This Tater Tot Breakfast Skillet is a fun and hearty dish! Imagine crispy tater tots topped with eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats. Yum!
It’s perfect for busy mornings when you want something filling without a lot of fuss. I love to pile on the toppings and enjoy it with friends—who can resist that cheesy goodness?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These are the star of the dish! If you don’t have frozen tater tots, you can swap them for hash browns or even homemade roasted potatoes for a fresh twist.
Bacon: Bacon gives a rich flavor, but turkey bacon or even vegetarian bacon can be good substitutes if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These add nice flavors. You can mix it up and use different colors of bell peppers or even skip them for a simpler dish. I sometimes throw in mushrooms for added depth.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a cheese blend. Vegan cheese also works if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
Sour Cream/Ranch Dressing: If you’re dairy-free, consider using a dairy-free sour cream or a homemade avocado dressing for a creamy finish. Both give it a nice touch!
How Do I Cook Eggs Perfectly on Top of Tater Tots?
Getting the eggs just right can be tricky. You want those whites to be firm while keeping the yolk deliciously runny. Follow these tips:
- Crack the eggs directly onto the toppings, but keep them spaced apart to help them cook evenly.
- Return the skillet to the oven and watch the time carefully. Bake for 8-12 minutes based on how runny you like your yolks.
- If you’re unsure, check around the 8-minute mark. You can always bake longer if needed!
Enjoy the cozy, comforting feel of this breakfast skillet! It’s perfect for families and gatherings, making mornings extra special.
Tater Tot Breakfast Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream or ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil or butter for skillet
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tater Tot Breakfast Skillet will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes total, including baking time. It’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for a weekend brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when you put in your tater tots.
2. Bake the Tater Tots:
In a large oven-safe skillet (a cast iron skillet is ideal), spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer. Bake them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. Don’t forget to turn them halfway through for even cooking!
3. Cook the Bacon:
While the tater tots are baking, cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, and then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, leave a little bit of the bacon fat for flavor and sauté the chopped onion and green bell pepper until they’re softened, about 3-4 minutes. Once they’re ready, remove them from heat and set aside.
5. Assemble the Toppings:
Once the tater tots are crispy and golden, take the skillet out of the oven. Sprinkle the sautéed onions, bell peppers, chopped bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot tater tots.
6. Add the Eggs:
Carefully crack the eggs directly over the skillet, spacing them evenly on top of the cheese and toppings. Season the eggs with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor.
7. Bake the Skillet:
Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until the egg whites are fully set but the yolks are still runny to your liking. Keep an eye on them so they cook just right!
8. Drizzle and Garnish:
After baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Drizzle some sour cream or ranch dressing over the top. Then, sprinkle chopped fresh chives or green onions to add a touch of color and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Tater Tot Breakfast Skillet immediately while it’s hot. Scoop out portions that include crispy tater tots, eggs, cheese, and bacon for a delightful meal that everyone will love!
This hearty breakfast dish is great for sharing and perfect for starting your day with a smile. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!
Can I Use Fresh Tater Tots Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can! If you’re using fresh or homemade tater tots, just make sure they are cooked until crispy before adding the toppings and eggs. You may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
What if I Don’t Have Bacon?
No problem! You can substitute bacon with sausage, ham, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Alternatively, just omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian version!
Can I Make This Skillet Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the tater tots and sauté the veggies in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble just before baking for quick preparation in the morning.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven or microwave until heated through. The texture might change slightly, but it will still be delicious!