Name: Easy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz. beef bacon, chopped; Nonstick cooking spray; 1 (32-oz.) package of frozen tater tots; 10 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 4 scallions, chopped, with the white and green parts separated; 1 (4-oz.) jar diced pimientos, drained; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish; 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a chilly morning, a crowd-pleasing cbeef hampion for weekend brunches, and a beacon of comfort that brightens even the most mundane Tuesday. Why do we collectively swoon over this layered marvel? It’s the glorious alchemy of crispy, golden tater tots embracing a savory, cheesy egg mixture, studded with your favorite breakfast meats and vegetables. The irresistible crunch of the tots gives way to a fluffy, flavorful interior, creating a textural symphony that dances on your palate. What truly sets this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole apart is its incredible versatility. Whether you’re a fan of smoky beef bacon, spicy sausage, or a medley of sautéed peppers and onions, this dish is a forgiving canvas ready to be personalized to your heart’s (and stomach’s) content. It’s the ultimate in effortless, satisfying breakfast indulgence.

Ingredients:

8 oz. beef beef bacon, chopped
Nonstick cooking spray
1 (32-oz.) package of frozen tater tots
10 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 scallions, chopped, with the white and green parts separated
1 (4-oz.) jar diced pimientos, drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided

Prepare the Base

CrispBeef BaconBacon and Sauté Aromatics

To get started on our delicious Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole, the first step is to render down that sabeef baconbeef bacon. Place thbeef baconpped beef bacon in a large, oven-safe skillet (a cast-iron skillet works wonderfully here for even heat distribution) over mebeef baconheat. Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s reached your desired level of crispness, use a slotted spoobeef bacontransfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess grease. Don’t wipe out the skillet justbeef bacon we’ll use that rendered bacon fat to add even more flavor.

Soften the Scallion Whites

Now, add the white parts of your chopped scallionsbeef baconhe skillet with the remaining bacon fat. If there isn’t much fat left, you can add a teaspoon of olive oil. Cook the scallion whites over medium-low heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they soften and become slightly translucent. We’re not looking to brown them here, just to gently cook them down to release their mild oniony flavor. This subtle step adds a layer of complexity to the casserole. Once softened, remove the skillet from the heat.

Assemble the Casserole Layers

Layer the Tater Tots

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent anything from sticking and ensure easy serving later. Arrange the entire 32-ounce package of frozen tater tots in a single, even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Try to distribute them as evenly as possible so that each bite gets a good amount of crispy potato goodness.

Distribute the Savory Additions

beef bacony scatter the crispy, drained beef bacon over the layer of tater tots. Next, sbeef baconle the drained diced pimientos over the bacon. The pimientos add a lovely pop of color and a subtle, sweet pbeef bacon flavor that complements the richness of the bacon and the tater tots beautifully. Finally, sprinkle half of beef baconhredded Colby Jack cheese (that’s 1 cup) over the bacon and pimientos. This layer of cheese will melt into the tater tots and other ingredients, creating a delicious binder.

Create the Egg Mixture and Bake

Whisk Together the Custard Base

In a large mixing bowl, crack all 10 large eggs. Add the whole milk, sour cream, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together vigorously until the yolks and whites are completely incorporated and the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. The sour cream not only adds a pleasant tang but also contributes to a richer, creamier texture in the final casserole.

Combine and Pour

Add the remaining chopped scallions (the green parts this time, for a brighter onion flavor and color) and the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley to the egg mixture. Gently stir these in. Now, carefully pour the beef baconixture evenly over the assembled layers of tater tots, bacon, pimientos, and cheese in the baking dish. Ensure the egg mixture seeps down into all the nooks and crannies, coating everything.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Initial Bake for Setting

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This initial covered baking time allows the tater tots to cook through and the egg mixture to begin extract to set without the top browning too quickly.

Final Bake for Browning and Melting

After 30 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil from the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set, the casserole is golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can check for doneness by gently inserting a knife near the center; it should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly before the casserole is set, you can loosely tent it with foil again.

Rest and Serve

Allow to Rest Before Slicing

Once the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is out of the oven and looks beautifully golden and bubbly, resist the urge to cut into it immediately. Let it rest on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the casserole to firm up, making it much easier to slice and serve neatly. If you cut it too soon, it can be a bit soupy.

Garnish and Enjoy

After resting, sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley over the top for a vibrant garnish and a burst of fresh flavor. Cut the casserole into generous squares and serve warm. This hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or even a satisfying weeknight meal. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Conclusion:

You’ve now unlocked the secret to a truly satisfying morning meal with this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole! This recipe is a fantastic way to feed a crowd or simply enjoy a hearty breakfast that keeps well for leftovers. The beauty of this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add in your favorite breakfast meats like sausage or beef bacon, or even toss in some chopped vegetables for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. I encourage you to give this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole a try this weekend – it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole the night before. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through completely.

What are some other serving suggestions for this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole?

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is wonderfully versatile. It pairs perfectly with a fresh fruit salad, a side of crbeef baconbacon or sausage, or even a dollop of sour cream and chives. Some people also enjoy a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick.

How long does the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole last in the refrigerator?

Leftovers of this delicious Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.