Tater Tot Casserole Breakfast
Ingredients:
– **For the Casserole:**
– 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage (or bacon, diced)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
– 6 large eggs
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
– 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
– 1 bag (32 oz or about 900 g) frozen tater tots
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. **Prehat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Cook the Sausage:**
– In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. If using bacon, cook until crispy. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and drain excess grease on a paper towel. Set aside.
3. **Cook the Vegetables:**
– In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. **Assemble the Casserole:**
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
– In a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spread the cooked sausage (or bacon) evenly across the bottom.
– Sprinkle the sautéed onions and bell peppers over the sausage.
– Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and vegetables.
– Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese evenly over the egg mixture.
– Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
– Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the tater tots.
5. **Bake the Casserole:**
– Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the eggs are fully set.
6. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
– Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
– Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips:
– **Make Ahead:** This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning. Just cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake as directed.
– **Customization:** Feel free to add other ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, or different types of cheese to suit your taste.
Enjoy!
This Tater Tot Casserole Breakfast is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or even dinner. The combination of crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and creamy eggs will be a hit with everyone!