Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole: A Hearty Morning Feast

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using), and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Remove from heat and set aside with the sausage.

Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper until fully combined.

Assemble the Casserole:
Layer the frozen tater tots evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables, then pour the egg mixture over everything, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Bake:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!

Garnish and Serve:
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Serving and Storage Tips: