Tater Tot Casserole Breakfast

Tater Tot Casserole Breakfast: A Hearty and Delicious Start to Your Day

Introduction

If you’re looking for a breakfast dish that’s both hearty and comforting, look no further than Tater Tot Casserole Breakfast. This ultimate breakfast casserole combines crispy tater tots, savory sausage, eggs, and cheese, all baked together in a deliciously satisfying dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a filling breakfast, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

History of Tater Tot Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole, also known as Tater Tot Hotdish, is a classic comfort food that originated in the Midwest, particularly in the state of Minnesota. While the dish itself is incredibly versatile, it’s typically made with ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and, of course, tater tots as the main ingredient. Over the years, the dish has evolved to include various variations, from adding vegetables to changing the type of protein.

In this Tater Tot Casserole Breakfast, we take the traditional casserole and add a breakfast twist with eggs, sausage, and cheese, making it the perfect way to start your day.

Health Benefits

While this casserole is indulgent and comforting, it also offers a few nutritional benefits, especially when you make a few simple swaps:

Tater Tots – Made from potatoes, they provide a good source of carbohydrates for energy. Choose a baked variety or homemade tots for a lighter option.

Sausage – A good source of protein, but to make the dish healthier, opt for lean sausage or even turkey sausage to reduce fat content.

Eggs – Rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins like B12, eggs add both nutrition and flavor to the casserole.

Cheese – Cheese provides calcium and protein, but you can use a reduced-fat version to make the dish lighter.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (mild, spicy, or turkey sausage)
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or almond milk)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional for added flavor)
• 1/2 tsp salt Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for added color and flavor)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup cooked bacon bits or diced ham
• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese (for extra cheesiness)
• Hot sauce or salsa (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Cook for about 7-10 minutes until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. Remove excess grease if necessary and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables (Optional): In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Base

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
2. Layer the Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You don’t need to defrost them—just place them straight from the freezer.

Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
2. Combine the Sausage and Vegetables: Add the cooked sausage (and optional sautéed vegetables) to the egg mixture and stir until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Pour the Mixture Over the Tater Tots: Pour the sausage and egg mixture evenly over the tater tots in the baking dish, making sure the mixture is spread out evenly.
2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (and mozzarella if using) evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can test if the eggs are cooked through by inserting a toothpick into the center of the casserole—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.
2. Optional Broil: If you’d like the top to be extra crispy and golden, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Just be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Rest the Casserole: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up and makes it easier to cut into squares.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant touch. You can also drizzle hot sauce or serve with salsa on the side for an extra kick.
3. Serve: Slice into squares and serve warm. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or extra crispy bacon.

Tips & Variations

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Just bake it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
• Swap the Protein: If you’re not a fan of sausage, try using ground turkey, ham, or bacon bits. You can even make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more veggies.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the casserole to pack in some extra vegetables.
• Cheese Variations: You can mix up the types of cheese used—try pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Without Cheese)

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fats: 20g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Vitamin C: 30% DV (thanks to the bell pepper and onion)

Lovers of This Dish

This Tater Tot Casserole Breakfast is adored by:

Breakfast Lovers: Perfect for those who love a filling breakfast to start their day.

Families: An easy and satisfying dish that the whole family can enjoy, including kids!

Meal Preppers: Great for making ahead and storing in the fridge for quick, grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.

Comfort Food Enthusiasts: If you’re a fan of cheesy, savory comfort food, this casserole will quickly become a favorite.

Conclusion

The Tater Tot Casserole Breakfast is the ultimate comfort food for breakfast, bringing together crispy tater tots, savory sausage, eggs, and melted cheese in one delicious dish. It’s versatile, easy to make, and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it for a family brunch, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a hearty start to your day, this casserole is a winner. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy