If you are searching for a comforting and hearty morning meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe is bound to become one of your favorites. Combining crispy golden tater tots with savory breakfast sausage, creamy eggs, and melted mozzarella, this quiche offers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that will brighten your breakfast or brunch table. It’s such a simple yet clever twist on traditional quiche that brings a little fun and nostalgia while delivering a filling and satisfying dish everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each element is essential, whether to create the rich, creamy custard filling or the crispy, flavorful crust made from tater tots. Using everyday staples ensures you get maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
- 2 cups frozen tater tots: These form the crispy, golden crust that sets this quiche apart from the classic pastry base.
- ½ pound ground breakfast sausage: Adds a savory, spiced punch that infuses the dish with hearty flavor.
- 6 large eggs: The binding agent that creates the luscious, custardy texture you expect in a quiche.
- ½ cup low fat cottage cheese (2%): Gives a creamy richness with a slight tang while keeping it lighter than heavy cream.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle warmth and perfect hint of spice.
- 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, melty bites in every forkful.
- Freshly chopped parsley (optional): A bright, fresh garnish to lift the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare the tater tot crust
Set your oven to 400 degrees F and generously butter a 9-inch deep-dish pie dish to prevent sticking. Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in the pie plate and bake for 15 minutes. This pre-baking crisps the tots perfectly, so your crust has that golden crunch everyone loves.
Step 2: Mash the tater tots to form the crust
Once your tots come out hot and crispy, use a spatula to gently mash them into an even layer covering the bottom and sides of your pie dish. This step is crucial to shaping your unique crust, giving it structure while keeping that delightful bumpy texture.
Step 3: Reduce the oven temperature
Lower your oven setting to 350 degrees F, the optimal heat for baking the egg filling thoroughly without drying it out.
Step 4: Cook the sausage
While the oven cools, cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat until fully browned and crumbled. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t scramble your eggs when mixed.
Step 5: Mix the quiche filling
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, cottage cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Stir in the mozzarella cheese and the cooked sausage, blending everything to create a luscious, savory filling ready to be poured over the tot crust.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Pour your filling over the mashed tater tot crust and bake for 30 minutes. The quiche is ready when the center is set and no longer jiggly. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes so it firms up for easy slicing. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice to brighten the savory richness here. You might also try a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a little extra zip that complements the sausage beautifully.
Side Dishes
This quiche pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of mixed berries to add sweetness and balance out the savory depth of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, serve the quiche in individual ramekins for single portions, or create mini quiches using muffin tins lined with tater tots as crusts. This makes your Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe even more fun and accessible for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover quiche covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it just as delightful if not more on day two.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm slices in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes to revive that fresh-baked texture, or microwave on medium power for a quicker solution, though the oven method maintains crispness better.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage adds a classic flavor, you can swap in spicy chorizo or turkey sausage to tailor the quiche to your preference.
Is it necessary to pre-bake the tater tots?
Yes, pre-baking crisps the tots so they hold together as a crust instead of getting soggy when the filling bakes over them.
Can I prepare the quiche the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the quiche and refrigerate it overnight before baking it fresh in the morning. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
What do I do if my quiche isn’t set after baking?
If the center still jiggles, continue baking in 5-minute increments until fully set but avoid overbaking to maintain creaminess.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would be delicious additions. Just sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe is a joyful celebration of simple, hearty ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Whether for a weekend brunch or a cozy weekday breakfast, it’s sure to brighten your table and delight your loved ones. Give it a try and watch it become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Print
Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche is a hearty and comforting breakfast dish featuring a crispy tater tot crust filled with savory ground breakfast sausage, eggs, cottage cheese, and melty mozzarella. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for a weekend brunch or a special morning meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Quiche Crust
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
Filling
- ½ pound ground breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup low fat cottage cheese (2%)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Garnish (optional)
- Freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie dish with butter. Place frozen tater tots evenly in the pie dish and bake for 15 minutes until partially cooked and slightly crispy.
- Form crust: Remove the tater tots from the oven and use a spatula or fork to mash and press them into an even layer covering the bottom and sides of the pie dish, forming a crust.
- Lower oven temperature: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F to prepare for baking the quiche filling.
- Cook sausage: In a skillet over medium to medium-high heat, fully cook and crumble the ground breakfast sausage until browned and no longer pink. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare filling mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Stir in the grated mozzarella cheese and the slightly cooled sausage, mixing evenly.
- Assemble and bake quiche: Pour the egg and sausage mixture evenly over the tater tot crust in the pie dish. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the center is fully set and firm to the touch.
- Cool and serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to press the tater tots firmly into the pie dish to create a cohesive crust that holds together when sliced.
- If you prefer a spicier sausage, you can substitute breakfast sausage with spicy Italian sausage.
- Low-fat cottage cheese keeps the filling creamy but light; whole milk cottage cheese can be used for a richer quiche.
- Letting the quiche cool slightly before serving helps it set properly and makes slicing easier.
- This recipe can be made ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking; just add a few extra minutes to bake time if starting cold from the fridge.
