Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole (The Ultimate Recipe!) | Foodess (2024)

Gather Your Ingredients to Make This Easy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

• Oil: Helps sauté the onion and contributes to a more flavorful base.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Kosher Salt: Used for seasoning and to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Whole Milk: Creates a creamy texture in the egg mixture.
• Cream: Adds richness to the egg mixture.
• Eggs: The binder that holds everything together and provides structure.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (12 ounces by weight): Adds sharpness and a cheesy flavor; also creates a beautiful melted layer on top.
• Tater Tots (Hashbrowns): The potato base that provides yummy flavor and texture. Be sure to thaw them first!
• Fresh Parsley or Chives: Offers a pop of color and fresh flavor as a garnish. Feel free to swap in minced green onions.

• Replace Tater Tots: Use hash browns or even cooked and diced potatoes for a different texture.
• Cheese Swap: Try gruyere or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Add Veggies: Saute some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, and/or spinach for extra veggies and color.
• Protein Punch: Add diced ham or cooked crumbled sausage for a meaty version.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free milk and cream substitute, and a plant-based cheese if needed.
• Amp up the Flavor: Add a teaspoon of onion powder, a little garlic powder, a sprinkle of black pepper and/or cayenne to the egg mixture if you like. (It tastes delicious as-is, though, trust me!)

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• Large Skillet: For sautéing the onion.
• Large Bowl: To combine the milk, eggs, and cheese.
• Whisk: For thoroughly mixing the eggs and dairy.
• 8-Cup Baking Dish: Where all the ingredients come together.
• Meat Thermometer (optional): To ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Sauté onion: Building the flavor foundation by caramelizing the onions.
• Whisk wet mixture: Combining milk, eggs, and cheese to form a luscious base.
• Layer tater tots: Creating the hearty bottom layer that’ll soak up the goodness.
• Pour egg mixture: Making sure every tater tot gets a dip in the creamy blend.
• Top with cheese: Because more cheese equals more joy.
• Bake: Locking in all the flavors and textures.
• Check internal temperature: Ensuring it’s cooked perfectly for safe eating.
• Cool and garnish: Giving it a moment to set while adding a sprinkle of finesse.

• Freeze it: Pop individual portions in paper-lined muffin cups in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. On busy mornings, grab one to microwave for a quick heat-and-eat breakfast option. Kids love this!
• Refrigerate: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Perfect for weekday breakfasts!
• Reheat: A few minutes in the oven or microwave, and it’s as good as fresh.

• Prep the Base: Follow the original recipe until you pour the egg mixture over the tater tots in the baking dish.
• Seal and Chill: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid and place in the fridge.
• Morning Oven Prep: Take the dish out 30 minutes before baking to let it reach room temperature.
• Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake as per the original recipe, adding 5-10 minutes if needed.
• Cool and Serve: Allow to cool briefly before garnishing and serving.

• Personalize it: Serve with a variety of optional toppings like salsa, hot sauce, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.
• Pair it up: A fresh green salad or fruit bowl works wonders to lighten the meal.
• Go fancy: Serving for brunch? A glass of mimosa or freshly squeezed orange juice is the perfect complement.
Family style: Lay the casserole dish in the center of the table and let everyone dig in. I love adding a side of pan fried asparagus.

• Cheese choices: Opt for cheeses with good meltability and flavor, like cheddar, Gruyère or Monterey Jack. This time, I used a bacon cheese blend (which was super yummy)
• Cook down the onions: Sautéing the onions until they’re golden helps draw out their sweetness, adding depth and concentrating their flavor.
• Fresh herbs: Don’t skip the garnish. Fresh parsley or chives don’t just add color; they offer a pop of bright flavor that balances the richness.
• Use foil if needed: Cover the casserole with foil if the cheese is getting too brown before the filling is set.
• Temperature check: Make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F for safe eating, but also to ensure all the ingredients set perfectly.
• Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for at least 10 minutes after baking. This makes it easier to slice.

1. Not thawing the tots: Using still-frozen tater tots will result in a casserole that doesn’t cook evenly.
2. Skipping the seasoning: Forgetting to season the egg mixture or the sautéed onions can result in a bland dish.
3. Rushing the rest time: Cutting into the casserole immediately after taking it out of the oven can cause it to fall apart.
4. Soggy casserole: See below
5. Dry casserole: See below.

1. Excess Moisture: Not cooking down the onions or using frozen tater tots may cause extra moisture to be released as it cooks, making the casserole soggy.
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2. Inadequate Baking Time: Not baking the casserole long enough can leave it with a soggy texture. A thermometer is your best bet, or jiggle the dish and make sure it isn’t liquidy in the center.
3. Overcrowding: If the tater tots and other ingredients are packed too tightly, they may steam rather than bake, leading to sogginess.
4. Temperature: Cooking at too low a temperature may not allow the casserole to firm up, resulting in a soggy texture.

1. Insufficient Liquid: Not enough milk, cream, or eggs can result in a dry casserole. As long as you measure, that won’t be an issue here.
2. Overbaking: Cooking the casserole for too long can dry it out.
3. Baking Dish Size: If the baking dish is too large, the ingredients may spread out and become dry as they cook.

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Cheese Waffles: these savory buttermilk waffles are always a favorite.
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Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD