This Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl is the perfect way to start your day! It’s loaded with crispy tater tots, fluffy scrambled eggs, and melted cheese, all topped with your favorite breakfast goodies.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These are the star of the show! Use frozen tater tots for convenience. If you want a healthier twist, try making your own with fresh potatoes, just cut them and bake with a bit of oil.
Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. You can switch it out for pepper jack for a spicy kick or go with a classic like mozzarella if you prefer something milder.
Bacon: Bacon adds a crunchy, salty element. Feel free to use turkey bacon or even crispy turkey sausage to keep it lighter. Vegetarian bacon also works well for a meatless option.
Eggs: Scrambled eggs are delicious, but fried or poached eggs can make the dish extra special. You could even use egg whites or a tofu scramble for a vegan option!
Vegetables: Use cherry tomatoes for freshness. Bell peppers, spinach, or avocado can be added for extra flavor and nutrients, making it really customizable!
How Do You Make Perfectly Fried Eggs?
Frying eggs might seem tricky, but with a little practice, you’ll get it just right. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter.
- Once hot, crack the eggs gently into the skillet. Don’t overcrowd; cook one or two at a time.
- Cook until the whites are set, about 2-3 minutes. For sunny-side up, don’t flip them! If you prefer over-easy, carefully flip and cook for another minute.
- Season with salt and pepper right before they finish cooking for the best taste.
With this technique, you can achieve the perfect egg every time!
How to Make a Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 4 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 small jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil or butter for frying
- Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook, making it perfect for a hearty breakfast. You’ll spend some time cooking the bacon and eggs, plus baking the tater tots to crispy perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tater Tots:
Start by preheating your oven according to the package instructions for the tater tots. Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 20 minutes. Once done, set them aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
While the tater tots are baking, take a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the slices of bacon and cook them until they are crispy. Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into smaller pieces.
3. Sauté Jalapeño (Optional):
In the same skillet with a bit of the bacon fat, add the sliced jalapeño and lightly sauté it until softened, about 2 minutes. If you’re not a fan of spicy, you can skip this step!
4. Cook the Eggs:
Using the same skillet, crack the eggs into the pan. Fry them sunny-side up, or cook to your preferred doneness. Season with salt and pepper. If you like your eggs a bit runny, they usually take about 3-4 minutes on medium heat.
5. Melt the Cheese:
Once the eggs are cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese around the skillet to melt it slightly, letting it sit for a minute. This gives that delightful gooey texture!
6. Assemble Your Bowl:
In a serving bowl, layer the crispy tater tots as the base. Top them with the melted cheese, fried eggs, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, sautéed jalapeños, and sliced green onions. Feel free to add as much or as little as you like!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off your delicious breakfast bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat. Serve immediately and dig in! Enjoy your hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, you can use pepper jack for a spicy kick, mozzarella for a milder flavor, or even a vegan cheese alternative to suit your preferences.
Can I Make This Breakfast Bowl Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon. You could replace it with crispy tofu or tempeh for added protein, or simply load up on veggies!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep the eggs from drying out.
Can I Prepare Components Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can bake the tater tots and cook the bacon a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and assemble the bowl fresh in the morning. This way, you’ll have a quick and easy breakfast ready to go!
