This vegetarian tater tot breakfast casserole takes just 20 minutes to assemble but also feeds a crowd and makes meal prep a breeze. Loaded with veggies, eggs and cheese over a tater tot base.
NOTE: This casserole may be assembled the night before and baked in the morning or baked immediately. If baking immediately, preheat the oven to 350°F (175° C).
Spray or butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Line the tater tots in an even layer in the bottom of the dish.
In a large skillet, melt butter or add olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, saute the onions*, peppers, and zucchini for about 5-7 minutes, then toss in the sliced mushrooms, and continue to saute for 3-4 more minutes until the mushrooms are softened and browned. Allow to cool for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, beat eggs until smooth, adding salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper to taste, milk and cream, and whisk until smooth. Then add the veggie mixture a little at a time to temper the eggs. Stir in the cheese, reserving one cup to sprinkle on top if desired.
Pour over the top of the tater tots, top with remaining cheese.
Overnight Directions
Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight, when ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge while the oven is preheating.
Bake covered, for 25-30 minutes, remove the foil and bake additional 30-35 minutes until top is golden brown and casserole is cooked through.
Day of Baking Instructions
Bake covered with foil sprayed with oil for 25-30 minutes; remove the foil and bake additional 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is cooked through. If browning too quickly cover with foil loosely towards the end, remove when there is just a tiny jiggle in the middle, allow to cool 10-15 minutes garnish and serve.
Notes
*If you prefer crunchy veggies, only saute the onions and mushrooms. Make Ahead TipsAssemble the casserole and cover tightly with plastic wrap, place in fridge overnight. Bring out of the fridge the next day while you preheat the oven, remove plastic wrap and cover with foil, proceed with recipe. Freeze | Prepare the casserole as instructed but skip the baking step. Instead, cover the dish tightly with foil or place it in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and follow the baking instructions.Variations & SubstitutionsI love providing my readers with options! Because life is about options, leave it out if you don't like something. If you love something, add it and see how it works!
Swap out Veggies in your Tater Tot Bake | Here are a few more great options – roasted red peppers, blanched broccoli florets or broccoli chopped very small, chopped baby spinach, artichoke hearts, and more! Use red onion, shallots or green onions if preferred. You can also try adding par-cooked sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas.
Mediterranean Tater Tot Casserole | Add chopped artichoke hearts and spinach. Then, swap out some of the cheese for crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese, toss in some diced kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes. YUM!
Mexican Tater Tot Casserole | Chop and saute a poblano pepper with your other veggies (much like this 10 Vegetable Soup). Add a drained can of mild green chiles, and 1-2 chopped Roma tomatoes. Take it further by browning, draining chorizo, and adding your favorite Mexican cheese to this egg bake! Serve with sour cream, guacamole and salsa.
Non-Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole | If preferred, include meat in the breakfast casserole. Brown and drain your favorite breakfast sausage, turkey sausage, ham, or bacon pieces. Or keep it vegetarian with a meat substitute, like vegan sausage, tofu or vegan bacon.
Storage TipsRefrigerate Leftovers | First, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to enjoy throughout the week as a quick and easy breakfast.Can you Freeze Leftover Tater Tot Casserole? Yes! Keep the casserole for up to three months by storing it in a freezer-safe container or separate it into smaller portions in freezer bags or containers for individual servings. Reheat refrigerated leftover casserole by placing it in the microwave at 30-second intervals. Cover and return to the preheated 350°F oven for 20-35 minutes until warmed. Warm up a frozen casserole by letting it thaw in the fridge overnight and baking or microwaving it in the morning.Can I put the tater tots on top of my breakfast casserole? You can put the tater tots on top of the breakfast casserole to create a crispy layer during baking. Layer them evenly over the top of the vegetarian egg and cheese mixture.