This Tater Tot Breakfast Skillet is a fun and hearty meal to start your day! With crispy tater tots, scrambled eggs, and your favorite veggies, it’s colorful and oh-so-tasty.
Who doesn’t love a breakfast that combines all the best parts on one plate? I enjoy adding some cheese on top and a splash of salsa for an extra kick. You’ll want to make this every weekend! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots are the star here, giving a crunchy base. If you prefer, fresh potatoes or homemade hash browns can be used, but keep in mind; they may need longer to cook!
Breakfast Sausage: Cooked and crumbled sausage really adds flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage or plant-based sausage works well too!
Eggs: Six large eggs are perfect for this dish. You can substitute them with egg whites if you want a lower cholesterol option, but you may miss out on the richness of the yolks.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor, but feel free to swap it for Monterey Jack or a cheese blend! Vegan cheese can also be used for a dairy-free version.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a lovely crunch. If you’d rather skip the meat, use crispy chickpeas or skip this altogether for a vegetarian meal!
How Do I Ensure My Eggs Turn Out Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your eggs just right in this dish can be tricky! The key is timing and watching your skillet closely.
- After checking your tater tots, crack the eggs gently to avoid breaking the yolks.
- Return the skillet to the oven and keep an eye on them. Aim for 8-12 minutes of cooking—pull them out when the whites are set but yolks are still a bit wobbly.
- If you prefer your yolks firmer, leave them in for a few more minutes, but watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Practice a few times and find that perfect cook time that works for you!
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1/2 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp cooking oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast skillet will take about 40 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes in prep time, and then the baking will take about 25 minutes. With a little patience while it bakes, you’ll have a delightful breakfast waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting your tater tots extra crispy!
2. Prepare the Tater Tots:
In a large oven-safe cast-iron skillet or a baking dish, spread the frozen tater tots evenly in a single layer. They should cover the bottom of the skillet for a delicious base!
3. Add the Sausage:
Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage evenly over the tater tots. This adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy tots.
4. Bake the Tots:
Now, place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for when the tater tots become golden and crispy.
5. Crack the Eggs:
Once the tater tots are crispy, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Crack the eggs evenly spaced over the tater tots and sausage. Try not to break the yolks—they’re the best part!
6. Cheese It Up:
Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the eggs and the entire skillet. The more cheese, the better, right?
7. Bake Again:
Return the skillet to the oven for another 8-12 minutes. You want the egg whites to be set while keeping the yolks a little runny. If you like firmer yolks, cook a bit longer.
8. Add the Finishing Touches:
Take it out of the oven (careful—it’s hot!). Top the dish with the chopped cooked bacon and the thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
9. Season and Serve:
Add salt and pepper to taste, then serve your hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Skillet hot, straight from the skillet for a lively breakfast experience!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Tater Tots?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes or homemade hash browns! Just ensure they are cut into small pieces, and you may need to bake them a bit longer until they’re tender and crispy.
How Can I Make This Skillet Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up until cracking the eggs. Assemble the tater tots and sausage in the skillet, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just crack the eggs and bake as directed!
Can I Substitute the Breakfast Sausage?
Definitely! You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or a vegan substitute if you’re looking for something lighter or meat-free. Just make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the skillet!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or cover with foil and reheat in the oven until heated through.