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Vegetarian Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole - Cozy, Crispy, and Crowd-Friendly

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Frozen tater tots: About 28–32 ounces (one standard bag). Keep them frozen until assembly.
  • Eggs: 8 large.
  • Milk or half-and-half: 1 1/2 cups for a richer, custard-like texture.
  • Shredded cheese: 2 cups total. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend work great.
  • Onion: 1 small, finely chopped.
  • Bell pepper: 1 medium, diced (any color).
  • Mushrooms: 8 ounces, sliced.
  • Baby spinach: 2 cups, roughly chopped.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
  • Olive oil or butter: 1–2 tablespoons for sautéing.
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
  • Optional add-ins: Green onions, jalapeño, sun-dried tomatoes, vegetarian sausage crumbles, or feta for extra tang.
  • Cooking spray or butter: For greasing the baking dish.

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and start to brown, 5–6 minutes. Add garlic and spinach; cook until the spinach wilts. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
  3. Whisk the egg base: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, smoked paprika, thyme, remaining salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly in the prepared dish. Pour the egg mixture over the top, tilting the dish so it settles evenly.
  5. Add the tater tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a tight, even layer across the top. Don’t thaw them; this helps them crisp.
  6. Bake: Place on the middle rack and bake for 40–45 minutes, until the eggs are set in the center and the tots are golden brown.
  7. Finish with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the tots and bake for 5 more minutes, until melted and bubbly.
  8. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up and makes clean slices.