Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole 🥓🧀
A hearty and delicious breakfast casserole perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week!
Ingredients:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 pound pork sausage (e.g., Jimmy Dean)
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk or heavy cream (heavy cream preferred)
- 1 package frozen tater tots (approximately 24 oz)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook the Sausage:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage, breaking it into small crumbles until fully browned.
- Drain any excess grease and set the cooked sausage aside.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or milk), salt, pepper, and garlic powder until fully combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread a layer of frozen tater tots across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the tater tots.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sausage.
- Pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the layers.
- Cover and Bake:
- Cover the casserole dish with foil to prevent the edges from overcooking.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Finish Baking:
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the center is fully set (no runny egg).
- Check doneness at the 40-45 minute mark, as oven temperatures may vary.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy it warm with your favorite breakfast sides!
Q&A Section:
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, bake as directed.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, slice the casserole into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I add vegetables or customize the ingredients?
A: Definitely! Popular additions include diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also swap the sausage for bacon, ham, or a vegetarian alternative.
Q: What if I don’t have tater tots?
A: You can use shredded hash browns or cubed potatoes as a substitute.
Benefits of Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole:
- Time-Saving: Easy to assemble and bake, making it perfect for busy mornings or meal prepping for the week.
- Customizable: You can adapt the recipe with your favorite ingredients, like different meats, cheeses, or vegetables.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for feeding a large group during brunches, holidays, or family gatherings.
- Nutrient-Packed: The combination of eggs, sausage, and cheese provides a good source of protein and healthy fats to keep you energized.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients to make a filling and satisfying meal.
This dish is a comforting, cheesy breakfast that brings everyone to the table and sets the tone for a great day ahead! 🥔🍳