This Cracked Out Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is packed with crispy tater tots, smoky bacon, gooey cheddar, and a ranch-flavored egg mixture. A foolproof, make-ahead breakfast for weekends, holidays, or breakfast-for-dinner nights!
You ever have one of those mornings where everything feels like too much effort? Like, even making toast seems ambitious? Yeah, that was me last holiday season. We had family visiting, my kitchen looked like a war zone, and the only thing I wanted was a breakfast recipe that required zero thinking.
That’s when I threw together this Cracked Out Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. I had a bag of tater tots (because I’m an adult, and I keep emergency tots in my freezer), some bacon, cheese, and eggs. And in a stroke of either brilliance or pure exhaustion, I grabbed a packet of ranch seasoning and tossed that in too.
The result? Actual perfection. The tater tots got crispy, the cheese melted into every bite, and the ranch added that little something extra that made people ask, “Wait, what’s in this? It’s amazing.”
Now, this casserole is a permanent fixture in my breakfast lineup. It’s fast, easy, completely addicting, and if you bring it to a brunch? Prepare for people to beg for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Cracked Out Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe?
- You barely have to do anything. No peeling, no chopping—just layer and bake.
- It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves it. If they say they don’t, they’re lying.
- Crispy, cheesy, bacon-packed perfection. Enough said.
- You can make it ahead. Assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
- It’s totally customizable. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños. More protein? Toss in some sausage.
Ingredient Notes:
Each ingredient in this casserole does its job perfectly—no filler, just flavor.
Ingredients:
- Bacon – Because bacon belongs in everything. Adds smoky, crispy goodness.
- Frozen Tater Tots – The crispy, golden base of this casserole. No effort required.
- Ranch Dressing Mix – The secret weapon. Adds herby, tangy flavor with zero extra work.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – The melty, cheesy goodness that holds everything together.
- Eggs & Milk – Creates a rich, fluffy texture that makes this more than just cheesy tater tots.
Pro Tip: Want your tater tots extra crispy? Bake them for 10 minutes before adding the eggs. It’s a small step, but totally worth it.
How To Make Cracked Out Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole?
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (unless you enjoy chiseling off baked-on cheese later).
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook 2 pounds of bacon until crispy. Chop it into bite-sized pieces. Try not to eat half of it. (Or do. No judgment.)
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
In a large bowl, mix together:
- Frozen tater tots
- Crispy bacon
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Transfer everything to your greased baking dish.
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Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together:
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 packet Ranch Dressing Mix
Pour this evenly over the tater tot, bacon, and cheese mixture.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Set
If baking immediately, pop it in the oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is beautifully golden brown.
Step 6: Let It Rest & Serve
Let it sit for 5 minutes before digging in (I know, waiting is hard, but it helps everything hold together).
Now? Grab a plate and enjoy!
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts until warm.
Variations and Substitutions:
This casserole is already near perfection, but here are some easy tweaks if you want to switch things up:
- Swap the bacon for sausage. Or do both. Live your best breakfast life.
- Make it spicy. Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Try a different cheese. Pepper jack adds heat, while mozzarella makes it extra gooey.
- Sneak in some veggies. Bell peppers, onions, or spinach would blend right in.
What to Serve with Cracked Out Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole?
This casserole is already a meal, but if you want to go all out, try these pairings:
- Fresh fruit – Something light to balance all that cheesy, bacon-y goodness.
- Biscuits or toast – Because more carbs are always a good idea.
- A big pot of coffee – Mandatory. Non-negotiable.
- Mimosas or Bloody Marys – If it’s brunch, go big.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake it fresh in the morning.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
Yep! Just dice them small and bake for 10 minutes before adding the egg mixture to ensure they cook through.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
And that’s it! The easiest, most satisfying breakfast casserole that never fails. Try it out, and let me know what you think!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Cracked Out Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bacon
- 1 30-32ounces bag frozen tater tots
- 1 1-ounce package Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix
- 2 c shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 eggs
- 2 c milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a baking dish measuring 9x13 inches.
- In a skillet cook the bacon until crispy then finely chop it.
- In a bowl combine the tater tots, bacon and cheese. Transfer this mixture to the greased dish.
- Whisk together the eggs, Ranch mix and milk in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the tater tot combination.
- If you need to wait before baking cover the dish. Refrigerate it. Otherwise, bake it for 50 to 60 minutes until it becomes set.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
