Breakfast Totchos are a delightful fusion of tater tots and traditional breakfast favorites, making them a perfect choice for a hearty morning meal or brunch. This dish combines crispy tater tots with fluffy scrambled eggs, savory breakfast sausage, melted Colby Jack cheese, and crispy bacon, all broiled to perfection. It's a fun and delicious way to start your day, offering a variety of flavors and textures in every bite. Let's dive into the ingredients you'll need to create this tasty breakfast dish.
INGREDIENTS
- Tater Tots: 2-pound bag, cooked until crispy, forming the base of the dish.
- Scrambled Eggs: 5 large eggs, cooked to perfection and layered over the tots.
- Ground Breakfast Sausage: 1 pound, cooked and crumbled for a flavorful addition.
- Colby Jack Cheese: 1 cup, shredded, adding a melty and cheesy topping.
- Crushed Bacon: 1/2 cup, providing a crispy and savory finish.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your broiler to high. Ensure that the tater tots, scrambled eggs, and breakfast sausage are all prepared and ready to go before assembling the dish.
- Step 2:
- Spread the cooked tater tots in a single layer on a large baking sheet. It's fine if they overlap slightly, but avoid piling them too high to ensure even cooking.
- Step 3:
- Evenly distribute the scrambled eggs over the layer of tater tots. Make sure to spread them out so every bite gets a taste of eggs.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage over the scrambled eggs, followed by an even layer of Colby Jack cheese.
- Step 5:
- Top with the crushed bacon, spreading it evenly over the cheese to add a crispy, savory element to the dish.
- Step 6:
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil on high for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Step 7:
- Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the tray from the oven. Serve the totchos hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as chopped green onions, salsa, or sour cream, if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
Breakfast Totchos are best enjoyed hot and fresh, straight from the oven. They make a fantastic breakfast or brunch dish, perfect for sharing with family and friends. You can serve them with a variety of toppings, such as chopped green onions, salsa, sour cream, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option.
Helpful Notes
For a different flavor profile, consider adding diced bell peppers or onions to the scrambled eggs. You can also switch up the cheese by using cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella, depending on your taste preferences. If you're looking for a lighter option, use turkey sausage or skip the bacon. This dish is versatile and can be customized to suit various dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Tips from well-known chefs
Chef Alton Brown suggests pre-cooking the tater tots until they are extra crispy to prevent them from becoming soggy under the toppings.
Chef Ina Garten recommends using freshly grated cheese for a better melt and more flavorful dish.
Chef Bobby Flay advises adding a layer of salsa or pico de gallo before serving to brighten the flavors and add a fresh, tangy element.