Tater Tot Casserole Breakfast is a hearty and satisfying morning dish that combines savory breakfast sausage, crispy tater tots, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese into one delicious meal. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting weekend breakfast, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds hot breakfast sausage
- 1 (30-32 ounces) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
Instructions:
Preparing the Casserole:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook Breakfast Sausage:
- In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Season Sausage:
- Season the cooked sausage with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine.
- Layer Tater Tots:
- Spread the frozen tater tots in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Sausage Mixture:
- Spread the cooked breakfast sausage evenly over the tater tots in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the sausage layer.
Preparing the Egg Mixture:
- Whisk Eggs and Milk:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, if desired.
- Pour Egg Mixture:
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese layers in the baking dish.
Baking the Casserole:
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version of this casserole, omit the breakfast sausage and add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the casserole before baking for a spicy kick.
- Customize Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend in this casserole, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack, for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply bake it according to the instructions for a hassle-free breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen hash browns instead of tater tots? A: Yes, frozen hash browns can be used as a substitute for tater tots in this recipe. Just be sure to spread them evenly in the baking dish before adding the sausage and cheese layers.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole? A: Yes, leftover Tater Tot Casserole Breakfast can be frozen for future meals. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cut it into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.
Q: Can I add additional toppings to the casserole? A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the casserole with additional toppings such as sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or cooked bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
Tater Tot Casserole Breakfast is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a special weekend breakfast treat. With its layers of savory sausage, crispy tater tots, cheesy goodness, and fluffy eggs, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, breakfast, or dinner, this easy-to-make casserole is guaranteed to please everyone at the table!
