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Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful and delicious casserole. For this recipe, we focus on fresh, high-quality components that come together harmoniously in your slow cooker, promising a comforting and flavorful breakfast.

• 32 oz frozen tater tots: These crispy potato bites form the satisfying base and top layer, absorbing flavors beautifully.
• 1 lb breakfast sausage: Choose your preferred type – mild for a classic taste, or spicy for an extra kick. Ensure it’s fully cooked and drained.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild works wonderfully, providing that classic gooey, cheesy goodness throughout the casserole.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a delightful nutty, salty depth that complements the other cheeses and flavors.
• 12 large eggs: The primary binder and protein source, creating a rich, custardy texture when cooked slowly.
• 1 cup milk: Any kind will do, from whole to skim, contributing to the creaminess of the egg mixture and preventing it from becoming too dense.
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This acts as a thickener, helping the egg mixture set properly and achieve a desirable firm yet tender consistency.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the casserole.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and aromatic touch.
• ½ cup diced yellow onion (optional): As mentioned in the instructions, fresh onion offers a savory aromatic note that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Non-stick cooking spray or butter: For thoroughly greasing your slow cooker and preventing sticking.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to assemble your slow cooker breakfast casserole. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the minimal hands-on time required, allowing you to focus on other things while your breakfast cooks to perfection.

1. Prepare the Sausage:

   In a large skillet, add the breakfast sausage and cook over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Continue to cook until it’s fully cooked through and no pink remains. Once done, it’s crucial to remove the excess grease by draining the sausage on a paper towel-lined plate. This step prevents your casserole from becoming overly oily.

2. Grease the Slow Cooker:

   Liberally grease the inside of your slow cooker pot with non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. Paying attention to the sides and bottom will ensure easy removal of the casserole once it’s cooked and will make cleanup significantly easier.

3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk the milk and all-purpose flour together until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps of flour remain. This initial step helps create a consistent texture for the egg base. Next, add the twelve eggs, the remaining milk, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Whisk everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is slightly frothy. The flour helps to create a stable, custardy egg base.

4. Layer the Casserole:

   Carefully add half of the frozen tater tots to the bottom of the greased slow cooker, spreading them into an even layer. This creates the first crispy potato layer. Next, sprinkle half of the cooked and drained breakfast sausage evenly over the tater tots. If you’re including the diced onion, distribute half of it over the sausage. Follow this with half of the grated Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining tater tots, sausage, optional onion, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese to create a second, equally delicious and substantial layer. Finally, gently pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the top of all the layered ingredients, ensuring it seeps down into the gaps between the tots and other components.

5. Cook to Perfection:

   Place the lid securely on your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, cook on the HIGH setting for 3 hours. The casserole is ready when the egg mixture is fully set in the center and the edges appear golden brown and slightly firm. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker model, so it’s a good idea to check for doneness during the last hour. Once cooked, allow it to cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes before serving for easier slicing and to prevent it from falling apart.

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Why This Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole is a Must-Try

Beyond its delicious flavor, this tater tot, sausage, and egg casserole offers numerous benefits that make it an indispensable addition to your recipe collection:

• Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker does most of the work, freeing up your morning for other activities. Just assemble, set, and forget!
• Perfect for Crowds: Generous servings make it ideal for brunch parties, family gatherings, or holiday breakfasts.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it the night before and let it cook overnight, waking up to a ready-to-eat breakfast. This feature is a lifesaver for busy hosts or anyone who cherishes extra sleep.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein from eggs and sausage, and comforting carbs from tater tots, it’s a filling meal that will keep everyone energized.
• Customizable: Easily adapt it to dietary preferences or what you have on hand with various substitutions and additions.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in one pot (your slow cooker) means fewer dishes to wash, making post-meal cleanup a breeze.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole

To ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Don’t Overfill the Slow Cooker: Leave some room at the top for the eggs to expand during cooking, preventing any messy overflows. A good rule of thumb is to fill it no more than two-thirds full.
• Thoroughly Drain Sausage: This is a critical step! Excess grease from the sausage can make the casserole oily and less appealing. Take the time to drain it well.
• Layer Evenly: Distribute all ingredients as evenly as possible in each layer. This ensures that every bite has a balanced combination of flavors and textures, and promotes even cooking.
• Check for Doneness: The best way to determine if your casserole is fully cooked is to insert a knife or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the eggs are perfectly set. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to a rubbery texture.
• Achieve Crispier Tots: While slow cooking usually results in softer tater tots, if you prefer a crispier top, you can try removing the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking. Some newer slow cookers also have a “browning” function that might help.
• Overnight Assembly: If preparing the night before, assemble all layers and pour the egg mixture into the greased slow cooker pot. Cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, simply place the cold pot into the slow cooker base and cook as directed, adding an extra hour to the cooking time to account for the chilled starting temperature.

