Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Dive into a comforting and satisfying breakfast with this hearty tater tot breakfast casserole. This deliciously easy to make dish combines the crispy goodness of tater tots with the delightful richness of bacon, eggs, and cheddar cheese. It's the perfect meal to start your day, or serve up for a lazy weekend brunch.

Photos of Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

The ingredients needed for this recipe are usually readily available in most homes. However, if you don't usually keep tater tots or cheddar cheese on hand, these will be key items to add to your grocery list. While the frozen tater tots provide a comforting and hearty base, the cheddar cheese adds a delightful creaminess that is crucial to this breakfast casserole.

Ingredients Needed for Hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Frozen tater tots: These provide a crispy and hearty base for the casserole.

Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and add a rich, creamy texture.

Whole milk: It helps to create a smooth and custardy texture in the casserole.

Kosher salt: It enhances the natural flavors of the other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a kick of heat and depth of flavor.

Cheddar cheese: It melts into the casserole, creating a creamy and cheesy element.

Bacon: It adds a salty, smoky flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

One reader, Kimball Norwood says:

This tater tot breakfast casserole is a game-changer! It's the perfect blend of crispy tater tots, fluffy eggs, and savory bacon. The whole family loved it, and it's so easy to make. It's become a weekend staple in our house. Highly recommend trying it out!

Kimball Norwood

Techniques Required for Making a Tater Tot Casserole

Preheat the oven: Set the temperature to 350 degrees F and allow the oven to preheat before starting the recipe.

Line the baking dish with tater tots: Neatly arrange the frozen tater tots in rows in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, ensuring they cover the bottom of the dish evenly.

Whisk together the egg mixture: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, cheddar cheese, and bacon, and whisk until well blended.

Pour the egg mixture over the tater tots: Once the tater tots are arranged in the baking dish, pour the egg mixture evenly over them, ensuring it covers the tater tots.

Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the casserole uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.

Serve and enjoy: Once baked, serve the hearty tater tot breakfast casserole warm and enjoy!

How To Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Start your day right with a flavorful plate of our tater tot breakfast casserole! This tater tot dish is rich, cheesy, and can be cooked up in just an hour.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 50 minutes

Total: 1 hour

Serves:

Ingredients

32ozfrozen tater tots,1 package
10large eggs
½cupwhole milk
½tspkosher salt
¼tspblack pepper,coarse ground
2cupscheddar cheese,shredded
1lbbacon,cooked and crumbled, about ⅔ cup

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spray a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray.
Line the baking dish in neat rows with the tater tots.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, cheddar cheese and bacon.
Pour the mixture over the tater tots.
Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes.
Serve warm, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 469.32kcal
Fat: 40.11g
Saturated Fat: 16.17g
Trans Fat: 0.49g
Monounsaturated Fat: 15.08g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.36g
Carbohydrates: 2.40g
Fiber: 0.02g
Sugar: 1.66g
Protein: 23.43g
Cholesterol: 305.11mg
Sodium: 683.19mg
Calcium: 278.22mg
Potassium: 244.93mg
Iron: 1.39mg
Vitamin A: 200.07µg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Your Tater Tot Casserole

To ensure that your bacon is evenly cooked and crispy, consider frying it in a pan before adding it to the egg mixture. This will not only enhance the flavor of the bacon, but also add a delightful crunch to your tater tot breakfast casserole. Additionally, for a more flavorful casserole, you can use the leftover bacon grease to sauté some onions and bell peppers, and then add them to the egg mixture. This will add an extra layer of flavor to your casserole.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Breakfast Casserole

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, cook meats, and measure out ingredients the night before to streamline the cooking process.

Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, blenders, and mixers to speed up the prep work.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that can be cooked in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Make larger quantities of certain components, such as sauces or grains, and store them for future use in other recipes.

Follow the recipe: Read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure you have all the ingredients and understand the steps, preventing any last-minute confusion.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to avoid wasting time searching for utensils or ingredients.

