TATER TOT SAUSAGE BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast casserole, look no further! This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping for a week of hearty breakfasts. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time.

Ingredients:

• 8 eggs
• 1 pound pork sausage (Jimmy Dean recommended)
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 package frozen tater tots (approximately 24 oz)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9 x 13-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your casserole will come out easily without sticking to the pan.

2. Brown the Meat

Heat a skillet over medium heat and break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess grease and set the cooked sausage aside.

3. Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together 8 eggs, 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream (or whole milk), salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure the mixture is well combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Place the frozen tater tots in the bottom of the prepared dish to form a full layer. On top of the tater tots, evenly distribute the cooked sausage. Sprinkle 2 cups of cheddar cheese over the sausage. Finally, pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the entire dish.

5. Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole dish with foil. This step helps prevent the edges from cooking too quickly and burning. Bake the tater tot casserole for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the center is fully cooked. Note that oven times may vary, so start checking for doneness at the 40-45 minute mark.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the casserole hot, with optional toppings such as sour cream, tomatoes, salsa, or crunchy bacon. This dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Serve with Toppings

Enhance the flavor of your casserole by serving it with a variety of toppings:

• Sour Cream: Adds a creamy and tangy contrast.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Provides a fresh and juicy element.
• Salsa: Brings a zesty kick.
• Crunchy Bacon: Adds a delightful crunch and extra savory taste.

2. Pair with Beverages

This hearty casserole pairs well with:

• Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: For a refreshing and vibrant drink.
• Hot Coffee: Complements the savory flavors with a warm, rich taste.
• Milk: A classic choice that’s perfect for any breakfast dish.

3. Serve with Side Dishes

Round out your meal with some simple side dishes:

• Fresh Fruit Salad: Balances the richness of the casserole with natural sweetness.
• Buttered Toast or Biscuits: Provides a crunchy or fluffy texture contrast.
• Mixed Greens Salad: Offers a light and refreshing counterpoint.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigerating Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.

2. Freezing for Later

If you want to save some casserole for a later date, follow these steps:

• Cool Completely: Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature.
• Portion Out: Cut the casserole into individual portions for easier reheating.
• Wrap and Store: Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheat from Frozen: To reheat, remove a portion from the freezer and either microwave it for 2-3 minutes, or bake it in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

3. Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning:

• Assemble the Casserole: Follow the assembly instructions up to the baking step.
• Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight.
• Bake Fresh: In the morning, preheat the oven and bake according to the original instructions, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if necessary.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of your Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole fresh from the oven or as convenient leftovers throughout the week.

Variations:

1. Veggie Lover’s Casserole

For a vegetarian twist, omit the sausage and load up on fresh vegetables:

• Ingredients: Replace sausage with 1 cup of chopped bell peppers, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, and 1 cup of chopped spinach.
• Instructions: Sauté the vegetables until tender before adding them to the casserole with the tater tots and cheese. Follow the remaining steps as usual.

2. Southwest Style

Add a spicy, Southwestern flair to your casserole:

• Ingredients: Add 1 cup of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup of corn, and 1/2 cup of chopped green chilies to the sausage mixture. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
• Instructions: Mix these ingredients with the cooked sausage, then layer as directed. Serve with salsa and avocado slices.

3. Bacon and Cheese Explosion

Enhance the savory goodness with crispy bacon:

• Ingredients: Replace sausage with 1 pound of cooked and crumbled bacon. Increase cheese to 3 cups.
• Instructions: Layer bacon with tater tots and cheese, then pour over the egg mixture. Bake as directed.

4. Italian Breakfast Casserole

Give your casserole an Italian twist with Italian sausage and herbs:

• Ingredients: Replace regular sausage with 1 pound of Italian sausage. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
• Instructions: Cook the Italian sausage as directed, then layer with tater tots, mozzarella cheese, and the seasoned egg mixture. Serve with marinara sauce on the side.

5. Ham and Swiss Delight

A classic combination of ham and Swiss cheese for a rich and comforting casserole:

• Ingredients: Replace sausage with 2 cups of diced ham. Use 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese instead of cheddar.
• Instructions: Layer ham and Swiss cheese with tater tots, then pour the egg mixture over. Follow the remaining baking steps.

6. Healthy Turkey and Veggie Casserole

A lighter version with turkey sausage and extra veggies:

• Ingredients: Replace pork sausage with turkey sausage. Add 1 cup of chopped broccoli and 1 cup of diced tomatoes.
• Instructions: Cook turkey sausage as directed, then sauté the broccoli and tomatoes until tender. Layer with tater tots and cheese, then pour over the egg mixture and bake.

7. Mediterranean Flair

Introduce Mediterranean flavors with feta cheese and olives:

• Ingredients: Replace cheddar cheese with 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and add 1/2 cup of sliced black olives. Include 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
• Instructions: Mix the feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes with the cooked sausage, then layer with tater tots and pour over the egg mixture. Bake as directed.

8. Keto-Friendly Casserole

For a low-carb option, skip the tater tots and use a keto-friendly substitute:

• Ingredients: Replace tater tots with 4 cups of riced cauliflower. Use heavy cream and add an extra cup of cheese.
• Instructions: Sauté riced cauliflower until tender, then layer with cooked sausage and cheese. Pour over the egg mixture and bake.

FAQs:

1. Can I prepare the Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if necessary.

2. Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a spicy chorizo for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I freeze the Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Once it has cooled completely, cut it into portions, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

4. How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is fully cooked when the center is set and the eggs are no longer runny. You can check by inserting a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the casserole is done. The edges should be golden brown as well.

5. Can I make this casserole without dairy?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by using a non-dairy milk substitute like almond milk or oat milk, and a dairy-free cheese alternative. Be aware that the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

6. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional content. Common additions include bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms, and broccoli. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are tender.