Variations & Customizations

One of the best things about this tater tot breakfast casserole is its incredible adaptability. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your family’s preferences or dietary needs!

• Different Cheeses: Experiment with various cheese blends like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or even a robust Mexican blend.
• Alternative Meats: Swap breakfast sausage for crumbled bacon, diced ham, ground turkey, or even vegetarian sausage for a different flavor profile. Just ensure any meat is cooked and drained beforehand.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition and flavor with sautéed bell peppers (any color), fresh spinach (wilted before adding), sliced mushrooms, or chopped green chilies for a mild Southwestern twist. Always pre-cook vegetables that release a lot of water to prevent a watery casserole.
• Spice It Up: For those who love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the egg mixture.
• Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh or dried chives, parsley, or a touch of thyme to add aromatic complexity and brighten the flavors.
• Bread Base: If you’re out of tater tots, you can substitute with cubed stale bread for a more traditional bread pudding-style casserole.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few complementary sides to round out your breakfast or brunch spread and elevate the experience.

• A fresh fruit salad offers a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Serve with a side of warm biscuits, toast, or English muffins for an extra carb boost.
• Offer a variety of hot sauces, salsa, or sour cream for those who like to customize their flavors.
• A drizzle of maple syrup might sound unconventional, but some love the delightful sweet and savory combination!
• Pair with your favorite morning beverage like freshly brewed coffee, hot tea, or a glass of orange juice.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole is fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly to maintain its deliciousness:

• Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, individual portions can be frozen in airtight freezer-safe containers or wrapped tightly in freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating (Microwave): For a quick and easy reheat, place an individual portion on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it loosely and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Stirring halfway through can help with even heating.
• Reheating (Oven): For best results, especially to regain some crispiness in the tater tots, reheat individual slices or the entire casserole (if reheating a larger portion) in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Uncover for the last few minutes if you desire crispier tots.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I assemble this casserole the night before?

Yes, absolutely! Prepare the sausage, whisk the egg mixture, and layer everything in your slow cooker pot. Cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place the cold pot into the slow cooker base and cook on LOW for 7-9 hours (adding an extra hour or so to account for the cold start). This makes it an ideal make-ahead option for busy mornings.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Certainly! While breakfast sausage is traditional, feel free to use spicy sausage, Italian sausage (remove from casings and brown), or even ground beef or turkey seasoned with breakfast flavors. Just be sure to brown and drain any meat thoroughly before adding it to the casserole to avoid excess grease.

What if I don’t have tater tots?

While tater tots provide a unique texture and flavor, you can substitute them with diced raw potatoes, shredded hash browns, or even cubed bread for a different style of breakfast casserole. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as raw potatoes might need slightly longer to cook thoroughly.

How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?

Ensure you thoroughly drain the cooked sausage of all grease. If adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, sauté them first to release their moisture before incorporating them into the layers. The flour in the egg mixture also helps to absorb any residual moisture and create a firmer, more cohesive casserole.

Can I make this casserole healthier?

Yes, you can make several adjustments to lighten it up. Use lean breakfast sausage or ground turkey, opt for skim milk, and significantly increase the amount of non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or kale. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese option. Using fewer tater tots and a greater proportion of eggs and vegetables can also reduce the overall calorie density per serving.

Watch the Recipe Video

See how easy it is to prepare this delicious slow cooker breakfast casserole by watching Julia Pacheco’s detailed video. Get visual guidance on each step and additional tips to make your cooking experience seamless and enjoyable!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this hearty casserole. Please note that this information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation, as actual values may vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods. It serves as a helpful guide for meal planning.

• Calories: 679 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Protein: 31g
• Fat: 46g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0.1g
• Cholesterol: 329mg
• Sodium: 1672mg
• Potassium: 623mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 845 IU
• Vitamin C: 8mg
• Calcium: 407mg
• Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Consult a qualified nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Tried this recipe? We’d love to hear from you!

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