Start your day with a hearty and satisfying tater tot breakfast casserole that combines crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and creamy eggs. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for feeding a crowd, making it a favorite for weekend brunches or holiday gatherings. The crispy topping and flavorful filling will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
– 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
– 1 pound breakfast sausage
– 6 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 8 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 45 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/8 of the casserole) contains approximately:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 27g
– Fat: 20g
– Fiber: 2g
This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread half of the tater tots evenly in a greased baking dish.
5. Layer the cooked sausage over the tater tots.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the sausage layer.
7. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
8. Top with the remaining tater tots.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
10. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute the breakfast sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option, or use a meat-free sausage for a vegetarian version. You can also swap out the cheddar cheese for your favorite cheese variety, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for extra flavor.
Serving and Pairings
This tater tot breakfast casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a side of crispy bacon, or a light green salad. For drinks, serve with coffee, orange juice, or mimosas for a festive brunch.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This dish can be frozen before baking; just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t skip greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking.
– Avoid overbaking to keep the eggs from becoming rubbery.
– Make sure the sausage is fully cooked before layering.
– Be cautious with salt, as cheese and sausage are already salty.
– Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving for easier slicing.
Helpful Tips
– Use frozen tater tots for ease; they hold up well in baking.
– Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
– Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors.
– Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate for a quick bake in the morning.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking it cold.
Can I freeze tater tot breakfast casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole. Just cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge before baking.
What can I serve with this dish?
This casserole goes great with fresh fruit, pastries, or a simple salad. Pairing it with coffee or mimosas makes for a perfect brunch.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep! Divide into individual portions and store in the fridge for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
While you can use fresh potatoes, they won’t have the same texture as tater tots. If you prefer fresh, consider parboiling and then baking them for a similar effect.
Conclusion
The tater tot breakfast casserole is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any breakfast table. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply enjoying a cozy morning at home, this casserole is sure to please everyone. With its crispy tots and flavorful filling, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite!
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread half of the tater tots evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Layer the cooked sausage over the tater tots.
- Pour the egg mixture over the sausage layer.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Top with the remaining tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until golden brown.
