This fun breakfast casserole is packed with tasty tater tots, eggs, and cheese, making it super delicious. It’s like a breakfast party in a dish! 🎉
My favorite part? It’s so easy to whip up, and who doesn’t love a crispy tater tot? Perfect for those lazy weekends when you want something hearty and quick!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: The star of this dish! You can use any brand or homemade tater tots. If you don’t have tater tots, try diced frozen hash browns or even fresh potatoes for a different texture.
Eggs: These provide the base for the casserole. If you need a dairy-free option, consider using flax eggs or a plant-based egg substitute. Just check the package for the right measurement.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is my favorite choice for its meltiness. You could swap it for Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a kick, or a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Bacon: I love using crispy bacon for extra flavor. Veggie bacon or turkey bacon can work well if you prefer a lighter option. You could also leave it out entirely for a vegetarian dish!
Green Onions: They add a fresh touch! If these are not available, consider using chopped scallions or even finely chopped chives for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Ensure Your Eggs Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the eggs just right can be tricky! The key is to bake them gently and not rush. Here’s how:
- Make sure the oven is fully preheated to create an even cooking temperature.
- After pouring the egg mixture over the tater tots, give it a gentle stir to ensure eggs spread evenly.
- Check for doneness starting at 30 minutes. The casserole is done when eggs are set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- If you love runny yolks, add them in the last few minutes, watching closely so they don’t overcook.
Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving helps it set up, making it easier to slice and serve!
Crack Breakfast Casserole Tater Tot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the skillet/pan)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 to 40 minutes to bake. All in all, you’ll need about an hour to enjoy this tasty dish from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. This keeps everything from sticking!
2. Layering the Tater Tots:
Now it’s time for the tater tots! Spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of your greased skillet. They’re going to create a golden, crispy foundation for your casserole!
3. Mixing the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, crack the eggs and pour in the milk. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Beat everything together until it’s nice and combined. This is the creamy goodness that will hold everything together.
4. Adding Cheesy Goodness:
Sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. This adds a melty layer right in the middle!
5. Pouring the Egg Mixture:
Carefully pour your egg mixture over the tater tots and cheese, ensuring an even distribution. Don’t worry if things get a bit messy; it’s all going to bake perfectly!
6. Topping with Bacon and Green Onions:
Next up, sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon on top along with the chopped green onions. This adds flavor and makes your casserole extra special!
7. Final Cheese Layer:
Now, finish off by sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese over everything. This will create a nice crispy, cheesy topping as it bakes!
8. Baking Time!
Place your casserole in the oven and bake it for 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye out—you want the eggs to be set, and the top should be a lovely golden brown.
9. Optional Runny Yolk:
If you want to add a little flair, in the last 5 minutes of baking, crack a few eggs on top for that runny yolk effect. It’s optional but gives a nice touch!
10. Serving Up:
Once it’s done baking, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it stand for a few minutes to cool and set up a little. Garnish with extra chopped green onions, and dig in!
This hearty casserole is crispy from the tater tots, cheesy, packed with bacon, and perfect for a satisfying breakfast or brunch! Enjoy your delicious creation! 🍽️
Can I Use Hash Browns Instead of Tater Tots?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute frozen diced hash browns for the tater tots. Just make sure to spread them evenly in the dish for even cooking.
How Can I Adjust for Dietary Restrictions?
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese. You can also swap out bacon for turkey bacon or a vegetarian alternative. If you need a gluten-free option, just ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm up the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Assemble This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes! You can prepare everything the night before and simply cover and refrigerate it. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, so it cooks evenly.
