This hearty Crockpot Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a morning dream! With layers of tater tots, eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats, it’s filling and super easy to make.
This dish makes mornings feel special, even if you wake up late. Just toss everything in the crockpot and go about your day. Breakfast is served when you are ready! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These are the star of the dish! If you’re looking for something lighter, try using frozen hash browns instead. They’ll give a similar texture and taste.
Breakfast Sausage: You can use either pork or turkey sausage. If you want a vegetarian option, consider crumbled tempeh or a meat substitute like Beyond Sausage!
Eggs: The base for this casserole! If you need an egg substitute, consider using a chickpea flour mixture. Mix 1/4 cup chickpea flour with 1/4 cup water for each egg.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix it up! Pepper jack adds a nice kick, or you can use a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Onion & Bell Pepper: These are optional but add great flavor. If you don’t have them, use garlic or leeks for a different twist.
How Do I Ensure My Eggs Are Fully Cooked?
Cooking eggs in a crockpot can be tricky, but it’s all about timing. Start by setting your crockpot on LOW for a minimum of 6 hours for the best texture, or HIGH for around 3-4 hours. It’s crucial to check for doneness since crockpot temperatures can vary.
- Make sure the eggs don’t look runny; they should be firm and set.
- If you’re unsure, you can always insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
Top with bacon and green onions only right before serving for freshness!
Crockpot Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish is quite simple to put together! It takes about 20 minutes of prep time. You’ll then need to let it cook in the crockpot for either 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. Get ready to enjoy a warm and satisfying breakfast when you’re done!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Start by browning the breakfast sausage in a skillet on medium heat. Use a spatula to break it into small crumbles. Cook until it’s fully browned, then drain any excess grease. This step adds a lot of flavor to your casserole.
2. Sauté the Veggies (if using):
If you’ve decided to add diced onion and bell pepper, use the same skillet to sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until they are softened. This enhances the taste and color of your dish.
3. Prepare the Crockpot:
Spray the inside of your crockpot generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Build Your Layers:
Spread half of the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of the crockpot. This will serve as your base layer!
5. Add the Sausage & Veggies:
Layer the cooked sausage evenly on top of the tater tots. If you sautéed onions and peppers, spread those over the sausage layer as well.
6. Mix the Eggs:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until everything is well combined. This mixture is what brings everything together.
7. Layer the Egg Mixture:
Pour half of the egg mixture over the sausage layer, ensuring it covers everything evenly.
8. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the egg mixture.
9. Repeat the Tater Tot Layer:
Add the remaining frozen tater tots on top of the cheese layer. This helps to create a delicious crispy top.
10. Final Egg Mixture & Cheese:
Pour the rest of the egg mixture over the top, and then sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over everything.
11. Cook:
Cover your crockpot and let it cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Make sure the eggs are set and the tater tots are cooked through. No one likes a runny breakfast!
12. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, sprinkle crumbled bacon and sliced green onions on top for a lovely finish. Serve hot straight from the crockpot and enjoy this hearty breakfast casserole!
This recipe is perfect for meal prep or a weekend brunch. Just assemble it the night before, set the timer, and wake up to a delicious meal ready when you are!
Can I Use Different Meats in This Casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute the breakfast sausage with ham, bacon, or even a vegetarian sausage. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially if the meat is precooked.
Can I Prepare This Dish the Night Before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. If using a cold crockpot, adjust the cooking time slightly as it may take longer to cook from a cold start.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the mix. Just make sure to sauté them first to remove excess moisture, which helps prevent a soggy casserole.