Description
This Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a deliciously layered dish featuring crispy tater tots, tender diced ham, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese. Perfect for an easy make-ahead brunch, it’s a crowd-pleaser ideal for holidays and weekend breakfasts.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar/jack blend)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Sliced green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base of the casserole.
- Add ham and cheese: Sprinkle the diced ham evenly over the tater tots, then cover with 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese for the first cheesy layer.
- Mix egg custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Pour egg mixture: Evenly pour the egg mixture over the layered tater tots, ham, and cheese, allowing it to soak through.
- Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a golden finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to firm up, then garnish with sliced green onions or parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, then bake in the morning adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or onions to boost flavor and nutrition.
- Alternate the meat by swapping ham for bacon or breakfast sausage for variety.
- Ensure your tater tots are certified gluten-free if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
