Fans of cowboy casserole or potato lovers in general will love this make-ahead breakfast casserole. Tater tots aren't just for dinner and this recipe proves it! Like mini hash brown cakes, the tots mix with other breakfast ingredients like eggs, bacon, and cheese to make the ultimate breakfast bake. Plus, this breakfast casserole can be put together the day before and refrigerated until it's time to bake it. That makes Thanksgiving breakfast, Christmas brunch, or any morning meal super simple!
What is a tater tot casserole?
For this breakfast dish, start with tots—and plenty of 'em! Use a 2-pound bag to fill up a 13-by-9-inch casserole dish. Next, whisk eggs with sour cream and milk for a creamy base. Add sliced scallions, pimientos, cheese, and cooked bacon to make this casserole like a loaded hash brown.
Can you leave the bacon out of tater tot breakfast casserole?
Sure! If a vegetarian tater tot breakfast casserole sounds better to you, feel free to skip the bacon. After all, the tater tots are what make this dish fulfilling! You can also use cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage or diced ham in place of the bacon if you like.
How do you keep tater tots crispy in a casserole?
First start with a single layer of tater tots in the bottom of the casserole dish. Add the egg, cheese, and bacon mixture over top, before topping with another layer of tots. The top layer dips into the egg mixture, but enough of it sits on top of the casserole. Bake the casserole uncovered and this top layer of tater tots comes out extra crispy!
Can tater tot breakfast casserole be made ahead?
Yes, this makes an excellent overnight breakfast casserole. Assemble it completely, up to 24 hours in advance, then bake the next morning. Holiday brunch will be on the table in just about an hour!
What do you serve with tater tot breakfast casserole?
Since it already has bacon, potatoes, and eggs, it's plenty hearty as a stand-alone breakfast, but to really make a presentation at brunch, serve it with rainbow fruit skewers (or a simple fruit salad) and a round of mimosas or Bloody Marys!
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- Yields:
- 8 - 10 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 15 mins
- Total Time:
- 1 hr 10 mins
Ingredients
- 8 oz.
bacon, chopped
Nonstick cooking spray
- 1
(32-oz.) package of frozen tater tots
- 10
eggs
- 1 c.
whole milk
- 1/2 c.
sour cream
- 1/4 tsp.
kosher salt
- 1 tsp.
black pepper
- 4
scallions, chopped, white and green parts separated
- 1
(4-oz.) jar diced pimientos, drained
- 2 tbsp.
chopped parsley, plus more for serving
- 2 c.
shredded colby jack cheese, divided
Directions
- Step 1Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crispy, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the fat and cool.
- Step 2Spray a 13-by-9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place half of the tater tots in a single layer in the bottom of the dish.
- Step 3Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the scallions, pimientos, and parsley. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cheese and stir the remaining cheese into the egg mixture. Stir in the cooled bacon. Pour the mixture evenly over the tater tots in the casserole dish.
- Step 4Place the remaining tater tots in a single layer over the top and press gently into the egg mixture.
- Step 5To bake immediately: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake until the top is golden and the egg mixture is set in the center, 55 to 60 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes, then top with more parsley and serve.
- Step 6To make ahead: Cover and refrigerate overnight, or up to 24 hours. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole dish from the oven and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake until the top is golden and the egg mixture is set in the center, 55 to 60 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes, then top with more parsley and serve.
Tip: To bake immediately, it's best to thaw the tater tots before assembling the casserole. To thaw, let the bag sit in the refrigerator overnight, or at room temperature for about two hours.
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