– **Title**: Sausage Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound breakfast sausage (bulk or links, casings removed)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
– 8 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 3 cups frozen tater tots
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
– Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, onion, and bell pepper until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Add the cooked sausage mixture to the eggs and stir to combine.
5. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. Spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of the dish.
6. Pour the egg and sausage mixture over the tater tots, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the casserole.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. If desired, garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
10. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your hearty and delicious Sausage Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This adds a nice flavor boost. If you want a healthier option, use turkey sausage or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version. You can also replace it with cooked bacon or ham for a different twist!
Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots are convenient and crispy. If you can’t find them, you can use frozen hash browns or even diced potatoes, though the texture might be a bit different. You could also try sweet potato tots for a healthier option.
Eggs: These are the base for our casserole. If you’re looking for an egg-free option, consider using a mix of silken tofu blended until smooth as a replacement. Aim for about 1/4 cup of blended tofu for each egg.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor. For a milder taste, go with Monterey Jack. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Can I Ensure the Eggs Are Perfectly Set?
Getting your eggs just right in this casserole is essential. Here’s how to make sure they cook properly:
- Whisk the eggs with milk well to create a smooth mixture. This helps create fluffiness.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layers slowly, ensuring even coverage. This allows it to soak into the tater tots and sausage.
- Check for doneness by jiggling the casserole gently. If there’s no liquid movement, it’s ready! The top should be golden and bubbly.
How to Make Sausage Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (crumbled)
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty breakfast casserole will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to bake, making the total time roughly 50 minutes. Perfect for a hearty and satisfying breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important so that the casserole cooks evenly.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled breakfast sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep your casserole from being greasy. Once done, set it aside off the heat.
3. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure it’s well combined and frothy.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Take a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread half of the frozen tater tots in an even layer on the bottom. Next, layer the cooked sausage evenly over the tater tots, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish. This will bind all the delicious ingredients together.
6. Add the Remaining Tater Tots and Cheese:
Top the baking dish with the remaining tater tots, ensuring they cover the surface. Then sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top to create a melty, cheesy goodness.
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set, and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden. Yum!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, garnish with chopped chives for a fresh touch.
Serve warm and enjoy this hearty breakfast casserole with family and friends!
Can I Use Turkey Sausage Instead of Pork Sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works great as a healthier alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat, just like you would with pork sausage.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and replace it with cooked vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. You can also add some beans for extra protein!
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed.
How to Store Leftover Casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave, or pop it back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
