Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a delightful morning dish combining crispy tater tots, savory ham, and melted cheese all bound together with a creamy egg mixture. It’s perfect for busy weekends or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 (30-32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
• 16 ounces diced ham (see note on meat)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In the baking dish, combine the frozen tater tots, diced ham, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Toss together by hand to mix evenly.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce (if using) until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tot and ham mixture in the pan.
5. Step 5: Bake for 45 minutes until the casserole is golden brown, puffy, and set in the center.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Tips & Variations

• You can substitute the ham with 1 pound of cooked and crumbled bacon or breakfast sausage for a different flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add beans or your favorite vegetables instead.
• Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate unbaked for up to 12 hours to save time in the morning.
• Adjust the hot sauce amount to suit your preferred level of spice.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven. You can also freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months—cool completely, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this casserole?

Yes, feel free to substitute the mozzarella or Monterey Jack with other melting cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or even a blend of your favorites to customize the flavor.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots before baking?

No, you can use the tater tots frozen straight from the bag. They will cook and crisp up nicely during the baking process.

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 121 reviews

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any morning. Combining crispy frozen tater tots, diced ham, and a cheesy egg mixture, it’s baked to golden perfection and topped with melted cheese for extra richness. Ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping, this casserole offers flexibility with meat options and easy make-ahead and freezer-friendly features.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 1 (30-32 Ounce) Bag Frozen Tater Tots
• 16 Ounces Diced Ham (see notes for meat alternatives)
• 1 1/2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
• 1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella or Monterey Jack Cheese, divided

Egg Mixture

• 8 Large Eggs
• 1/2 Cup Milk
• 1 Cup Sour Cream
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
• 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1–2 Teaspoons Hot Sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Base Ingredients: Place the frozen tater tots, diced ham, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the baking dish. Toss everything together gently with your hands until well mixed.
3. Make Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce if using. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tot and ham mixture in the baking dish, distributing it thoroughly.
5. Bake First Phase: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown, puffy, and the center is set.
6. Add Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top, and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Remove from oven, allow to cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.

Notes

• Oven temperatures can vary; the casserole is done when golden brown, puffy, and set in the middle.
• Meat Alternatives: Substitute 1 pound of cooked/crumbled bacon or 1 pound of cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage in place of ham, or omit meat and add beans or vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble casserole unbaked and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days after baking.
• Freezing: Bake casserole, cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Keywords: tater tot breakfast casserole, breakfast casserole, tater tots, ham casserole, cheesy breakfast bake