Recipes

[Calibeach]

I haven't made many overnight casseroles, but I'm interested in seeing recommendations!

This is the one I made for our Easter Brunch last weekend and it was a BIG hit! Very easy to prep and very delicious. Had a small amount left over which was delicious warmed up in the microwave

This egg casserole from Pioneer Woman that can be made a day in advance

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

• 8 oz. bacon, chopped
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 (32-oz.) package of frozen tater tots
• 10 eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 4 scallions, chopped, white and green parts separated
• 1 (4-oz.) jar diced pimientos, drained
• 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley, plus more for serving
• 2 cups shredded colby jack cheese, divided

Directions

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crispy, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the fat and cool.
• Spray a 13-by-9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place half of the tater tots in a single layer in the bottom of the dish. 
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the scallions, pimientos, and parsley. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cheese and stir the remaining cheese into the egg mixture. Stir in the cooled bacon. Pour the mixture evenly over the tater tots in the casserole dish.
• Place the remaining tater tots in a single layer over the top and press gently into the egg mixture. 
• To bake immediately: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake until the top is golden and the egg mixture is set in the center, 55 to 60 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes, then top with more parsley and serve.
• To make ahead: Cover and refrigerate overnight, or up to 24 hours. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake until the top is golden and the egg mixture is set in the center, 55 to 60 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes, then top with more parsley and serve.

What is a tater tot breakfast casserole?

It's a filling morning meal fit for a crowd. Start with tots—and plenty of 'em! Use a 2-pound bag to fill up a 13-by-9-inch casserole dish. Next, whisk eggs with sour cream and milk for a creamy base. Add sliced scallions, pimientos, cheese, and cooked bacon to make this casserole like a loaded hash brown.

What can you use instead of bacon?

Cooked, crumbled sausage or diced ham would be great in this casserole.

Can you leave the meat out of tater tot breakfast casserole?

Sure! If a vegetarian tater tot breakfast casserole sounds better to you, feel free to skip the bacon, or any other meat. After all, the tater tots are what make this dish fulfilling.

How do you keep tater tots crispy in a casserole?

First start with a single layer of tater tots in the bottom of the casserole dish. Add the egg, cheese, and bacon mixture over top, before topping with another layer of tots. The top layer dips into the egg mixture, but enough of it sits on top of the casserole. Bake the casserole uncovered and this top layer of tater tots comes out extra crispy!

Can tater tot breakfast casserole be made ahead?

Yes, this makes an excellent overnight breakfast casserole. Assemble it completely, up to 24 hours in advance, then bake the next morning. Holiday brunch will be on the table in just about an hour!

How long does tater tot breakfast casserole last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container or covered tightly, this casserole will stay good for up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in a 350-degree oven until warmed through.

What do you serve with tater tot breakfast casserole?

Since it already has bacon, potatoes, and eggs, it's plenty hearty as a stand-alone breakfast, but to really make a presentation at brunch, serve it with rainbow fruit skewers or simple fruit salad and a round of mimosas or Bloody Marys 

[Tinkrbl44]

I've made overnight oatmeal, but never a casserole.

I'm sure it's tasty, but that seems like a lot of calories and fat.

Did the recipe give the nutritional breakdown?   I hope she made suggestions for adding more protein.  

Glad it was a hit.  

[Calibeach]

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

I've made overnight oatmeal, but never a casserole.

I'm sure it's tasty, but that seems like a lot of calories and fat.

Did the recipe give the nutritional breakdown?   I hope she made suggestions for adding more protein.  

Glad it was a hit.  

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@Tinkrbl44 It's not an everyday meal, so I don't fret about the calories and fat. And it's very hearty, just a size (smaller than typical Lasagne portion) is a good serving size along with fruit. No toast or side bread is needed.

[Franklinbell]

Looks good!

[Mz iMac]

@Calibeach  

[Calibeach]

I'm going to experiement next time and maybe make 2 smaller sized casseroles using this recipe. One will be with these ingredients, another will be mexican (swap out the cheese and some of the other ingredients), serving with salsa, guacamole and sour cream on the side.

I think you can also make different flavor options as you would for omlets. Using ingredients for Denver omlet as example

[Kachina624]

@Calibeach.  I'd go for the Mexican version.  Do you think this casserole would freeze cooked?

[Calibeach]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

@Calibeach.  I'd go for the Mexican version.  Do you think this casserole would freeze cooked?

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@Kachina624 Yes, I think it would freeze well after its been baked. 

[bargainsgirl]

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@Calibeach wrote:

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

I've made overnight oatmeal, but never a casserole.

I'm sure it's tasty, but that seems like a lot of calories and fat.

Did the recipe give the nutritional breakdown?   I hope she made suggestions for adding more protein.  

Glad it was a hit.  

---

@Tinkrbl44 It's not an everyday meal, so I don't fret about the calories and fat. And it's very hearty, just a size (smaller than typical Lasagne portion) is a good serving size along with fruit. No toast or side bread is needed.

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Sounds good but I would serve it for dinner too!!

[shoekitty]

I used to make a few of the overnight casseroles for Christmas brunch. Paula Deen had a couple I used for Blueberry French toast cassarole, and an egg omelette dish. I had one the kids loved it was a Strata    They all are made in those 13x9 glass cassarole dishes.  yes, they are calorie rich   I used them for company nd life crowds. You can make one day, some 2 days ahead, put in fridge. Throw in over 45-60 mins before though want to eat I served with an array of items, including tons off  fruits, juice etc.  it was hit.  Great to make even for family the eve before event.