Next Level Cheesy Breakfast Tater Tot Skillet Recipe
This recipe is a winner because it’s the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining crispy tater tots with cheesy, savory goodness for an epic breakfast (or brunch) experience. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so I can switch up the veggies or add some spicy salsa and avocado for that extra kick that keeps it fresh and exciting!
Prepare to take your breakfast to the next level with my Next Level Cheesy Breakfast Tater Tot Skillet. I love incorporating the mouthwatering no-skin, breakfast-sausage crumble; sweet, vibrant bell peppers; and pungent onions into the breakfast skillet.
They all sort of magically come together—thanks to some creamy, custardy eggs and a cheese blend of cheddar and mozzarella—into this sort of “delight that packs protein and comforting carbs” breakfast.
Ingredients
Tater tots:
Comforting carbs and texture come in the form of crispy potato bites.
Breakfast sausage:
Meat that is rich in protein and offers a robust flavor.
Eggs:
Abundant in protein and vital nutrients necessary for energy.
Cheddar cheese:
Cheese that is sharp and tangy not only melts well but also provides depth of flavor.
Bell peppers:
Adding a colorful assortment of vegetables provides sweetness, crunch, and vitamin C.
Chives:
Mild onion-flavored fresh herb, enhancing aroma.
Avocado:
Creamy, heart-healthy fat that is rich in fiber and potassium.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 8 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- Salsa, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to preheat.
2. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven for 20-25 minutes until they have become golden and crispy. Set them aside.
3. In a big ovenproof frying pan, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage—breakfast sausage, to be exact—and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Remove excess fat, if necessary.
4. Chopped onion and bell peppers go into the skillet with the sausage, and everything gets a good sautéing until the onion is translucent and the peppers are softened.
5. In a bowl, combine the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper, and whisk until pale and frothy.
6. Lower the heat on the skillet, and pour the egg mixture into it over the sausage and vegetables. Stir gently and as needed to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
7. Top the egg mixture in the skillet with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
8. Cooked tater tots should be layered directly over the cheese.
9. Move the skillet to the hot oven and bake it for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs set and the cheese bubbles.
10. Garnish with fresh chives and serve piping hot, with optional slices of avocado and a side of salsa.
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Ovenproof frying pan or skillet
4. Stovetop
5. Mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Spatula or wooden spoon
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cups
10. Knife
11. Cutting board
FAQ
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?Certainly, you can use fresh potatoes by shredding or dicing them; however, they may require more cooking time for the finished product to reach the tender and crispy state we associate with hash browns.
- Can I substitute the breakfast sausage with another protein?Of course! Use bacon, ham, or a sausage alternative to change up the flavor.
- What can I use instead of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses?Any cheese that melts well can be used as a substitute, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a spicy pepper jack, for an extra kick.
- How can I make this recipe dairy-free?Substitute non-dairy milk for the milk called for in a recipe or use a non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond or oat milk, and replace cheese with a dairy-free alternative cheese.
- Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?Certainly! You’re more than welcome to incorporate mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes into the dish for an added punch of flavor and nutrients.
- How do I store leftovers?Store any uneaten portions in a sealed container and refrigerate if your meal will not be consumed within two hours. If you plan to eat the meal within three days, store it in the fridge. If you want it to last longer, store it (really, please!) in the freezer. Uneaten portions are safe in either diet-friendly space for three days. After that, either eat straight out of the container or reheat in the oven or stovetop.
- Is it necessary to serve with avocado and salsa?No, neither avocado nor salsa are required toppings; they can be left off if you prefer a less flavorful dish.
Substitutions and Variations
1 pound breakfast sausage: for a leaner option, substitute with 1 pound ground turkey or chicken.
1/2 cup chopped onion: substitute with 1/2 cup chopped shallots for a milder flavor.
If you desire something a little different in terms of flavor and texture, try using 1/2 cup chopped zucchini.
1/4 cup milk. The substitution for this can be heavy cream—1/4 cup of it—for a richer dish. It can also be plant-based milk for a dish that is a dairy-free option.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For a milder flavor, substitute with 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Pro Tips
1. Crispy Tater Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, try baking them for a few more minutes than the recommended 20-25 minutes, or broil them for the last couple of minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
2. Flavorful Sausage Mix: Before adding the egg mixture, ensure that the sausage, onions, and bell peppers are well-seasoned. You can add a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor.
3. Cheese Blend Variation: Experiment with different cheese combinations. Adding a bit of pepper jack cheese alongside cheddar and mozzarella can enhance the dish with a spicy note.
4. Perfect Egg Texture: Whisk the egg mixture thoroughly until it’s light and frothy. This will help achieve a fluffier texture when baked.
5. Customize with Toppings: Customize your toppings to surprise your taste buds. Besides avocado and salsa, consider adding sour cream, hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
Next Level Cheesy Breakfast Tater Tot Skillet Recipe
My favorite Next Level Cheesy Breakfast Tater Tot Skillet Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Ovenproof frying pan or skillet
4. Stovetop
5. Mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Spatula or wooden spoon
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cups
10. Knife
11. Cutting board
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 8 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- Salsa, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to preheat.
2. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven for 20-25 minutes until they have become golden and crispy. Set them aside.
3. In a big ovenproof frying pan, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage—breakfast sausage, to be exact—and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Remove excess fat, if necessary.
4. Chopped onion and bell peppers go into the skillet with the sausage, and everything gets a good sautéing until the onion is translucent and the peppers are softened.
5. In a bowl, combine the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper, and whisk until pale and frothy.
6. Lower the heat on the skillet, and pour the egg mixture into it over the sausage and vegetables. Stir gently and as needed to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
7. Top the egg mixture in the skillet with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
8. Cooked tater tots should be layered directly over the cheese.
9. Move the skillet to the hot oven and bake it for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs set and the cheese bubbles.
10. Garnish with fresh chives and serve piping hot, with optional slices of avocado and a side of salsa.