Substitute Ingredients For Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

frozen tater tots - Substitute with frozen hash browns: Frozen hash browns can provide a similar texture and flavor to tater tots in the casserole.
large eggs - Substitute with vegan egg substitute: A vegan egg substitute can be used for those looking for a plant-based alternative.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative in the recipe.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt in the same quantity.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a milder alternative to black pepper.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese can provide a similar melty texture and mild flavor in the casserole.
bacon - Substitute with sausage: Sausage can be used as a flavorful alternative to bacon in the breakfast casserole.

Presenting Your Delicious Breakfast Casserole

Elevate the tater tots: Arrange the tater tots in a precise and visually appealing manner, ensuring they are evenly spaced and perfectly golden brown.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped chives and parsley over the casserole to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate, edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies to add an elegant and sophisticated touch to the dish.
Create a bacon lattice: Weave the bacon into an intricate lattice pattern on top of the casserole, showcasing the attention to detail and culinary artistry.
Utilize fine dining plating techniques: Employ techniques such as quenelle shaping for the tater tots and precise sauce drizzling to elevate the visual appeal of the dish.
Present in individual ramekins: Serve the casserole in individual ceramic ramekins to add a touch of elegance and create a personalized dining experience.
Accompany with a gourmet sauce: Serve the casserole with a side of truffle-infused hollandaise or a roasted red pepper coulis to enhance the flavor profile and add a touch of sophistication.
Use elegant serving platters: Present the casserole on sleek, modern platters to create a visually stunning presentation that complements the dish's flavors.

Essential Tools for Making a Tater Tot Casserole

Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food by surrounding it with dry heat.
9 x 13-inch pan: A baking pan of specific dimensions suitable for making casseroles and other baked dishes.
Cooking spray: A non-stick spray used to coat baking pans and dishes to prevent food from sticking.
Large bowl: A container for mixing ingredients, often used for combining larger quantities of food.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending and mixing ingredients together, often in a rapid whipping motion.
Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for lifting, flipping, and spreading food during cooking and baking.
Measuring cup: A tool used to measure liquid or dry ingredients accurately for recipes.
Baking dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking and cooking a variety of dishes, including casseroles.
Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients, such as chopping bacon for the casserole.
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing food items, providing a stable and safe cutting surface.

Storing and Freezing Your Breakfast Casserole

Let the casserole cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the tater tot casserole. Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap, then cover with a layer of aluminum foil. Label the dish with the date and contents.
Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat, remove the plastic wrap and cover the casserole with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If the casserole is still frozen, it may take up to 1 hour to reheat fully.
For individual portions, cut the cooled casserole into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, unwrap the desired number of portions and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Assemble the dish as directed, but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed in the recipe.

How To Reheat Leftover Breakfast Casserole

To reheat leftover hearty tater tot breakfast casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly and drying out. Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to crisp up the top layer of tater tots.
Another option is to reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a serving of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The microwave method is quicker but may result in a softer texture compared to oven reheating.
For a crispy top layer, you can also reheat the casserole in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a portion of the casserole in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the top is crispy. This method works best for smaller portions and ensures a crispy texture on the tater tots.
If you have a large amount of leftover casserole, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the casserole to the slow cooker and heat on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through. This method is convenient for larger gatherings or if you want to keep the casserole warm for an extended period.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to store any leftover hearty tater tot breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, always ensure that the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Interesting Trivia About Tater Tot Casseroles

Tater tots were created in 1953 by the Ore-Ida company when they were looking for a way to use up leftover slivers of cut-up potatoes. They chopped up the slivers, added flour and seasoning, and extruded the mixture through a machine to form the bite-sized tots we know today.

Is Making a Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Cost-Effective?

This hearty tater tot breakfast casserole recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as tater tots, eggs, milk, cheese, and bacon, are relatively affordable and readily available. The recipe yields a hearty and satisfying dish, making it a great option for a family breakfast or brunch. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 8/10

Is This Tater Tot Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?

