simply use dairy-free cheese and substitute almond milk or another non-dairy milk for the regular milk.

Can I add spices to enhance the flavor?
Absolutely! You can season the casserole with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

Storage Instructions:

If you have leftovers (which isn’t always guaranteed!), you can store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to two months. Reheat by baking in the oven or microwaving until heated through.

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Conclusion:

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that combines ease, comfort, and flavor in one pan. Whether you’re making it for a busy weekday breakfast, a laid-back brunch, or a holiday gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Its crispy tots and creamy, cheesy filling make it a dish that no one can resist. Plus, it’s so simple to customize based on what you have on hand, making it the perfect dish to get creative with. Give it a try, and you’ll quickly see why this casserole is a staple in so many homes!

Ultimate Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole: A Hearty, Make-Ahead Breakfast Favorite

Author: Martha

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