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  1. Food and Cooking
  2. Recipes
  3. Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Make it a day ahead and breakfast is served.

By Erin MerharUpdated: Mar 17, 2025
Star FillStar FillStar FillStar FillStar Fill
5
5 Ratings
the pioneer woman's tater tot breakfast casserole recipe
Caitlin Bensel
Yields:
8 - 10 serving(s)
Prep Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 10 mins
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the pioneer woman's tater tot breakfast casserole recipe

Tater tots aren't just for dinner and this tater tot breakfast casserole proves it! Like mini hash brown cakes, the tots mix with other breakfast ingredients like eggs, bacon, and cheese to make one of the best, crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole recipes. It's also one of the best make-ahead breakfast casseroles, because it can be put together the day before and refrigerated until time to bake! Pop it in the oven on Easter morning and every bunny will be full and happy!

What is a tater tot breakfast casserole?

It's a filling morning meal fit for a crowd. Start with tots—and plenty of 'em! Use a 2-pound bag to fill up a 13-by-9-inch casserole dish. Next, whisk eggs with sour cream and milk for a creamy base. Add sliced scallions, pimientos, cheese, and cooked bacon to make this casserole like a loaded hash brown.

What can you use instead of bacon?

Cooked, crumbled sausage or diced ham would be great in this casserole.

Can you leave the meat out of tater tot breakfast casserole?

Sure! If a vegetarian tater tot breakfast casserole sounds better to you, feel free to skip the bacon, or any other meat. After all, the tater tots are what make this dish fulfilling.

How do you keep tater tots crispy in a casserole?

First start with a single layer of tater tots in the bottom of the casserole dish. Add the egg, cheese, and bacon mixture over top, before topping with another layer of tots. The top layer dips into the egg mixture, but enough of it sits on top of the casserole. Bake the casserole uncovered and this top layer of tater tots comes out extra crispy!

Can tater tot breakfast casserole be made ahead?

Yes, this makes an excellent overnight breakfast casserole. Assemble it completely, up to 24 hours in advance, then bake the next morning. Holiday brunch will be on the table in just about an hour!

How long does tater tot breakfast casserole last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container or covered tightly, this casserole will stay good for up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in a 350-degree oven until warmed through.

What do you serve with tater tot breakfast casserole?

Since it already has bacon, potatoes, and eggs, it's plenty hearty as a stand-alone breakfast, but to really make a presentation at brunch, serve it with rainbow fruit skewers (or a simple fruit salad) and a round of mimosas or Bloody Marys!

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz.

    bacon, chopped

  • Nonstick cooking spray

  • 1

    (32-oz.) package of frozen tater tots

  • 10

    eggs

  • 1 cup

    whole milk

  • 1/2 cup

    sour cream

  • 1/4 tsp.

    kosher salt

  • 1 tsp.

    black pepper

  • 4

    scallions, chopped, white and green parts separated

  • 1

    (4-oz.) jar diced pimientos, drained

  • 2 Tbsp.

    chopped parsley, plus more for serving

  • 2 cups

    shredded colby jack cheese, divided

Directions

    1. Step 1Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crispy, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the fat and cool.
    2. Step 2Spray a 13-by-9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place half of the tater tots in a single layer in the bottom of the dish. 
    3. Step 3Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the scallions, pimientos, and parsley. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cheese and stir the remaining cheese into the egg mixture. Stir in the cooled bacon. Pour the mixture evenly over the tater tots in the casserole dish.
    4. Step 4Place the remaining tater tots in a single layer over the top and press gently into the egg mixture. 
    5. Step 5To bake immediately: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake until the top is golden and the egg mixture is set in the center, 55 to 60 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes, then top with more parsley and serve.
    6. Step 6To make ahead: Cover and refrigerate overnight, or up to 24 hours. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake until the top is golden and the egg mixture is set in the center, 55 to 60 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes, then top with more parsley and serve.

Tip: To bake immediately, it's best to thaw the tater tots before assembling the casserole. To thaw, let the bag sit in the refrigerator overnight, or at room temperature for about two hours. 

Love this recipe? Try one of these next!
  • Cowboy Breakfast Casserole
  • Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
  • Sausage Breakfast Casserole
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