Description

This hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole combines crispy tater tots with savory bacon, sausage, and a flavorful mix of peppers and onions, all baked under a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese and a rich egg and milk custard. Perfect for a satisfying brunch or breakfast gathering, this dish delivers a comforting blend of textures and bold flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Dairy

6 slices bacon, cut into 1” pieces
6 sausage patties, cubed
2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
8 large eggs
1 ½ cups whole milk

Vegetables

4 cups tater tots
1 ½ cups bell peppers (shishito peppers recommended), diced
1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
1 large onion, diced
¾ cup green onions, chopped (divided)

Seasonings

½ tablespoon kosher salt (divided as ½ teaspoon x3)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375° F and position the wire rack to the top of the oven to ensure even baking and melting of the cheese topping.
Sauté Bacon and Vegetables: In an oven-safe heavy-bottomed pan, heat the pan over medium-high heat and add the bacon pieces, diced onion, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook for 7 minutes until the bacon starts to render fat and the onions become translucent and slightly caramelized.
Add Sausage and Peppers: Incorporate the cubed sausage, diced bell peppers, and another ½ teaspoon of kosher salt into the pan. Continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes to brown the sausage and soften the peppers.
Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt, and whole milk until fully combined. Set this custard mixture aside for later assembly.
Add First Layer of Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the cooked meat and vegetable mixture in the pan, allowing it to start melting and creating a flavorful base.
Layer Tater Tots: Arrange the tater tots in a circular pattern over the cheese-covered mixture, filling the pan to create the casserole’s crispy top layer.
Pour Egg Mixture and Add Green Onions: Slowly pour the egg and milk custard over the tater tots, ensuring even coverage. Then sprinkle ½ cup of the chopped green onions on top to add freshness and mild onion flavor.
Bake the Casserole: Place the pan uncovered on the preheated oven’s top rack and bake for 20-25 minutes. After this initial bake, remove the casserole from the oven, add the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top, and optionally scatter sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Return to the oven and bake an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of green onions on top for a fresh finish. Serve hot, preferably with a side salad and your favorite hot sauce for added flavor.

Notes

You can substitute the shishito peppers with bell peppers of any color if unavailable.
Adjust the amount of jalapeño or omit altogether depending on your spice preference.
For additional flavor, you can add garlic or other herbs when sautéing the onions and bacon.
Ensure the pan used for sautéing is oven-safe to avoid transferring ingredients to another dish.
This recipe can be prepared a day ahead by assembling and refrigerating, then baking fresh before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Breakfast Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: tater tot casserole, breakfast casserole, baked breakfast, sausage and bacon casserole, tater tots, mozzarella breakfast bake