This Tater Tot Breakfast Skillet is a fun way to start your day! Packed with crispy tater tots, eggs, cheese, and your favorite veggies, it’s super tasty and filling.
It’s like a breakfast party in a pan! I love to customize mine with whatever leftovers I have on hand—because who doesn’t love a bit of breakfast creativity? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: The star of this dish! They’re crispy and golden, making them a perfect base. If you want to try something different, you could use hash browns or even roasted sweet potatoes for a healthier twist.
Ground Breakfast Sausage: This adds a great savory flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey sausage works well, too. You could also make it vegetarian by using crumbled tofu or a veggie sausage substitute.
Cheddar Cheese: I use sharp cheddar for a strong flavor. However, Monterey Jack or pepper jack can bring a nice creaminess and extra spice to the dish. Feel free to mix your favorite cheeses!
Bacon: I love crumbled bacon on top for that extra crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon is a good substitute, or you can skip it altogether for a meatless breakfast.
How Do I Get the Eggs Cooked Just Right?
Cooking eggs can be tricky, especially if you want them sunny-side-up or hard-cooked. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After you crack the eggs in the skillet, you can bake them for about 10-15 minutes until the whites are set and the yolks are runny. For firmer yolks, bake a little longer, checking every couple of minutes.
- Make sure to space the eggs out so they cook evenly. You can even cover the skillet with a lid for the last few minutes to help the eggs cook faster without drying out.
Don’t forget to let the skillet cool slightly before serving—it’s hot! This breakfast skillet is all about being flexible, so have fun with it!
Tater Tot Breakfast Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 lb ground breakfast sausage or ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tater Tot Breakfast Skillet takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook in the oven. Total time is around 25 minutes, giving you a quick and tasty breakfast to enjoy with family or friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your skillet will get nice and hot for cooking the tater tots and the eggs perfectly!
2. Cook the Veggies:
In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works wonderfully!), heat the oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and optional bell pepper. Sauté until they are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This gives your skillet a nice base of flavor.
3. Brown the Meat:
Next, add the ground sausage or beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as you go. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. This savory meat will give the dish a hearty texture and flavor.
4. Arrange the Tater Tots:
Spread the cooked sausage evenly in the skillet. Now, take the frozen tater tots and arrange them around the edges of the skillet, pressing them lightly to create a ring or border. This will be the beautiful crispy outer layer of your breakfast!
5. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage mixture in the center. This melty cheese will add delicious creaminess to the dish.
6. Crack the Eggs:
Carefully crack the eggs over the center of the skillet, making sure they are spaced out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the eggs and sausage. This will help make everything gooey and amazing!
7. Bake the Skillet:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness. If you like firmer yolks, let it bake a little longer.
8. Finish with Toppings:
Once it’s done baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions on top. These finishing touches add crunch and freshness!
9. Add Sour Cream:
Drizzle some sour cream on top for a creamy contrast. It really ties everything together!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve hot right from the skillet. Enjoy your hearty breakfast filled with crispy tater tots, cheesy eggs, savory sausage, and bacon. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying by yourself!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Tater Tots?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, you can dice them into small cubes and parboil them for 7-8 minutes before arranging them in the skillet. This will help them cook evenly and get crispy in the oven.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, consider using tofu! Crumbled firm tofu mixed with a bit of turmeric for color can mimic the texture of scrambled eggs. You could also choose a chickpea flour mixture for an egg-like consistency.
Can I Make This Breakfast Skillet Vegetarian or Vegan?
Definitely! For a vegetarian option, simply omit the sausage and bacon, and replace them with veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. For a vegan twist, use plant-based sausage and swap the eggs for tofu or a chickpea scramble.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or warm it up in a skillet on the stove. Just add a tiny splash of water to keep it moist!