Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole (Print Version)

Breakfast casserole with cooked breakfast sausage, bacon, bell peppers, onions, eggs, milk, and cheese, topped with tater tots and baked until golden.

# Ingredients:

→ For the Casserole

01 - 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided
02 - 28 to 30 oz bag frozen tater tots
03 - 1 lb breakfast sausage
04 - 1 yellow onion, diced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 8 eggs
07 - 1/2 cup whole milk (half and half or heavy cream can also be used)
08 - 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning blend
09 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/2 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning (optional, any Cajun seasoning works)
11 - 4 cups shredded cheese, divided (half sharp cheddar, half pepper jack recommended)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Place the frozen tater tots on a baking sheet and put them in the oven while you prepare everything else - this gives them a head start on getting crispy.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage with the diced onion and bell pepper until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess grease. Take the skillet off the heat and let it cool slightly.
03 - In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, all-purpose seasoning, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning if using. Mix until well combined.
04 - Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add the cooked sausage mixture, half of the crumbled bacon, the egg mixture, and 2 cups of the shredded cheese. Mix everything together well.
05 - Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of cheese over the egg mixture. Remove the tater tots from the oven and arrange them in a single layer on top. Sprinkle the remaining bacon and the remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the tater tots.
06 - Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
07 - Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving - this helps it set up and makes it easier to scoop out portions. Serve hot and enjoy this loaded breakfast casserole!

# Notes:

01 - Pre-baking the tater tots while you prep ensures they get nice and crispy on top.
02 - You can use any combination of cheeses you like - try Mexican blend, Colby jack, or all cheddar.
03 - This is perfect for make-ahead - assemble the night before and bake in the morning, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the covered baking time.
04 - The resting time after baking is important - it lets the eggs fully set so the casserole holds together.
05 - Great for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or meal prep for the week.
06 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.