Description
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. This casserole starts with a layer of crispy tater tots as the base, topped with a savory mixture of scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage or bacon, and shredded cheese.
A creamy egg mixture is poured over the layers to bind everything together, ensuring a rich and satisfying bite. After baking to golden perfection, the casserole is topped with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, it’s a great make-ahead option for busy mornings or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole:
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 lb Halal breakfast sausage (ground beef sausage or chicken sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk alternative)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Tater Tots: The base of this casserole, the tater tots, provides a crispy, golden texture that holds up well under the creamy, savory ingredients.
- Halal Sausage: By using Halal-certified sausage, you can enjoy a pork-free breakfast casserole while still keeping the savory flavors that are characteristic of this dish.
- Cheddar Cheese: The melty cheese adds a rich, gooey texture to the casserole and contributes to its comforting, indulgent taste.
- Eggs and Milk: These two ingredients bind everything together, creating a creamy, smooth texture and making the casserole moist.
- Onions and Bell Peppers (optional): These vegetables add color and an additional layer of flavor, but they’re optional and can be left out if you prefer a simpler casserole.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole:
Prepare the Casserole Base:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a little olive oil to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the Halal sausage. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Once browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes), transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. If you’re using onions and bell peppers, sauté them in the same skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Layer the Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Set aside while you prepare the egg mixture.
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- Whisk the Eggs and Milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Add the Sausage and Cheese: Add the cooked sausage (and any vegetables you sautéed) to the egg mixture and stir to combine. Fold in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese, saving the remaining ½ cup for topping.
Assemble and Bake:
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the egg and sausage mixture evenly over the tater tots in the baking dish, ensuring the mixture covers all of the tots. Use a spatula to gently press down the tater tots to make sure they’re submerged in the egg mixture.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole, covering it in a layer of cheese for a bubbly, golden finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown and bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 20g