Loaded Tater Tot Breakfast Bake
This Loaded Tater Tot Breakfast Bake is a delectable morning treat that combines crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and colorful bell peppers, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy custard. Ideal for weekend brunches or special occasions, this casserole is not only hearty but also incredibly satisfying. With the option to substitute almond milk for traditional dairy, this dish caters to various dietary preferences while maintaining its rich flavor. Prepare it the night before for effortless entertaining, making mornings a breeze.
14
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tater Tots
16 ounces (frozen)
Butter
to taste (for greasing the baking dish)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
Spicy Breakfast Sausage
1 lb (ground)
Onion
1 medium (very finely diced)
Milk
1 cup (can substitute with almond milk)
Half-and-Half
1/2 cup (can substitute with almond milk)
Seasoning Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Cayenne Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Eggs
4 large (beaten)
Red Bell Pepper
1 (very finely diced)
Green Bell Pepper
1 (very finely diced)
Grated Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (divided)
Grated Monterey Jack Pepper Cheese
1 cup (divided)
Kosher Salt
to taste
Ground Black Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Begin by greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. Line the bottom of the dish with the frozen tater tots in a single layer.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and finely diced onion. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon until it is browned and the onions are soft. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before evenly sprinkling the mixture over the tater tots.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, half-and-half, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, beaten eggs, diced bell peppers, and half of both the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
5
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the tater tot and sausage layers in the baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
6
Cover the casserole with foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
7
On the day of baking, uncover the dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 20 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the casserole is cooked through.
8
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then cut into squares and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Loaded Tater Tot Breakfast Bake?
It is a hearty morning casserole that combines frozen tater tots, browned spicy sausage, onions, and bell peppers in a creamy, cheesy egg custard.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 14 servings.
Can I make this breakfast bake dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the traditional milk and half-and-half with almond milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots before using them?
No, the tater tots should be placed in the baking dish while still frozen.
What type of sausage is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of ground spicy breakfast sausage for extra flavor.
What size baking dish is required?
A standard 9x13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
How long do I need to cook the sausage and onions?
Sauté the sausage and finely diced onions for about 8 to 10 minutes until the meat is browned and onions are soft.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole overnight?
The recipe recommends refrigerating it overnight to allow the flavors to meld, making it perfect for effortless morning entertaining.
What kind of cheese is used in this bake?
The recipe uses a combination of shredded Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack Pepper cheese.
How many eggs are used in the custard?
This recipe uses 4 large beaten eggs.
What seasonings are included in the egg mixture?
The custard is seasoned with seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
How long does the casserole bake while covered?
Bake the casserole covered with foil for the first 25 minutes.
How long does it bake after the foil is removed?
After removing the foil, bake for an additional 20 to 35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Can I use different colored bell peppers?
Yes, the recipe uses both red and green bell peppers for color and flavor, but any variety of bell pepper will work.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should grease the 9x13 inch dish with butter before adding the tater tots.
What is the best way to serve the breakfast bake?
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking, then cut into squares and serve warm.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
Yes, you can use more milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk if preferred.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick due to the spicy breakfast sausage, Monterey Jack Pepper cheese, and cayenne pepper, but the heat is balanced by the eggs and potatoes.
Can I use regular breakfast sausage instead of spicy?
Absolutely, regular ground breakfast sausage works perfectly if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
How should I dice the onions and peppers?
The recipe suggests dicing them very finely so they distribute evenly throughout the egg mixture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the sausage or replace it with a plant-based meat alternative.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the egg custard has set through the middle.
Can I add other vegetables like mushrooms?
Yes, you can add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
How much tater tots do I need?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce package of frozen tater tots.
Do I put all the cheese inside the egg mixture?
No, you whisk half of the cheeses into the egg mixture and save the remaining half to sprinkle on top before baking.
What if I don't have olive oil for the sausage?
You can use any neutral cooking oil or even a bit of butter to sauté the sausage and onions.
Can I bake this immediately without refrigerating?
While overnight refrigeration is recommended for flavor, you can bake it immediately; just ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level and the eggs are set.
Is this recipe suitable for a brunch party?
Yes, its high serving count and make-ahead nature make it an ideal choice for brunch or special occasions.
What can I use if I don't have seasoned salt?
You can use a mix of regular salt, garlic powder, and paprika as a quick substitute.