Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Tater tots: Frozen potato bites that add a crispy texture to the casserole.

Breakfast sausage: Cooked and crumbled sausage that provides a savory flavor.

Eggs: Beaten large eggs that form the base of the casserole.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheese that melts beautifully and adds richness.

Milk: Helps to create a creamy consistency in the egg mixture.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth to the casserole.

When preparing the tater tots for this casserole, consider partially thawing them before use. This allows them to absorb the egg mixture more effectively, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, you can sauté the breakfast sausage with some diced onions and bell peppers before adding it to the egg mixture. This will add a delightful depth to the overall taste.

• frozen tater tots - Substitute with hash browns: Hash browns provide a similar texture and potato flavor, making them a great alternative.

• frozen tater tots - Substitute with diced potatoes: Diced potatoes can offer a chunkier texture and can be seasoned to taste.

• cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage - Substitute with bacon: Bacon adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the casserole.

• cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage to maintain the savory flavor.

• beaten large eggs - Substitute with egg whites: Egg whites can reduce the cholesterol and fat content while still providing protein.

• beaten large eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can be blended to mimic the texture of beaten eggs for a vegan option.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella offers a milder flavor and melts well, making it a good alternative.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese that melts well and has a similar texture.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that can be used to maintain the creamy texture.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk provides a neutral flavor and creamy consistency, suitable for those avoiding dairy.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while providing the necessary saltiness.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and flavor profile but with a slightly different color and aroma.

• To store the tater tot breakfast casserole in the refrigerator, first allow it to cool completely. This prevents condensation and sogginess. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer the casserole to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• For freezing, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Cut it into individual portions for easier reheating. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the desired portion in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

• To reheat from frozen, you have two options. For a quicker method, you can use the microwave. Unwrap the portion and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through. For the best texture, reheat in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the frozen portion in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

• If you prefer a crispier top, remove the aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of reheating in the oven. This will allow the cheese to melt and brown nicely.

• Always check the internal temperature of the reheated casserole to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover tater tot breakfast casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the tater tots on top.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the leftover casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If needed, continue heating in 30-second increments until hot.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place slices of the casserole in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cut the leftover casserole into smaller pieces to fit in the air fryer basket.
  3. Place the pieces in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  4. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine the beaten eggs, milk, salt, pepper, cooked sausage, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.

• Whisk: Useful for beating the eggs and mixing them with the other ingredients.

• Baking dish: Greased to prevent sticking and used to layer the tater tots and pour the egg mixture.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the milk and shredded cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper.

• Spatula: Handy for spreading the tater tots evenly in the baking dish.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when placing it in and removing it from the oven.

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool evenly for a few minutes before serving.

Pre-cook sausage: Cook and crumble the breakfast sausage ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Mix ingredients in advance: Combine the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper the night before and store in the fridge.

Use cooking spray: Quickly grease the baking dish with cooking spray instead of butter.

Layer efficiently: Arrange the tater tots in the dish while the oven preheats to save time.