Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole That Stays Crunchy on Top

Ingredients

• 1 bag frozen tater tots, kept frozen (900 g)
• 3/4 cup whole milk (180 g)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided (170 g)
• 10 large eggs (500 g)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (120 g)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (3 g)
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced (45 g)
• 1 teaspoon fine salt (6 g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (14 g)
• 12 ounces cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled (340 g)

Instructions

1. Prepare. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease the dish. Cook the onion in oil until soft and dry at the edges, then add sausage and break it into small crumbles. Spread that mixture evenly in the dish and scatter 115 g cheddar over it. Keep the frozen tots in the freezer during this work.
2. Assemble. Whisk eggs, milk, paprika, salt, and black pepper until uniform. Pour over the sausage layer, moving slowly around the perimeter and center. Arrange frozen tots shoulder to shoulder in straight rows across the surface. Leave their upper halves exposed and do not press them into the eggs. Scatter the remaining cheese between, not over, the rows.
3. Bake. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. The egg filling visible between rows should be set, and the tots should be deep gold with crisp ridges. Test the center by slipping a knife between two tots; it should emerge without liquid egg. If the filling needs longer, continue without covering so the potatoes stay crunchy.
4. Finish. Leave the dish undisturbed briefly, then cut between the tot rows to preserve as many whole potatoes as possible. Lift 8 portions with a broad spatula and finish with scallions. Do not cover the pan before serving. Even a loose cover holds moisture near the surface and softens the ridges you worked to expose.

Notes

• Keep tots frozen until they are arranged on top, with upper halves exposed. Put cheese between rows so dry heat reaches the ridges. Continue baking uncovered until both the central egg and potatoes are done.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat one portion for 60 seconds, then check before adding short bursts.

Nutrition Facts