Can I use different meat in this breakfast casserole?

Absolutely! Substitute the spicy sausage with mild sausage, bacon, diced ham, or even ground turkey. If using bacon, cook it until crisp, crumble it, and drain well before adding to the casserole.

My family doesn't like spicy food. How can I adjust this recipe?

Simply use mild breakfast sausage instead of spicy, and you might want to add some additional herbs like sage or thyme to boost flavor without adding heat. You could also use a milder cheese like Monterey Jack instead of cheddar.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the meat and instead sauté 2-3 cups of vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini to create the base layer. You might want to add some smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to provide that savory depth that meat normally contributes.

Why are my tater tots not getting crispy?

A few possible reasons: your oven temperature might be off, the casserole might be too crowded, or there might be excess moisture. Try arranging the tots in a single layer, ensure your oven is properly calibrated, and avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking.

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Description

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines layers of flavorful sausage, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheddar cheese, all baked together with a creamy egg mixture. Perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or even meal prepping, this recipe is a family favorite. Plus, it’s simple to make and can even be prepped ahead of time for those busy mornings!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Sausage Mixture:

1 pound spicy breakfast sausage (bulk or casings removed)
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Egg Mixture:

8 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Casserole Toppings:

2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese, divided
16 ounces frozen tater tots (1 bag)
Chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside for later.
Cook the Sausage Mixture
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the breakfast sausage and diced onion. Cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, and the onion becomes translucent. Add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant. Drain any excess grease from the skillet and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it in an even layer.
Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, kosher salt, and black pepper until fully combined. This will form the creamy base of your casserole.
Assemble the Casserole
Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage mixture in the baking dish. Next, pour the egg mixture evenly over the top to ensure all the layers are coated.
Top with Tater Tots and Cheese
Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the casserole in an even layer. Then, sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. If desired, you can wrap the casserole at this point and store it in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours before baking.
Bake and Garnish
Bake the casserole, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the egg mixture is fully set in the center. Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped chives if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For added flavor, you can use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Swap out the sausage for bacon, ham, or a vegetarian sausage alternative for a different twist.
To make this casserole spicy, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
If making this dish ahead, ensure it’s tightly wrapped before refrigerating.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ of the casserole)
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 250mg