This Crockpot Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a cozy and tasty way to start your day! It’s packed with eggs, cheese, and of course, crispy tater tots that everyone loves.
Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. I love waking up to the smell of this warm dish. Perfect for brunch with friends—or just for me on a lazy morning! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These provide the base of this dish and bring a delicious crispy element. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using a bag of frozen cauliflower tots instead!
Breakfast Sausage: I love using pork sausage for full flavor. You can swap it for turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer a lighter meal or need to accommodate dietary preferences.
Eggs: Nothing beats large eggs for fluffiness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use egg substitute, about 1/4 cup for each egg.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is perfect for this casserole, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds a nice twist. Vegan cheese works too for a dairy-free version.
Bacon: This is optional but adds a nice touch! If you don’t eat bacon, you can skip it or use turkey bacon instead.
How Do I Get the Eggs Perfectly Set in a Slow Cooker?
Getting the eggs just right in a slow cooker can be tricky! Here’s how to ensure they’re perfectly cooked:
- Whisk your eggs well with the milk and seasonings. This adds air and makes them fluffy.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the d ingredients in the crockpot; this helps distribute the flavors.
- Keep the lid closed during cooking to maintain the moisture and heat inside.
- Check the casserole near the end of cooking time; the eggs are ready when they are set but still moist, not dry or overcooked.
Using these tips will help you achieve a creamy texture with delicious flavor in every bite!
Crockpot Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll let it cook in the crockpot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, making it super convenient for a morning meal while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
Start by spraying the insert of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This helps to make clean-up a breeze!
2. Layer the Tater Tots:
Spread half of the frozen tater tots evenly in the bottom of the crockpot. This will be the foundation of your casserole.
3. Add the Sausage:
Next, layer the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage over the tater tots. This adds a warm, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the tots.
4. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage layer—because who doesn’t love cheese?
5. Top with More Tater Tots:
Add the remaining tater tots on top to create a nice crispy layer. This will help hold everything together as it cooks.
6. Whisk the Eggs:
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk them together until everything is fully combined.
7. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over all the layers in the crockpot. This will soak into all the goodness below!
8. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Make sure to check it toward the end of the cooking time; it’s done when the eggs are set and the tater tots are cooked through.
9. Add More Cheese:
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover it again just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, add some chopped cooked bacon and fresh parsley to the top before serving. This will give it a lovely touch of color and flavor!
11. Dig In!
Serve warm with a spoon or spatula to help scoop hearty portions of this delicious casserole onto everyone’s plates. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!
This hearty Crockpot Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a delightful way to start your day, featuring crispy-tender tater tots, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs topped with melted cheese. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Fresh Tater Tots Instead of Frozen?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Fresh tater tots can cook faster, so check for doneness around the 4-hour mark on high or 5-6 hours on low.
What Can I Substitute for Breakfast Sausage?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage work well. You can also skip the meat altogether and add extra veggies for a vegetarian version!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just cook it the next morning as directed. Make sure to keep it covered, and it may take slightly longer to cook from cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or oven until heated through. It makes for a yummy quick breakfast!
