Baked Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and delicious start to your day, combining crispy potato puffs with savory ham and cheeses. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (30–32 oz) frozen potato puffs
• 16 oz diced cooked ham
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 to 2 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Spread the frozen potato puffs evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the diced cooked ham evenly over the potato puffs.
4. Step 4: Mix together the shredded cheddar and mozzarella (or Monterey Jack) cheeses and sprinkle half of the mixture over the ham layer.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce if using, until smooth and well combined.
6. Step 6: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining half cup of grated cheddar cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
8. Step 8: Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden brown.
9. Step 9: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra veggies, add chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach between the ham and cheese layers.
• Use turkey or chicken sausage in place of ham for a different protein option.
• If you prefer a milder dish, omit the hot sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
• Make it ahead by assembling the casserole the night before, covering it, and baking in the morning.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

While frozen tater tots are recommended for texture and ease, you can use diced fresh potatoes. Par-cook them by boiling or roasting until tender before layering to ensure they cook fully in the casserole.

Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ham and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, and consider adding a plant-based sausage or additional cheese for protein.

Baked Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 138 reviews

This Baked Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and savory dish perfect for a family breakfast or brunch. Featuring layers of crispy tater tots, diced ham, and a blend of cheeses, all held together with a creamy mixture of eggs, milk, and sour cream. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and customizable with optional hot sauce for a little kick.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tater Tot Layer

• 1 bag (30–32 oz) frozen potato puffs (tater tots)

Meat and Cheese

• 16 oz diced cooked ham
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (for topping)

Egg Mixture

• 8 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 to 2 tsp hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Prepare Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish creating a crisp base layer for the casserole.
3. Add Ham and Cheese Layers: Sprinkle the diced cooked ham evenly over the tater tots, followed by layering the shredded cheddar and shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese across the top.
4. Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional hot sauce until well combined and creamy.
5. Pour Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered tater tots, ham, and cheese in the baking dish, allowing it to soak in between the layers.
6. Top with Extra Cheese: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to form a cheesy crust once baked.
7. Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the egg mixture is set, the top is golden brown, and the tater tots are crispy.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove casserole from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty breakfast casserole.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, increase hot sauce or add chopped jalapeños to the egg mixture.
• Use turkey or chicken ham as a leaner alternative to regular ham.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
• Feel free to substitute cheese varieties based on preference or availability.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: breakfast casserole, tater tot casserole, baked breakfast dish, ham and cheese casserole, brunch recipe