Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole with Tater Tots

Name: Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole with Tater Tots
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Frozen tater tots – 1 (32 oz) bag; Eggs – 8 large; Milk – 1 cup; Diced ham – 1 ½ cups; Shredded cheddar cheese – 2 cups; Chopped onion – ½ cup; Chopped bell pepper – ½ cup; Salt – 1 tsp; Black pepper – ½ tsp; Garlic powder – ½ tsp; Optional: paprika – ¼ tsp

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The first time I made a breakfast casserole, it was a rushed Saturday morning after a long week of work. I had a fridge half full of leftovers, a bag of tater tots, and a craving for something warm and comforting. What came out of the oven wasn’t just breakfast—it was a new family favorite. This Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole with Tater Tots is the kind of meal that brings people together around the table without the stress of complicated cooking.

Perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or holiday gatherings, this recipe shines because of its simplicity, time efficiency, and crowd-pleasing flavors. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in a few veggies and use up ingredients you already have. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly and packed with protein to kick-start your day.

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole with Tater Tots

Why This Recipe is Special

This isn’t just any breakfast casserole—it’s a no-fuss, all-flavor kind of dish. What makes it stand out is the clever use of frozen tater tots, which provide a crispy base without the hassle of prepping potatoes from scratch. The ham adds a smoky, savory note, while gooey melted cheese ties everything together. Even better, you can customize it endlessly based on what’s in your kitchen.

Ingredients and Preparation

Tater tots – These form the crunchy, satisfying foundation of the dish. They bake into golden bites that absorb flavor and add texture.
Eggs – The binding element of the casserole. They fluff up in the oven and carry the other flavors.
Ham – Diced ham gives a salty, meaty boost. You can swap with cooked bacon, sausage, or even a vegetarian substitute like sautéed mushrooms.
Cheddar cheese – For creamy, melty richness. Use any cheese you love—Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a kick.
Milk – Adds creaminess to the egg mixture and helps it cook evenly. Whole milk is ideal, but any kind works.
Onion and bell pepper – These add a slight sweetness and fresh bite. You can leave them out or replace with spinach, tomatoes, or broccoli.
Seasonings – Think garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika for warmth. Seasoning is key to making the dish sing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the frozen tater tots in the bottom of the dish—they’ll serve as your crust and will crisp up in the oven.

Step 2 In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and seasonings. Mix until fully combined and slightly frothy. This will ensure the casserole is light and flavorful.

Step 3 Scatter the diced ham, chopped onions, and bell peppers evenly over the tater tots. Make sure they are spread out for even flavor in every bite.

Step 4 Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tot and ham layer, ensuring everything is covered. Gently shake the pan or use a spoon to help the egg settle into the corners.

Step 5 Sprinkle shredded cheese across the top. This creates a bubbly, golden crust once baked.

Step 6 Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are gently pulling away from the pan.

Beginner Tips and Notes

If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
If your veggies release too much water, pre-sauté them in a skillet for 5 minutes before adding to the dish.
Crack eggs into a separate bowl before mixing to avoid shells sneaking in.
If you’re short on time, assemble the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
No whisk? Use a fork to beat the eggs vigorously—it works just fine.

Serving Suggestions

This easy sheet pan dinner—yes, it qualifies!—is delicious on its own, but pairing it with a fresh green salad or fruit bowl can balance the richness.
Try serving it with hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on top for extra flair.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It also freezes beautifully—just cool completely, slice, wrap, and freeze.

Conclusion

This lemon herb chicken recipe… just kidding! But seriously, this ham and cheese breakfast casserole is the kind of quick and healthy meal that can turn a hectic morning into a calm, satisfying start. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just short on time, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your twist on this classic in the comments below.

FAQ About Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole with Tater Tots

1. Can I make this breakfast casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole the night before. Just cover and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it in the morning. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

2. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Tater tots offer convenience and crisp texture, but if you prefer fresh potatoes, you can shred or cube them and sauté them first. Just make sure they’re partially cooked before adding to the casserole to avoid raw, undercooked bites.

3. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is ready when the center is firm and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. The cheese should be bubbly and golden, and the edges may lightly brown. It usually takes about 40–45 minutes at 375°F.

4. What can I substitute for ham?

Ham can be replaced with cooked bacon, sausage, or a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms or spinach. For a spicy kick, use chorizo or add some jalapeños along with your protein of choice.

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