Yields: 9 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 45-55 minutes baking Calories: Approx. 436 kcal per serving (without optional Ranch mix)
A hearty and satisfying breakfast casserole featuring crispy tater tots layered with savory bacon, sautéed onion, melted cheddar cheese, and baked in a simple egg custard. Easy to assemble and perfect for brunch or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (approx. 340g) bacon, diced
- 1 tablespoon reserved bacon fat (or butter/oil)
- 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion (New Addition)
- 1 bag (24 oz / approx. 680g) frozen tater tots
- 1 1/2 cups (approx. 170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 1 package (1 oz / 28g) Ranch seasoning mix (Optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional, consider saltiness of bacon/Ranch)
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Large bowl
- 8×11 inch or 9×9 inch square baking dish (approx. 2.5-3 quart capacity)
- Whisk
- Spatula
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 8×11 inch or 9×9 inch baking dish.
- Cook Bacon and Onion: Place the diced bacon in a large cold skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is cooked through and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving it for later. Drain off all but approximately 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat from the skillet (discard the excess or save for another use). Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat and sauté over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Remove from heat.
- Layer Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together the frozen tater tots, about half of the crumbled cooked bacon, about half of the shredded cheddar cheese (use 3/4 cup here), and the sautéed onions. Spread this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Egg Custard: In the same bowl (or a separate one), whisk together the 6 large eggs and 1 1/2 cups of milk until well combined. If using, whisk in the Ranch seasoning mix. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired, keeping in mind the saltiness of the bacon, cheese, and Ranch mix.
- Combine Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tot mixture in the baking dish.
- Top: Sprinkle the remaining half of the crumbled bacon and the remaining half of the shredded cheddar cheese (3/4 cup) evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the eggs are set in the center (a knife inserted near the center should come out clean) and the top is golden brown and bubbly. If the top starts browning too quickly before the center is set, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for about 10 minutes before cutting into 9 squares and serving warm.
Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 9, without optional Ranch mix)
- Calories: approx. 436 kcal
- Total Fat: approx. 30g
- Saturated Fat: approx. 12g
- Total Carbohydrates: approx. 16g
- Dietary Fiber: approx. 1.5g
- Total Sugars: approx. 3g
- Protein: approx. 23g
- Sodium: approx. 800mg (estimate, highly dependent on bacon, cheese, Ranch & salt added)
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate calculated based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in this modified recipe, assuming standard tater tots, regular bacon cooked crisp, sharp cheddar, and whole milk. Actual values may vary based on specific brands, bacon leanness/fat rendering, and precise measurements. Using Ranch mix will significantly increase sodium. The original recipe’s calorie count appeared significantly inaccurate.)
