Breakfast Ham Casserole with Tater Tots
Breakfast ham casserole with tater tots is an easy breakfast recipe loaded with eggs, cheese, and savory ham. Perfect for holidays, brunch, or feeding a crowd.
If you’re looking for a hearty, no-fuss breakfast that feeds a crowd, this ham casserole with tater tots checks every box. It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with savory ham, fluffy eggs, and golden crispy tater tots. It’s one of those recipes that feels a little indulgent but is incredibly practical—simple ingredients, minimal prep, and big flavor.
Looking for more make ahead breakfast recipes? Check out this post for Easy Croissant Breakfast Sandwiches.
“So good and easy to make. Creamy texture and crisp tots.”
– Frances
Recipe at a glance
- Perfect for feeding a crowd – Makes a generous 9×13 pan
- Make-ahead friendly – Assemble the night before and bake in the morning
- Freezer-friendly – Great for meal prep
- Customizable – Swap the meat, cheese, or veggies based on what you have
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Ingredients you will need
A few simple ingredients come together to make a tater tot breakfast casserole that is satisfying, and full of flavor. To make this casserole dish, you will need:
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Ham – adds a savory, slightly smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with eggs and cheese. This is a great way to use up leftover holiday ham, but any fully cooked ham will work.
- Tater Tots – form the hearty base of the casserole. As they bake, they soak up the egg mixture on the bottom while staying golden and crisp on top—giving you the best of both textures.
- Eggs – bind everything together and create that classic fluffy, custard-like texture you expect in a breakfast casserole. They also add protein, making this dish extra filling.
- Cheddar Cheese – sharp cheddar brings a rich, melty texture and bold flavor. Dividing the cheese between the filling and the topping ensures every bite is cheesy and delicious.
- Bell Pepper – Red bell pepper adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of color. It balances out the richness of the ham and cheese while adding a fresh, slightly crisp texture.
- Green Onions – give a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish. They add brightness and a little bite that complements the creamy eggs and cheese.
- Milk – helps create a smooth, creamy egg mixture. It lightens the texture so the casserole isn’t too dense.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Simple but essential—these enhance all the flavors and bring the whole dish together.
Substitutions and variations
- Swap the meat: Try cooked sausage, bacon, or even turkey sausage.
- Change the cheese: Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend all work well.
- Add more veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, green bell pepper, or diced onions are great additions.
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
How to make breakfast ham casserole with tater tots
Step 1: Sauté the bell pepper and green onions in a little oil until they’re soft and fragrant. Add the diced ham and cook just long enough to heat it through, then set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in part of the shredded cheese along with the ham and vegetable mixture.
Step 3: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and arrange the tater tots in a single layer across the bottom. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, then finish with the remaining cheese.
Step 4: Bake until the eggs are set and the casserole is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for the best breakfast casserole
- Don’t skip pre-cooking the veggies – This removes excess moisture and boosts flavor.
- Let the filling cool slightly before adding to the eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Use a good quality ham for the best flavor—leftover ham works perfectly.
- Bake until fully set – The center should not jiggle when gently shaken.
Serving suggestions
This tater tot casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a simple side dish can turn it into a complete, well-balanced meal—whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
- Fresh Fruit or Fruit Salad – Balance the richness of the casserole with something light and refreshing like a bowl of fresh berries, melon, or this hot curried fruit salad.
- Toast or Biscuits – Serve alongside warm toast or flaky buttermilk biscuits for an extra comforting touch. They’re perfect for soaking up every last bite.
- Simple Green Salad – For brunch or dinner, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette such as this broccoli salad with bacon and cranberries adds a fresh contrast to the cheesy, savory casserole.
- Yogurt Parfaits – Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a slightly sweet side that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
- Hot Sauce, Salsa, or Hollandaise – Add a little kick with your favorite hot sauce or a spoonful of homemade fresh garden salsa. You could also add a bright richness with a little drizzle of blender hollandaise sauce.
- Brunch Cocktail – These strawberry champagne cocktails balance the richness of the casserole with a refreshing contrast. If you prefer a savory brunch cocktail, this Bloody Mary recipe is your match.
Storage, freezing, and reheating instructions
Storage. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing. Before baking, assemble, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. After baking: Let cool completely, then freeze in portions for easy reheating.
Reheating. Microwave individual portions or warm larger portions in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
Breakfast ham casserole FAQ’s
Yes. Assemble the casserole as directed, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cook time.
Tater tots are recommended because they’re par-cooked and crisp up nicely. Fresh potatoes would need to be pre-cooked to achieve a similar texture.
You can substitute a plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Tried This Recipe? Let Me Know!
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If you made breakfast ham casserole with tater tots, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Your ratings and reviews help others find the recipe and give me great feedback too.
Breakfast Ham Casserole with Tater Tots
Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoons oil
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 pound ham, diced
- 8 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 8-ounce package shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the bell pepper and green onions and sauté for 5 minutes, or until tender.
- Add the diced ham and cook until the ham is light pink, about 2 minutes more. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add 1 cup of the shredded cheese and the entire ham mixture. Stir to combine.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on the bottom of a greased 9 × 13 × 2-inch casserole dish.
- Pour the egg mixture over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the eggs are set.
Notes
- You can substitute bacon or sausage for the ham.
- For extra flavor, use pepper jack or a blend of cheeses.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes if needed.
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the recipe, Frances! Thank you for coming back and leaving a comment and review.
So good and easy to make. Creamy texture and crisp tots.
If you put the tater tots at the top of the casserole, just before cooking, they will be nice and crispy. Bake casserole to the recommended time for the tater tots.
That is a great idea, Ali! I’ve never tried making this spicy because my kids and I are wimps when it comes to spicy. But my husband would LOVE it! You are right, this casserole serves a crowd. So glad you enjoy it.
This casserole goes a LONG way for 2 people! We are from the South and love our monthly “Breakfast for dinner” night. This casserole is a “go-to” especially on a Friday movie night because it serves as brunch all weekend! We like ours spicy so I always add a whole can of drained HOT Rotel tomatoes and chili AND use Pepper Jack cheese instead of cheddar. I also add a generous amount of pepper flakes in the egg mixture as well as Chili Powder. To taste of course! Cook as directed!
Glad you and your wife enjoyed it, Justin! Thank you!
Made this for dinner last night. So good! It made a lot, but that just means we will have plenty of leftovers! 🙂
Long time reader, first time commenter. Casserole was delicious. Wife said she would make it again for sure. Thank you!
Hi Deirdre, yes! Sorry about that omission.
Your instructions don’t say anything about the remaining cheese. I’m guessing you spread it on top after the egg mixture?