Bacon Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Introduction

This bacon tater tot breakfast casserole is the ultimate hands-off morning feast. It combines classic comfort foods—crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and golden tater tots—into one easy, crowd-pleasing dish. You can prep it in minutes, and it bakes up perfectly every time.

This recipe and accompanying image were created with the help of AI for inspiration and guidance. Results may vary depending on ingredients, equipment, and technique.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

½ pound bacon (, chopped (5-6 slices, depending on thickness))
10 eggs
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (, (if using salt-free add ½ teaspoon salt))
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cheddar cheese (, shredded )
16-20 ounces frozen tater tots
scallions (, for garnish (optional) )

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Discard most of the bacon grease, leaving just a light coating in the pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Creole seasoning, and black pepper until well combined.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer in the prepared baking dish.
Evenly sprinkle the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the layer of tater tots.
Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over everything in the dish.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced scallions if desired, then slice and serve.

Variations

Sausage Swap: Use cooked breakfast sausage or chorizo instead of the bacon for a different savory flavor.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture or use a spicy cheese blend.
Mini Casseroles: Prepare individual portions by dividing the ingredients among greased muffin tins for easy grab-and-go servings.
Crust Variation: For a firmer “crust,” arrange the tater tots standing up in the dish or slightly overlap them.

Tips for Success

Ensure your tater tots are frozen solid; this helps them retain their shape and crisp up nicely in the oven.
Let the cooked casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting to allow the eggs to set fully, making for cleaner slices.
If you find the top browning too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate and microwave until warmed through, or warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to help re-crisp the tots.

FAQ

Can I make this breakfast casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before. Complete steps 1-6, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if needed straight from the fridge.

What can I use instead of Creole seasoning?

If you don’t have Creole seasoning, you can use a combination of ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne. Remember to add salt if your blend is salt-free.

Is it okay to use fresh potatoes?

This recipe is specifically designed for the texture and convenience of frozen tater tots. Substituting fresh potatoes would require significant changes to prep and cook time, as they contain more moisture.

My casserole turned out soggy. What happened?

The most common causes are using thawed tater tots or not fully cooking the bacon before adding it, which releases excess fat and moisture into the eggs. Always use frozen tots and cook bacon until crisp.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it after baking and cooling completely. Wrap the entire casserole or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Do I have to use milk in the egg mixture?

The milk helps create a lighter, fluffier egg texture. You can omit it for a denser casserole or substitute with a non-dairy milk alternative like unsweetened almond milk.