Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole (Make-Ahead Breakfast) (2024)

• Get a filling and nutritious breakfast that supplies all your macronutrients: energy-supplying carbohydrates, digestion supporting fiber, high-quality protein, and healthy fats
• Because of the variety of food groups incorporated, you also get a nice mix of essential micronutrients, including calcium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
• A versatile breakfast that can be served for simple mornings or fancy ones. Take it to a brunch or potluck or even serve it for Christmas morning
• Made with budget friendly and convenient ingredients, this casserole isn’t fussy to make
• This breakfast casserole comes together quickly, with a prep time of just 25 minutes (thanks to minimal veggie chopping), a cook time of 35 minutes, and a total time of 50 minutes.

• In the past 6 decades pork production has improved by using 75% less land, 25% less water, 7% less energy, and 8% fewer carbon emissions
• Minnesota pig farmers are committed to doing what is right for pigs, people, and the planet
• Lean cuts of pork like tenderloin and pork chop are an ideal addition to active lifestyles because they’re as lean as boneless, skinless chicken breast and are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals
• All cuts of pork are an excellent protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids, as well as many important B vitamins

Registered Dietitian Jessie developed this recipe in her own kitchen and has these tips to share:

• To get a nice crispy topping on the tater tots and cheese, place the baked casserole under the oven broiler (on High) for 1-2 minutes.
• If your mornings are hectic or you want to make a special morning easier on yourself, take advantage of the Overnight Casserole option where you can prep the casserole the day/evening before and then simply bake it in the morning (see Notes section of the recipe card for instructions).
• During my testing, I enjoyed topping servings of this breakfast casserole with a dollop of sour cream and a few drops of hot sauce. It was also delicious with avocado slices and a sprinkle of green onions on top.
• This warm and hearty casserole would pair nicely with fresh fruit or even a very lightly dressed green salad, which is more of a French style breakfast.

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Servings: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon fine salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped, divided
• 2 cups shredded Colby-Cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese, divided
• 6 eggs
• 1 ¼ cups milk of choice (we used 2%)
• 1 (28-ounce or two 16-ounce) package frozen tater tots or crispy crowns
• Optional for serving: Sour cream, sliced green onions, hot sauce, additional bacon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Mist a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, mist the surface with cooking spray and add the onion, bell pepper, and sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the sausage is cooked through, 8-10 minutes. Season the mixture with the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper; stir until well mixed.
3. Stir 4 slices of the chopped bacon into the mixture, then transfer it to the prepared baking dish.
4. Add 1 cup of cheese and the full package(s) of frozen tater tots to the mixture in the baking dish. Toss until the ingredients are well incorporated and spread evenly.
5. In a medium bowl or large glass measuring cup, combine the eggs and milk; whisk until the eggs are smooth. Season the liquid with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
6. Pour the egg mixture over and all around the ingredients in the baking dish.
7. Top with the remaining 1 cup cheese and the remaining 2 slices of cooked chopped bacon.
8. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the center is set and the top is lightly browned. Start checking doneness at 25 minutes, adding more minutes as needed.
9. [Optional step for crispy topping] Turn on the oven broiler to High and broil the top of the casserole for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
10. If desired, garnish servings with a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, hot sauce, or additional chopped cooked bacon.

Notes

Overnight Casserole Option: Prepare the casserole through Step 7. Cover and refrigerate. In the morning, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake the casserole for 25-35 minutes, until the center is set. Finish/garnish as written above.

Nutrition Information

• Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
• Calories: 500
• Fat: 33 g
• (Sat Fat: 10 g)
• Sodium: 880 mg
• Carbohydrate: 29 g
• (Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 5 g)
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 184 mg

Gluten-freeNut-free

© The Real Food Dietitians