Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole: A Hearty, Flavorful Morning Delight
Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. It’s the perfect opportunity to start the day off right with a nourishing, comforting meal that sets the tone for everything that follows. But when it comes to family gatherings, weekend brunches, or feeding a hungry crew first thing in the morning, it can be hard to find a dish that is both easy to make and universally loved. That’s where this Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole comes in—a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s simple to prepare, can be customized to your tastes, and will have your family asking for seconds and thirds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 32-ounce bag frozen Tater Tots® (do not thaw)
- 1 pound hot bulk pork sausage (or turkey sausage as a substitute)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated pepper Jack cheese
Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 4 ounces diced green chilies (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon each of paprika, ground mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the casserole cooks evenly and is ready to be enjoyed once the prep work is done. Prepare a 9″x13″ baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray to make cleanup easy later. Set the baking dish aside as you move on to the next steps.
- Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the sausage to the skillet and begin breaking it up as it cooks. As the sausage browns, add the diced onion and the chopped bell peppers. Stir everything together, cooking until the sausage is fully browned and the onions have softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds of cooking to allow it to release its fragrance. Once everything is cooked through, drain any excess grease from the mixture, then transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before moving on to the next step.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half. Add the diced green chilies if you’re using them, and mix in the dried parsley, paprika, ground mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This mixture will form the creamy base for the casserole and bind everything together. Whisk until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, creating a smooth, velvety liquid.
- Assemble the Casserole: Now it’s time to layer the casserole. Take half of the frozen tater tots and scatter them evenly over the sausage and vegetable mixture in the baking dish. Then, sprinkle ¾ cup of the sharp cheddar cheese and ¾ cup of the pepper Jack cheese over the tater tots. Stir everything together gently to ensure the ingredients are well combined. Then, spread the mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add the Egg Mixture: Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the tater tot, sausage, and vegetable layer. This egg mixture will soak into the ingredients, creating a creamy, rich texture once baked. Afterward, top the casserole with the remaining tater tots, spreading them out evenly on top. The tater tots will crisp up beautifully as they bake, adding a satisfying crunch to the finished dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 70-80 minutes. During this time, the eggs will set and the tater tots will become crispy and golden brown. You’ll know the casserole is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden and bubbly. If you prefer your tater tots extra crispy, feel free to bake the casserole for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and pepper Jack cheeses over the top. Return the casserole to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a delicious, gooey topping. This extra layer of cheese makes the casserole even more indulgent and adds a rich, melty texture to every bite. If desired, sprinkle chopped chives or green onions over the top to add a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing it into generous portions. This dish is best enjoyed while still warm, so be sure to serve it right away. The crispy tater tots, savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melty cheese make for a combination that is truly irresistible.
Notes
- Sausage: While the recipe calls for hot bulk pork sausage, you can easily substitute turkey sausage if you’re looking for a leaner option. Chicken sausage also works well in this dish if you prefer a lighter meat option. For a vegetarian or meatless version, try using plant-based sausage crumbles or simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar and pepper Jack provide a delicious combination of flavors, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses based on what you have on hand. Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan can all work wonderfully in this casserole. For a twist, you could add a bit of crumbled feta for a tangy, briny bite.
- Vegetables: The bell peppers and onions are a great addition, but you can easily swap them out for other vegetables that you enjoy. Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or even roasted tomatoes can add extra flavor and nutrition to the dish. You could also experiment with different colors of bell peppers for added visual appeal.
- Spices: If you prefer a spicier version, add more green chilies, or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce on top for extra heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of paprika or omit the green chilies altogether. Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your taste preferences.