Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

PREP TIME: 25 minutes + optional overnight soaking time

COOKING TIME: 1 hour

SERVES: 10+

This mouth-watering Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is warm, cheesy dish perfect for meal-prep or for pleasing a crowd. It features a layer of crispy tater tots, spicy breakfast protein, and a mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. The casserole is topped with a savory egg mixture and baked to perfection. Enjoy this make-ahead recipe for a delicious and convenient meal!

INGREDIENTS

·   16 oz bag of frozen tater tots

·   1 tbsp olive oil

·   1 bag of Morningstar Farms ground chorizo crumbles

·   1 yellow onion, diced

·       1 red bell pepper, diced

·       1 green bell pepper, diced

·       2 c milk

·       8 eggs

·       ½ tsp cayenne pepper

·       2 c grated cheddar cheese

·       1 c grated pepper jack cheese

·       Salt and pepper to taste

NOTES

·   Substitute 1 bag of frozen peppers and onion mix for the fresh onions and peppers if desired

·       For a smaller batch that serves 5 people (8x8 square pan), use half the amount of tater tots, milk, and eggs, but keep all of the other ingredient amounts the same)!

INSTRUCTIONS

1.      In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Then, add the peppers and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the frozen ground chorizo crumbles and cook according to package instructions (about 8 minutes). Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

2.      Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with a single layer of tater tots. Sprinkle a handful of cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.

3.      Once the chorizo mixture has cooled slightly (and is no longer sizzling), evenly distribute it over the tater tots.

4.      In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, cayenne, salt, pepper, and the remaining cheddar cheese. Pour this mixture evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish.

5.      Sprinkle the pepper jack cheese over the top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight, or until you're ready to bake it.

6.      Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 35 minutes. After 35 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top layer of cheese is bubbly and golden.

7.      Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes. Cut into squares and serve hot!