Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

Ingredients:

• 32 oz frozen tater tots
• 1 pound ground sausage
• ⅓ cup bacon bits
• ⅓ cup chopped onions
• 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon celery seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Layer Ingredients: Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the tater tots. Then, sprinkle bacon bits and chopped onions over the sausage layer.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mild cheddar cheese and Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, and celery seeds (if using) until well combined.
7. Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole, ensuring that it coats all the ingredients.
8. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage!

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, or different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences.

Here are some tips to make your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage even more delightful:

1. Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Add some extra flavor to your casserole by seasoning the sausage with your favorite spices like paprika, thyme, or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add additional seasonings to the egg mixture for a boost of flavor.
2. Fresh Ingredients: While frozen tater tots work perfectly fine for this recipe, using fresh ingredients like freshly grated cheese and freshly chopped onions can enhance the flavor even more.
3. Vegetables: Incorporate more veggies into your casserole for added nutrients and flavor. Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes are great options that pair well with sausage and cheese.
4. Pre-Cook Ingredients: Consider pre-cooking any vegetables you add to the casserole to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender. You can sauté them with the sausage or cook them separately before layering them in the casserole.
5. Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese or a blend of cheeses to customize the flavor of your casserole. Smoked gouda, pepper jack, or feta cheese can add a unique twist to the dish.
6. Fresh Herbs: Garnish the finished casserole with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or cilantro to add brightness and freshness to each bite.
7. Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes over the casserole before baking.
8. Serve with Condiments: Offer condiments like salsa, sour cream, or avocado slices on the side when serving. These additions can complement the flavors of the casserole and add extra creaminess or tanginess.
9. Make Ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep or make-ahead breakfasts. You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Then, simply bake it in the morning for a quick and delicious breakfast.
10. Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors often meld together even more overnight, making the leftovers just as tasty for the next day’s breakfast or brunch.