This easy breakfast casserole recipe combines crispy tater tots, savory ham, and cheesy eggs into one delicious dish. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy mornings or feeding a crowd. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a holiday gathering, this customizable casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to bake a truly unforgettable breakfast!
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole
You’ll quickly fall in love with this irresistible breakfast casserole with tater tots. It requires minimal prep work, leaving you more time to enjoy your morning. The combination of crispy tater tots and a savory, cheesy filling is simply divine. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option, simplifying your meal planning. This versatile dish appeals to every palate, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your amazing breakfast casserole with tater tots:
- 1 (30-32 Ounce) Bag Frozen Tater Tots
- 16 Ounces Diced Ham
- 1 1/2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella or Monterrey Jack Cheese
- 8 Large Eggs
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 1 Cup Sour Cream
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1-2 Teaspoons Hot Sauce, Optional
Notes & Substitutions
Ham: Feel free to use store-bought pre-diced ham for convenience. Leftover ham from holiday dinners also works wonderfully here.
Meat Alternatives: Swap the ham for cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled bacon, or even turkey bacon for a different flavor profile.
Cheese: Any good melting cheese will do. Consider a mix of Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for added complexity.
Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream provides the richest texture and creamy consistency. Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.
Eggs: Any large eggs are suitable. If you prefer, a liquid egg substitute can be used following package directions. Discover the many nutritional advantages of eggs, a versatile and healthy ingredient for any meal.
Extra Flavor: Elevate the dish with a pinch of smoked paprika, fresh chives, or finely diced bell peppers for color and taste.
Equipment
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this fantastic breakfast casserole.
A 9×13 inch baking dish is essential for holding all the ingredients.
Grab a large mixing bowl for whisking the egg mixture.
A whisk ensures your eggs and seasonings are perfectly combined.
Don’t forget non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Instructions
Creating this flavorful breakfast casserole with tater tots is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time.
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Layer the Base: Spread the entire bag of frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure they form a single layer for optimal crisping.
- Add Ham and Cheese: Distribute the diced ham over the layer of tater tots. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and all 1 cup of mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese over the ham and tots.
- Combine Ingredients: Using your hands or a large spoon, gently toss the tater tots, ham, and cheese directly in the baking dish. This helps to distribute everything evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs and 1/2 cup of milk until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Season the Eggs: Stir in the 1 cup of sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. If using, add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce now for a subtle kick. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Pour and Bake: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tot, ham, and cheese combination in the baking dish. Gently tap the dish on the counter a few times to help the liquid settle.
- First Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the breakfast casserole is golden brown around the edges and the center appears set.
- Final Cheese Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Melt Cheese: Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the finished breakfast casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the casserole firm up, making it easier to cut and serve neat portions.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Achieve a perfect breakfast casserole with tater tots every time with these helpful tips.
- Keep Tots Frozen: Always use frozen tater tots directly from the freezer. Thawing them can lead to a soggy casserole.
- Even Spread: Distribute all ingredients uniformly in the baking dish. This ensures every piece gets a good mix of flavors.
- Don’t Overmix Eggs: Whisk the egg mixture just until combined. Overmixing can result in a tougher texture.
- Full-Fat Dairy: Opt for full-fat milk and sour cream for the creamiest, most satisfying egg base.
- Bake Until Puffed: Look for a golden brown top and a puffed, set center to indicate it’s fully cooked.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes helps it firm up. This makes for cleaner slices and a better presentation.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile breakfast casserole with tater tots is perfect for any meal and stores beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Top your portions with fresh chives or thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve alongside your favorite salsa or a drizzle of extra hot sauce for those who like a little heat. A simple side of fresh fruit or a green salad balances the richness of this hearty dish.
Storage & Make Ahead
Refrigerate (Unbaked): Prepare the casserole up to 12 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Leftovers (Baked): Store any leftover baked breakfast casserole, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To ensure the safety of your meal, the USDA provides guidelines on the proper safe handling practices for leftovers.
Freeze: Bake the casserole completely, then let it cool entirely. Wrap individual portions or the whole casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Reheat chilled or frozen portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, covering with foil if browning too quickly.
Variations
Different Meats: Instead of ham, try using cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage or crispy bacon bits.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely diced bell peppers, sautéed onions, or fresh spinach into the mix for added nutrients and flavor.
Spice It Up: Increase the amount of hot sauce, or add some diced jalapeños for a spicier kick.
Cheese Blends: Experiment with other melty cheeses like Gouda, smoked cheddar, or a pepper jack for a different taste.
Seasoning Swaps: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can add lovely depth.
Nutrition Information
This breakfast casserole with tater tots offers a satisfying and hearty meal. Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown.
| Name | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 380 | kcal |
| Serving Size | 1 | serving |
Disclaimer: All nutritional information is an approximation based on the ingredients used and may vary depending on brands and preparation methods. This information is provided for general guidance only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots for this breakfast casserole?
A: While you can, tater tots are preferred because they provide a unique crispy texture and flavor that fresh potatoes might not replicate as easily in a casserole. Their pre-cooked nature also saves time.
Q: How do I prevent my breakfast casserole from being dry?
A: The key is the generous amount of sour cream and milk in the egg mixture, which keeps everything moist. Be careful not to overbake, as this can also lead to dryness.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this breakfast casserole with tater tots?
A: Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach are excellent additions. Sauté tougher vegetables first to ensure they cook through.
Q: Is it best to serve this casserole immediately after baking?
A: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the egg mixture set. This makes for cleaner slices and a more stable casserole.
Q: What if my tater tots aren’t crispy enough?
A: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature. Spreading the tater tots in an even, single layer also helps them crisp up nicely, so avoid overcrowding the dish.
Conclusion
This incredibly easy and delicious breakfast casserole with tater tots is truly a game-changer for any meal. Its crispy, cheesy, and savory layers are perfect for pleasing a crowd or simply making your morning special. Whether you’re hosting brunch, preparing for a holiday, or just want a fantastic breakfast, this recipe fits the bill. Give this simple breakfast casserole a try soon and share your thoughts in the comments below. We’d love to hear how much you enjoyed it!
The Best Breakfast Casserole with Tater Tots
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine tater tots, diced ham, 1 cup of cheddar, and 1 cup of mozzarella in the baking dish and toss well.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream, seasonings, and optional hot sauce.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tot and ham mixture in the pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.