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If you’ve never tasted a Cracked Out Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole, brace yourself. This is the kind of easy breakfast casserole that makes people text you afterward asking for “that amazing cheesy thing with bacon.” It’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with the kind of flavor that practically screams “lazy Sunday morning.”
I first whipped this up on a chilly weekend when my kids begged for something “awesome for breakfast.” One bite in, and it was official — our new family favorite. With Tater Tots as the crunchy base, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, fluffy eggs, and green onions — it’s no wonder this Tater Tot Bacon Breakfast Casserole has earned “Best Breakfast Casserole” status in my home.
Whether you’re planning a make-ahead breakfast casserole for the holidays, prepping brunch for a crowd, or just treating yourself, this recipe is your go-to. And FYI — it’s totally freezer-friendly, so you can make it once and enjoy multiple mornings of cheesy, golden happiness. 🙂
Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen Tater Tots
- 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Layer the Tater Tots: Spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish. This forms the crispy base of your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole.
- Add bacon and cheese: Sprinkle the cooked, crumbled bacon over the tots, followed by 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour it on: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered Tater Tots, bacon, and cheese. Gently shake the dish to spread everything evenly.
- Top it off: Add the remaining cheese and green onions for extra flavor and color.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Trust me — this helps the layers settle and gives that perfect cheesy bite every time.
Variations
One of the best parts about this Cracked Out Breakfast Casserole is how flexible it is. You can totally remix it to match your vibe or what’s hanging out in your fridge. Here are a few ideas:
- Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole: Swap the bacon for browned breakfast sausage or chorizo for a spicier kick.
- Hard-Boiled Egg and Bacon Breakfast Casserole: Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for a richer, more protein-packed version.
- Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole: Ditch the meat and toss in sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and spinach for a hearty veggie twist.
- Cracked Out Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole (Plain Chicken style): Add a sprinkle of ranch seasoning for that “cracked out” flavor everyone raves about.
Serving & Tips
This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole plays well with just about everything. Serve it alongside fresh fruit salad, buttery croissants, or a side of crispy hash browns (if you dare double down on the carbs). It’s also perfect for holiday breakfast recipes — think Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or any weekend when you just need a cozy, satisfying start.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warm.
- Freeze unbaked casserole up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then bake as directed.
Pro tip? Sprinkle a little extra cheese halfway through baking for that glorious golden crust. And if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle with hot sauce or ranch dressing for extra zing. 😉
Final Thoughts
Every time I make this Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole, it disappears faster than I can say “who wants seconds?” It’s that perfect blend of comfort and crunch that makes mornings feel special. IMO, it’s hands-down one of the best breakfast casseroles you can make without breaking a sweat.
Whether you’re prepping a make-ahead breakfast casserole for a crowd, or just looking for cozy weekend breakfast ideas, this one never misses. Go ahead — make it once, and watch it become your family’s new obsession. Just don’t blame me when your friends start asking for the recipe every single brunch. 😉
FAQs
Can I make this Cracked Out Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it as directed. Perfect for stress-free holiday mornings.
Can I substitute the bacon with something else?
Yep! You can use sausage, ham, turkey bacon, or even a vegetarian substitute like plant-based sausage crumbles. Each adds its own twist to this Tater Tot Breakfast Bake.
Why are my Tater Tots soggy?
Ah, the classic soggy tot problem. Make sure to bake uncovered so the steam escapes, and don’t overcrowd your tots. Pre-baking them for 10 minutes before layering helps too.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Freeze it before baking for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. It’s one of those easy brunch casseroles that tastes just as good reheated.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs perfectly with fruit salad, biscuits, orange juice, or even mimosas if it’s a festive brunch. For a true comfort breakfast, serve with pancakes or cinnamon rolls.
Can I use hash browns instead of Tater Tots?
Sure! You’ll get a slightly softer texture, but it still makes a delicious Breakfast Casserole with Tater Tots vibe — just with a different crunch factor.
What makes it “Cracked Out”?
It’s the irresistible combo of bacon, cheese, and ranch flavor — the ultimate trifecta of comfort food goodness. Add those together and, well, you’ll understand why it’s “cracked out.”
Now go grab your Tater Tots, preheat that oven, and let’s make breakfast magic happen. 💛
