Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite dishes: the BEST Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole! Seriously, how can you go wrong with crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and ooey-gooey cheese all baked together? It’s like brunch on a plate! I remember the first time I made this casserole for a family gathering. The aroma filled the house, and I could barely keep my hands off it as we waited for it to bake. By the time it was ready, everyone was hovering around the kitchen, practically drooling.
This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a lazy Sunday breakfast or a festive holiday brunch. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, which is a win in my book! Whether you’re feeding a small army or just your family, this casserole is sure to bring smiles and happy tummies all around. Ready? Let’s dive into what makes this breakfast casserole a must-make dish!
What’s in The BEST Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole?
Tater Tots: The star of the show! These frozen gems add a delightful crunch and act as the base for our casserole. I recommend picking up a 32 oz bag for optimal tater goodness.
Breakfast Sausage: I love using a good quality breakfast sausage for that savory flavor. Just crumble and cook it—so simple!
Eggs: A classic binding ingredient in casseroles, eggs give this dish its heartiness and protein.
Milk: A splash of milk in the egg mixture creates a light and fluffy texture in the casserole.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Because can you ever have too much cheese? I prefer a sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but mild works beautifully too.
Bell Peppers: I like to add diced bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness. You can use any color you fancy!
Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch and a mild onion flavor that perfectly balances the dish.
Bacon (optional): For those days when you want to indulge a little more! Cooking and crumbling some bacon takes this casserole to the next level.
Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: These spices bring an easy depth of flavor without having to chop any actual onions or garlic.
Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential to taste!
Is The BEST Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest: this casserole is a hearty dish, and it’s not exactly health food, but it can certainly fit into a balanced diet!
Tater Tots definitely lean towards the indulgent side, but they add fun and texture to our dish.
Breakfast sausage and cheese are great sources of protein, but if you’re watching saturated fat, consider using lower-fat options or swapping in turkey sausage.
The veggies, like bell peppers and green onions, bring some vitamins and a bit of fiber to balance out all the deliciousness!
So, moderation is key here. This casserole is best enjoyed as a special treat rather than an everyday meal. And hey, you can always toss in more veggies if you’re feeling particularly virtuous!
Ingredients
– 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
– 1 lb breakfast sausage, crumbled and cooked
– 6 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
– 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe serves about 8 hearty portions, perfect for sharing!
How to Make The BEST Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get that preheating action going for perfectly cooked casserole!
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary (No one likes a greasy breakfast!).
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Get those muscles working!
4. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the tater tots evenly on the bottom.
5. Spread the cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, crumbled bacon (if using), and half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Layer it all up beautifully!
6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. You want everything to get cozy in this mix!
7. Top with the remaining tater tots, followed by the rest of the cheddar cheese and the chopped green onions. Mmm, cheesy goodness!
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the egg is set and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The smell will drive you wild!
9. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, you don’t want to burn your mouth!
Breakfast Casserole Variations & Tips for Success!
If you want to get a little adventurous, feel free to customize your casserole! Throw in some sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or diced tomatoes for added flavor and texture. Honestly, you can’t go wrong!
Also, if you’re prepping for a crowd and want to make things easier, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and pop it in the fridge, baking it the next morning. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking if it’s straight out of the fridge.
So, gather your friends and family around the table, dish out servings of this decadent casserole, and watch everyone rave about it! I can’t wait to hear how your breakfast adventure unfolds with this recipe. Enjoy every cheesy, tater-tot-loaded bite!
