Savory Bacon Egg Tater Tot Casserole

Looking for a show-stopping breakfast that will have your family begging for seconds? Look no further than this mouthwatering Bacon, Egg, and Tater Tot Casserole. Picture layers of crispy tater tots, smoky bacon, creamy eggs, and melted cheese all baked into a golden masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Trust me, this casserole is a game-changer for those lazy weekend mornings when you want something special but without the hassle of multiple pans.

I stumbled upon this gem on a lazy weekend morning, and it has since become a family favorite. The combination of crispy tater tots, savory bacon, and velvety eggs creates a harmony of flavors and textures that will have everyone at the breakfast table singing your praises. Plus, the best part is you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños to suit your taste preferences. This Bacon, Egg, and Tater Tot Casserole is not just a breakfast dish; it’s a culinary experience that brings loved ones together around the table.

Quick Benefits

• Convenient: Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, great for lazy mornings or feeding a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile: Can be customized with different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins to suit individual preferences or to use up ingredients on hand.
• Delicious Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, stores well in the fridge, and reheats beautifully for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A hit at family gatherings or brunch parties, loved by both picky eaters and food enthusiasts for its comforting and flavorful combination.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Bacon Egg Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

• Convenience: Perfect for lazy weekend mornings when you want a special breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at family gatherings and brunches – disappears quickly from the table.
• Texture Contrast: Crispy tater tots at the bottom, creamy custard-like eggs, smoky bacon, and golden melted cheese create a delightful combination.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the night before and bake in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast, ideal for busy mornings or holidays.
• Versatility: Easily customizable with additional vegetables, different cheeses, or meat variations like breakfast sausage.
• Leftovers Reheat Well: Tastes even better the next day; keeps in the fridge for about 4 days and reheats beautifully.
• Rich & Comforting: Whole milk adds a rich, creamy texture that takes this casserole to the next level of comfort food.
• Balanced Meal: Enjoy it on its own as a complete breakfast or pair with fresh fruit, salad, toast, or coffee for a well-rounded meal experience.

Ingredients for Savory Bacon Egg Tater Tot Casserole

For the Hearty Base

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
• Butter or nonstick spray for greasing
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 cup whole milk

How to Make Savory Bacon Egg Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Prep oven and dish

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Layer tater tots

Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer in the prepared baking dish to form a crispy base for the casserole.

Step 3: Make egg mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, salt, pepper, and dry mustard (if desired) until smooth and well blended with no visible egg white streaks.

Step 4: Add bacon and cheese

Evenly distribute the cooked and crumbled bacon over the tater tots, then layer both types of shredded cheese on top.

Step 5: Pour egg mixture

Gently pour the egg mixture evenly over the contents of the dish, making sure it reaches between the tater tots and other ingredients.

Step 6: Add garnish and bake

Optional: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 7: Rest and serve

Take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes to help it set before cutting and serving.

Storage Tips

Once the bacon, egg, and tater tot casserole is prepared and cooked, store any leftovers properly to enjoy later. The casserole can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure to allow the dish to cool completely before covering and storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in a 300-degree oven until heated through.

To maintain the best quality of the casserole, it’s recommended to store it in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature. This will help prevent any bacterial growth and maintain the flavors and textures of the dish. The convenience of being able to prepare the casserole ahead of time and simply reheat it when ready makes it a great option for busy mornings or holiday breakfasts without sacrificing the delicious flavors and comforting textures of this popular dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have tater tots on hand, hash browns can be a great substitute in this casserole. They will still provide that delicious potato base while adding a slightly different texture to the dish.

For those looking to switch up the protein, breakfast sausage can be a tasty alternative to bacon in this recipe. The sausage will add a different flavor profile but still pair well with the eggs and cheeses, creating a delicious variation of the casserole.

If you prefer a spicier kick to your casserole, consider using diced jalapeños or adding some crushed red pepper flakes along with the other ingredients. Pepper jack cheese can also be substituted for both the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to bring more heat to the dish. These substitutions can elevate the flavor profile for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their breakfast casserole.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving this Bacon, Egg, and Tater Tot Casserole, try layering individual portions in small mason jars or ramekins for a cute and portable breakfast option. This way, each person gets their own perfectly portioned casserole that can be enjoyed on the go or as a unique presentation at a brunch gathering.

Another creative serving idea is to top the casserole with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with some chopped chives and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The tanginess of the creamy topping adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the casserole, elevating it to a gourmet breakfast experience. Serve with a side of arugula dressed in a light vinaigrette to add a fresh and peppery component to the meal.

FAQs for Savory Bacon Egg Tater Tot Casserole

Can I use a different type of cheese in this casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese based on your preference. You can try using Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even a blend of different cheeses to create your own unique flavor profile.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. This is perfect for busy mornings or when you want to minimize prep work. Just remember to increase the baking time slightly since the dish will be cold from the fridge.

How should I store leftovers of this casserole?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or heat the casserole in a 300-degree oven until warmed through. The flavors tend to meld together even more, making it taste even better the next day.

What are some variations I can try with this casserole?

You can customize this casserole by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños for a different flavor profile. You can also swap the bacon for breakfast sausage or experiment with using hash browns instead of tater tots. Get creative and make this dish your own!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bacon, Egg, and Tater Tot Casserole is not just a dish; it’s a warm embrace on a plate, a reminder of the joy that sharing good food with loved ones brings. Its versatility allows you to customize it to your liking, making it a perfect breakfast option for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple morning meal or planning a special brunch, this casserole has got you covered with its delicious flavors and comforting textures.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a delicious masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let the Bacon, Egg, and Tater Tot Casserole be your secret weapon for stress-free and memorable breakfast moments with family and friends. Cheers to good food, happy bellies, and cherished moments shared around the table!

Savory Bacon Egg Tater Tot Casserole

A golden, bubbling masterpiece of crispy tater tots, custard-like eggs, smoky bacon, and melted cheese, this breakfast casserole is a crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time45 Minutes

Total Time60 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings7 Servings

Ingredients

For the Hearty Base

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
• Butter or nonstick spray for greasing
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 cup whole milk

Instructions

1. Prep oven and dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Layer tater tots: Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer in the prepared baking dish to form a crispy base for the casserole.
3. Make egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, salt, pepper, and dry mustard (if desired) until smooth and well blended with no visible egg white streaks.
4. Add bacon and cheese: Evenly distribute the cooked and crumbled bacon over the tater tots, then layer both types of shredded cheese on top.
5. Pour egg mixture: Gently pour the egg mixture evenly over the contents of the dish, making sure it reaches between the tater tots and other ingredients.
6. Add garnish and bake: Optional: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
7. Rest and serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes to help it set before cutting and serving.