Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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Are you searching for that one special breakfast that draws the whole family to the table on a lazy weekend? A dish that is simple to put together, packed with flavour, and fills your home with the most comforting aroma? We have the perfect solution. Allow us to introduce our unbeatable Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe, a brilliant one-dish meal that unites savoury sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and a wonderfully crisp tater tot topping. This isn’t just a meal; it’s the start of a beautifully relaxed and delicious morning.

We firmly believe that a fantastic breakfast paves the way for a brilliant day, and this recipe certainly doesn’t disappoint. It embodies the essence of comfort food, making it ideal for a leisurely Sunday morning, a celebratory holiday brunch, or even a fun ‘breakfast-for-dinner’ evening. There’s no need to juggle lots of pans or follow complex instructions. With our straightforward guide, you’ll soon be presenting a golden, bubbling casserole that is sure to win you plenty of praise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Wonderfully Straightforward: This recipe is incredibly easy to assemble. We simply layer a handful of ingredients in a single dish, which means less time spent cooking and more time savouring your morning cup of tea.
  • A Guaranteed Family Favourite: From the fussiest toddlers to hungry teens and adults, this dish is loved by all. The delightful combination of crunchy potatoes, cheesy eggs, and flavourful sausage is a surefire success.
  • Ideal for Making in Advance: We understand that mornings can be a rush. You can prepare this entire casserole the evening before, cover it, and pop it in the morning for a completely stress-free start to your day.
  • Endlessly Adaptable: Consider this recipe your creative starting point. Feel free to switch the meat, incorporate your favourite vegetables, or try different cheeses to truly make it your own.
  • The Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s a hearty breakfast that’s warm, deeply satisfying, and full of classic flavours, making it the perfect choice for any occasion that calls for a little extra comfort.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg bag of frozen tater tots
  • 500g pork sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 10 large free-range eggs
  • 240ml whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 300g mature cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 spring onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

How to Make Our Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Putting together this mouth-watering breakfast casserole is a breeze. We’ve simplified the process into a few easy steps to ensure you get a flawless result every single time. Simply follow our lead, and a golden, bubbling masterpiece will be ready before you know it.

  1. Preheat and Prepare Your Dish: To begin, preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes serving much easier later on.
  2. Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: Set a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the pork sausage and cook, using a wooden spoon to break it up, until it is beautifully browned all over. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pan, and continue to sauté for a further 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables have softened. Carefully drain any excess fat.
  3. Mix the Egg Base: In a large bowl, whisk the 10 eggs with the whole milk until they are thoroughly combined and have a slightly frothy texture. Next, stir in the garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This seasoned egg mixture forms the creamy, flavourful heart of our casserole. For advice on handling eggs safely, we always follow the guidance from the NHS on food safety.
  4. Layer the Casserole: Now comes the enjoyable part! Distribute the cooked sausage and vegetable mix evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Scatter approximately two-thirds of the grated cheddar cheese on top. Gently pour the egg mixture over the sausage and cheese, making sure everything is covered.
  5. Add the Tater Tot Topping: Carefully arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the egg mixture. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but aim to cover most of the surface to create that signature crispy crust.
  6. Bake Until Golden: Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the centre is firm (a knife inserted into the middle will come out clean) and the tater tots have turned a lovely golden brown and are perfectly crisp.
  7. Rest, Garnish, and Serve: Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This helps it to set properly, which makes slicing and serving much neater. Just before serving, sprinkle the sliced spring onions over the top for a fresh burst of colour and flavour.

Variations and Expert Tips

One of the greatest features of this recipe is its versatility. We wholeheartedly encourage you to have fun with it in the kitchen! Here are a few of our most-loved suggestions and variations to help you create the ideal tater tot casserole for your household.

Fun Variations to Try

  • Switch Up the Meat: Not a fan of pork sausage? That’s perfectly fine! You could use crispy bacon lardons, diced ham, or even spicy chorizo to introduce a new flavour dimension. If you adore bacon-based dishes, you might also like our recipe for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders as a sweet and savoury dinner option.
  • Create a Vegetarian Version: To make a wonderful vegetarian casserole, just leave out the sausage and add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, or diced courgettes. A plant-based sausage substitute would also work brilliantly.
  • Add a Little Spice: For those who enjoy some heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to your egg mixture. Using a cheese with a bit of a kick, like Pepper Jack, is another excellent way to turn up the spice.
  • Explore Different Cheeses: While we adore mature cheddar, don’t hesitate to try other cheeses. A mixture of Monterey Jack and Colby, a little Swiss, or some creamy Gouda would all be delicious alternatives.

Our Top Tips for Success

  • Keep the Tots Frozen: For the crispiest topping imaginable, place the tater tots directly onto the casserole from the freezer. Allowing them to thaw first can result in a less crunchy, slightly soggy texture.
  • Drain Off the Grease: Always make sure to drain any extra fat from the sausage and vegetable mixture. This easy step is key to preventing the casserole from becoming overly greasy.
  • The ‘Wobble Test’ for Doneness: The simplest way to tell if your casserole is fully cooked is to give the dish a gentle shake. If the centre is set and doesn’t jiggle, it’s done and ready to come out of the oven.

Make-Ahead and Storage Guide

This is one of our all-time favourite make-ahead brunch recipes. To get it ready the night before, just follow the assembly instructions right up to the baking stage. Cover the dish securely with foil or cling film and store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, simply remove the cover and bake as directed, but remember to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time as it will be baking from chilled.

Any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave, or for a better texture, place the casserole back in the oven at 175°C until it’s warmed all the way through. If you enjoy large, satisfying, make-ahead meals, be sure to have a look at our incredible Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this with fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
A: While tater tots give it a distinctive crispy texture, you could certainly substitute them with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes or shredded hash browns. If you do use fresh potatoes, we suggest parboiling them first to ensure they cook through by the time the eggs are set.
Q: Why did my casserole turn out a bit watery?
A: This can occasionally occur if the vegetables release excess moisture or if the fat from the sausage isn’t drained properly. To avoid this, make sure you sauté the vegetables until they have softened and released most of their liquid, and always drain off any excess grease from the meat.
Q: Is it possible to freeze this tater tot breakfast casserole?
A: Absolutely! It freezes very well, either before or after baking. To freeze an unbaked casserole, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. To freeze a baked casserole, let it cool down completely first, then freeze. You can reheat it directly from frozen in the oven until piping hot.

The Perfect End to Your Breakfast Search

And there we have it—a straightforward, delicious, and deeply satisfying Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe that is sure to become a cherished family favourite. This is the type of dish that helps create wonderful memories, whether you’re serving it for a festive holiday brunch or enjoying a simple, cosy weekend at home. It’s adaptable, easy to prepare, and a guaranteed way to begin any day with a smile.

We would be thrilled to see how your casserole turns out! Why not try this recipe this weekend? Take a photo, share it with your loved ones, and please do leave a comment below to let us know how much you enjoyed it. Happy cooking!

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Discover our foolproof Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe! A warm, cheesy, and satisfying one-pan meal ideal for a hearty breakfast or special brunch. Click for simple steps and creative tips.

Recipe Card

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe


Pin Recipe
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 60 mins
Serves: 8

Ingredients

  • 1 kg bag of frozen tater tots
  • 500g pork sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 10 large free-range eggs
  • 240ml whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 300g mature cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 spring onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 190°C (170°C fan). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large frying pan, brown the sausage over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Drain excess fat.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Stir in the garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spread the sausage and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Top with about two-thirds of the grated cheese.
  5. Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and cheese layer.
  6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the surface.
  7. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the centre is set and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with spring onions and serve warm.

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