Breakfast casseroles are a fantastic way to kickstart your day, especially when you’re feeding a crowd. This Pioneer Woman’s Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole recipe takes the concept to a whole new level of deliciousness and ease! If you’re looking for a breakfast dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, this is it. Loved by families and perfect for brunch gatherings, this casserole is set to become your new go-to breakfast centerpiece. And the best part? It can be prepped ahead of time, making your morning routine smoother than ever.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
This recipe is truly magical in its simplicity. With a relatively short ingredient list, the combination creates a breakfast casserole that is bursting with flavor. Inspired by the original recipe from The Pioneer Woman, this version incorporates a few tweaks to enhance it even further. One notable improvement is the addition of extra eggs, boosting the richness and heartiness of the casserole. You’ll find that this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is incredibly versatile and satisfying, whether you bake it immediately or let the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator. Many agree that the overnight version allows the flavors to deepen, resulting in an even more delectable breakfast experience.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
The foundation of this comforting casserole is a generous layer of crispy tater tots. While the tater tots create a delightful base, feel free to reserve a handful to sprinkle on top before baking for an extra crispy finish. Whether you choose to top it or not, the tater tots infuse the casserole with a unique and irresistible flavor that everyone will adore. It’s a fun twist that adds a playful element to a classic breakfast dish, making it especially appealing to kids and adults alike. The hidden tater tot layer is a pleasant surprise that elevates the entire breakfast experience.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Isn’t it visually appealing? Food that looks as good as it tastes is always a win! This Pioneer Woman’s Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is not only easy and enjoyable to prepare but also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and cheese against the golden tater tots create a beautiful dish that will impress your family and guests. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings both flavor and visual delight to your breakfast table.
How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole:
- Begin by lining your casserole dish with a layer of tater tots, creating the base of your breakfast masterpiece. You can set aside some extra tater tots if you wish to add a topping later.
- Next, layer the cooked sausage and sautéed onions over the tater tot base. This savory combination adds depth and richness to the casserole.
- Distribute the diced bell peppers evenly over the sausage and onions, introducing a touch of sweetness and color.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar and pepper jack cheese blend over the bell peppers, ensuring every layer is infused with cheesy goodness.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the layered ingredients, allowing it to seep through and bind everything together.
- Finally, top with the remaining cheese for a golden, bubbly crust. If you reserved tater tots, now is the time to scatter them on top.
At this point, you can choose to bake the casserole immediately or refrigerate it overnight for a convenient morning bake.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Pioneer Woman’s Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole!
More Breakfast Recipe Inspirations:
Easy Acai Bowl
Maple & Brown Sugar Overnight Oats
Easy Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
Carrot Pancakes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Ingredients
- One 16-oz bag frozen Tater Tots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated pepper jack cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- Optional: ¼-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Skip this step if preparing for overnight baking.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and arrange tater tots in a single layer at the bottom.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Drain excess grease. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Spread the sausage and onion mixture evenly over the tater tots. Sprinkle diced red and green bell peppers on top. Distribute half of the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses over the vegetables.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, half-and-half, salt, ground pepper, and seasoned salt. Pour egg mixture over the casserole layers. Top with the remaining cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. Cover with aluminum foil if baking immediately or planning to refrigerate overnight.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 25-35 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned, and casserole is cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into squares and serving.
Recipe Notes
- For extra crispy tater tots, reserve a handful and sprinkle them on top of the casserole before baking.
- This casserole is ideal for overnight preparation. Assemble it as instructed and store covered in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as directed in the morning.
- For those who enjoy a bit of heat, using spicy breakfast sausage enhances the flavor profile wonderfully.
Adapted from The Pioneer Woman
