If you are searching for a crowd-pleasing breakfast that brings together comfort food and a touch of fancy, the Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche is exactly what your mornings have been missing. This dish combines fluffy eggs, savory sausage, crispy tater tots, and melty cheddar cheese into one irresistible pie that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself to a leisurely brunch, this quiche is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will make you want to savor every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When making the Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche, simplicity is key. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s adding rich flavor, heartiness, or a pop of color, so having the right balance is essential to bring the dish to life.
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage crumbles: Adds smoky, meaty depth that anchors the dish.
- 2 cups frozen tater tots, thawed slightly: Create a crispy, golden crust that is delightfully crunchy.
- 6 large eggs: The foundation of the quiche, providing fluffiness and binding everything together.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a rich, creamy sharpness that melts beautifully.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the egg filling tender and moist.
- 1/4 cup chopped onion: Brings a slight sweetness and savory punch.
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper: Adds fresh color and a subtle crunch.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient’s flavor without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Introduces a gentle heat and earthiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Contributes subtle warmth and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a smoky, slightly sweet undertone.
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing: Ensures the quiche releases easily from the pan.
How to Make Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pie Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), making sure it reaches that perfect heat to cook the quiche evenly. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray or butter. This step is critical for avoiding any sticking and makes cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Create the Tater Tot Crust
Spread the slightly thawed tater tots evenly across the bottom of the pie dish, pressing them down gently so they form a compact base layer. This tater tot crust will crisp up as it bakes, offering a satisfying contrast to the creamy filling, which is something uniquely comforting about this quiche.
Step 3: Add the Sausage
Sprinkle your pre-cooked breakfast sausage crumbles evenly over the tater tot base. This meat layer infuses the quiche with hearty flavor while ensuring every bite includes a little savory burst, making the dish incredibly satisfying.
Step 4: Mix the Egg Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth and combined. Stir in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese, distributing the ingredients evenly so you get bursts of flavor and texture throughout the quiche.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the egg mixture carefully over the sausage and tater tot layers in the pie dish. Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top turns a beautiful golden brown. Removing it slightly before over-baking ensures a soft, tender middle that melts in your mouth.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
After baking, allow the quiche to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time helps it set perfectly, making slicing neat and easy so each portion looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche
Garnishes
To make your quiche visually stunning and even more flavorful, top each slice with fresh chopped chives or a sprinkle of parsley. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also add a creamy tang or a spicy kick that complements the rich sausage and cheese perfectly.
Side Dishes
This quiche pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted cherry tomatoes. Fresh fruit such as melon or berries adds a sweet contrast, balancing the savory richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the quiche into mini wedges and serve it on skewers for a fun brunch buffet. You could also use small ramekins or muffin tins to bake individual servings, making it easy to grab-and-go or customize each portion with your favorite add-ins.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this quiche whole or in individual slices. Wrap it securely to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
The quiche reheats beautifully. Warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through to keep the crust crisp. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, but the oven will give the best results.
FAQs
Can I use ground pork instead of breakfast sausage?
Absolutely! Ground pork seasoned with your favorite spices can serve as a delicious substitute if you want to customize the flavor or use what you have on hand.
Is this quiche gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use a traditional flour-based crust. Just be sure to check that your sausage and seasonings do not contain gluten additives.
Can I add other vegetables to the quiche?
Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted red peppers work wonderfully and add nutrition and brightness to the dish.
What’s the best way to get a really crispy tater tot crust?
For an extra crispy base, you can partially bake the tater tots in the pie dish for about 10 minutes before layering the sausage and egg mixture on top.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms to enjoy a vegetarian version that’s just as flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Making the Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche is like inviting comfort and flavorsome joy to your breakfast table. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and oh so delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast gathering, this dish is bound to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try and watch it quickly become the centerpiece of your morning meal rotation!
Print
Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche is a hearty and satisfying American breakfast dish featuring a crispy tater tot crust layered with savory cooked sausage, eggs, cheese, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for brunch or a weekend breakfast, this easy-to-make quiche offers a flavorful combination of textures and tastes baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 2 cups frozen tater tots, thawed slightly
- cooking spray or butter for greasing
Filling
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage crumbles
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Form Tater Tot Crust: Spread the thawed tater tots evenly across the bottom of the prepared pie dish, pressing them lightly to create a compact base layer.
- Add Sausage Layer: Sprinkle the cooked breakfast sausage crumbles uniformly over the tater tot layer to distribute flavor evenly.
- Mix Egg Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then stir in the chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor and texture.
- Assemble Quiche: Carefully pour the egg and vegetable mixture over the sausage and tater tot layers in the pie dish, ensuring it spreads evenly.
- Bake: Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is set in the center and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the quiche to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into 6 servings and serving warm.
Notes
- For a crispier tater tot crust, you can partially bake the tater tots in the pie dish for 10 minutes before layering the sausage and egg mixture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach to increase nutrient content and add greens.
- To make a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.
- This quiche reheats well and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
