Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Tater tots – the tiny potato pillows none of us can ever get over of.

Now imagine them doused in a savory egg and cheese casserole. Mouthwatering, literally!

This easy tater tot breakfast casserole recipe makes a delicious and hearty breakfast you can make in no time. It’s a flavor overload!

It’s a flavor overload!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why do I love Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole?

I’m a big casserole admirer. I can have it for any meal. But casseroles for breakfast – my day never gets better than this!

• It is an excellent make-ahead dish
• I always have tater tots and bacon in my freezer, so I can make this anytime
• The recipe is cost-effective, which is a HUGE YES for me!
• And, of course, the cheesy cheese – need I say more?

How Do You Thicken A Tater Tot Casserole?

It’s simple, add more tater tots. They’ll suck up all the extra liquid. Adding cream or half-and-half helps too. It thickens your dish AND makes it creamier! *Happy dance*

Why Is My Tater Tot Casserole Watery?

Using frozen tater tots can do this to your otherwise perfect tater tot breakfast casserole recipe.

To avoid this watery mess, use thawed tater tots and increase the cooking time by 5-7 minutes.

Why Are My Tater Tots Not Crispy?

You have to bake the dish till brown and bubbly. So, take your sweet time. Also, never skip bacon grease. Mix it with the tater tots before you put them in your casserole dish and bake away! And, of course, salt is a godsend! Sprinkle some for more crispiness.

What Makes Tater Tots Fall Apart?

You probably got a par-boiled batch of tater tots. Also, if you’re using some old oil instead of bacon grease – you need to stop! Again, get rid of the moisture, please! Thaw your frozen tater tots, gently squeeze out the excess liquid and then use bake to that perfect golden crisp!

How To Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole?

I like to keep things fun in my kitchen, especially during grumpy Monday mornings. So, try one of my cool serving ideas:

• Serve with a side of mini pancakes on skewers for a breakfast kabob effect
• Set up a DIY breakfast burrito bar with scrambled eggs, salsa, cheese, and avocado, with tater tot casserole as the base
• Top off the meal with a mimosa or a colorful smoothie bowl for a complete brunch-like experience

Tips:

If you don’t want to spend the rest of your morning scrubbing away at the casserole dish – grease it well!

Choose the right dish size. If it’s too small, the liquid will collect over the top. If it’s too big, you’ll have a dry, hard-to-swallow breakfast.

If your casserole is dry, pour some milk to moisten it.

Variations:

Now for the fun part. What? I love the creative element that comes with any cooking project. Here are my best variations:

• Load up your casserole with veggies – bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and more!
• Mixing up the cheese – shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack would make a cheesy dream come true.
• Add some sausage, ham, or ground beef – why not?
• Make it vegan by swapping out the cheese and the meat.

Ingredients:

• Fried Bacon
• Bacon Grease
• Yellow Onion
• Green Pepper
• Salt/ Pepper (To Taste)
• Eggs
• Sour Cream
• Whole Milk
• Cayenne Pepper
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• Tater Tots

Garnish:

• Fresh Parsley

How to make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole:

Step 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray the 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray.

Step 2. Chop the bacon. Set aside. Add the tablespoon of bacon grease to a skillet.

Step 3. Add the chopped onion and diced green pepper, cooking on medium heat for 3 minutes.

Step 4. Set the cooked onion and green pepper to the side. Add the cracked eggs into a large bowl. Whisk until the beaten eggs form a foamy consistency.

Step 5. Add in the sour cream and milk beating with an electric mixer. Season with salt and pepper, adding in the cayenne pepper.

Step 6. Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 7. Top with chopped bacon, fried onion, and fried green pepper.

Step 8. Cover the casserole with sharp cheddar cheese.

Top with the tater tots.

Step 9. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. Check to make sure that the tater tots are crisp. If not, return to the oven until it becomes crisp.

Step 10. Take out of the oven, set aside for 5 minutes.

Step 11. Garnish with chopped bacon and chopped fresh parsley.

PIN for later 🙂

How To Store Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole?

Your leftover tater tot goodness needs to go in the fridge. Use an airtight container.

If you’re freezing them, use a freezer-safe pouch. Freeze in small portions.

How To Reheat Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole?

Make it a rule to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can use your microwave to reheat if you want a quick grab. But if you reheat the casserole in your oven, it’ll be back to its former crispy glory.

How Much Does Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Last On The Fridge?

Smile – tater tot casserole stays good for four to five days in the fridge. In the freezer, three months!

Can I Make Ahead Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole?

Oh, absolutely. This dish is the perfect make-ahead meal. You can assemble it, cover it and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Related Recipes You Might Enjoy:

If you’re a tater tot fan or love casseroles, you have to try these recipes:

Victory’s Tater Tot Casserole – Just in time for Taco Tuesday, this delicious taco tater tot casserole recipe is sure to please!

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole – This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful combination of some of your favorite ingredients.

Jalapeno Popper Casserole – After slight adjustments, this Jalapeno Popper casserole is the best casserole I could have imagined.