This hearty tater tot breakfast casserole recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - tater tots, eggs, whole milk, cheddar cheese, and bacon - are all high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. The excessive consumption of these ingredients can lead to various health issues, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and increased risk of heart disease.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace the tater tots with shredded or diced sweet potatoes for added fiber and nutrients
Use a combination of whole eggs and egg whites to reduce the overall cholesterol content
Swap whole milk with low-fat or non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk
Reduce the amount of cheddar cheese or opt for a lower-fat variety
Replace regular bacon with turkey bacon or lean ham to decrease the saturated fat content
Incorporate more vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach, to boost the nutritional value and fiber content of the dish
Use a smaller baking dish or reduce the overall portion size to control calorie intake

Editor's Opinion on This Hearty Breakfast Casserole

This hearty tater tot breakfast casserole recipe is a delightful and satisfying dish. The combination of crispy tater tots, fluffy eggs, savory bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The recipe is easy to prepare and makes a great addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. It's a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and ready to tackle the day.

Enhance Your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Toss asparagus in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, and grated parmesan cheese before roasting until tender and slightly crispy.

Savory Herb Biscuits: Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and a variety of savory herbs before cutting in cold butter and buttermilk to create flaky, flavorful biscuits.

Crispy Maple Glazed Bacon: Coat bacon in a mixture of maple syrup, brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne before baking until crispy and caramelized for a sweet and savory twist on classic bacon.

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing: Toss together a variety of fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi before drizzling with a zesty honey-lime dressing for a refreshing and colorful side dish.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Casserole

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty stew is packed with tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and a savory broth that will warm you up on a cold day.

Fruit Salad with Citrus Dressing: A refreshing and colorful fruit salad with a tangy citrus dressing that is perfect for a light and healthy dessert or side dish.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Indulge in a creamy and rich chicken alfredo pasta dish that is easy to make and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Roasted Vegetable Medley: A delicious medley of roasted vegetables, including carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, seasoned with herbs and olive oil for a flavorful side dish.

Chocolate Lava Cake: Treat yourself to a decadent and gooey chocolate lava cake that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Your Breakfast Casserole

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites are filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, then topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a perfect appetizer that will leave your guests wanting more.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: This creamy and indulgent dip is the perfect way to start off any meal. With a blend of spinach, artichokes, and a mix of cheeses, it's a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Desserts:

Decadent Chocolate Cake: Indulge in a rich and moist chocolate cake, layered with creamy chocolate ganache and topped with chocolate shavings. This dessert is perfect for any chocolate lover looking for a sweet and satisfying treat.

Velvety Cheesecake: Savor a smooth and creamy cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious fruit compote topping. This dessert is a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Why trust this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe:

This recipe is a delicious and satisfying breakfast option that combines the crispy goodness of frozen tater tots with the rich flavors of cheddar cheese and bacon. The use of whole milk and eggs adds a creamy and hearty texture, making it a perfect choice for a filling morning meal. With a simple preparation process and familiar ingredients, this tater tot breakfast casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Trust in the classic combination of flavors and the ease of preparation, and you'll have a delightful breakfast dish that will impress everyone at the table.

Want to share your own twist on this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section of our forum and join the conversation!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of cheese in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss, to create a unique flavor profile.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time and reheat it later?

Absolutely! This casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to enjoy it. Simply cover it with foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat it in the oven until it's heated through.

Can I substitute the bacon with a different type of meat or make it vegetarian?

Certainly! You can substitute the bacon with sausage, ham, or even cooked and crumbled turkey or chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat altogether and add in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach for a delicious meat-free version.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

While this recipe calls for frozen tater tots for convenience, you can certainly use fresh potatoes. Simply grate or dice the potatoes and par-cook them before assembling the casserole. This will ensure that they are fully cooked and tender when the casserole is done.

Can I add other ingredients to this casserole?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can customize it to your liking. Consider adding ingredients like diced tomatoes, green onions, mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of your favorite herbs and spices to elevate the flavors and textures of the casserole.