Description
A hearty and comforting Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole featuring crispy tater tots layered over savory breakfast sausage, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy mixture of eggs, milk, and cheese. This baked breakfast dish is perfect for family meals, weekend brunches, or make-ahead meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
Dairy
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
Frozen
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Layer Sausage: Evenly spread the cooked sausage in the prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful base layer.
- Add Vegetables: Sprinkle the diced onion and bell pepper evenly over the cooked sausage for added texture and flavor.
- Arrange Tater Tots: Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the sausage and vegetables to ensure they bake evenly and get crispy.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, allowing it to soak through.
- Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole to melt and create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake Casserole: Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving to make slicing easier and to enhance flavors.
Notes
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the sausage layer for an extra burst of flavor.
- Prepare the casserole the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a convenient breakfast.
- Use different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
- Swap bell pepper and onion with other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to customize the casserole.
- For a lower-fat version, use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American