If you’re on the lookout for a breakfast that’s hearty, comforting, and downright delicious, then this Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe is bound to become your new favorite. Imagine golden, crispy tater tots forming a warm, fluffy crust bursting with savory sausage, creamy cottage cheese, and gooey mozzarella—each bite is a delightful dance of textures and flavors that makes waking up early worth it. This dish not only satisfies your morning hunger but also feels like a special treat to share with family or friends on a weekend brunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples come together effortlessly in this recipe. Each ingredient plays an important role: the tater tots create a crispy and nostalgic base, the ground breakfast sausage brings a savory, meaty punch, and the eggs and cottage cheese combine to make a rich, custardy filling. Mozzarella adds that perfect gooey melt, while salt and pepper highlight the flavors throughout.
- 2 cups frozen tater tots: The crispy foundation that doubles as a crust, delivering crunchy edges and a fun twist on traditional quiche crusts.
- ½ pound ground breakfast sausage: Adds savory, juicy richness that fills the quiche with hearty flavor.
- 6 large eggs: The binding superstar that gives the quiche its fluffy, custard-like texture.
- ½ cup low fat cottage cheese (2%): Adds creaminess and subtle tang while keeping the quiche light and moist.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle kick that complements the sausage and cheese.
- 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese: Melts into ooey-gooey pockets of rich, mild cheese throughout the quiche.
- Freshly chopped parsley (optional): Brings a fresh, vibrant pop of color and brightness at the end.
How to Make Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tater Tot Crust
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and generously butter a 9-inch deep-dish pie dish. Spread those frozen tater tots evenly on the bottom and up the sides of the dish to form a fun, crispy crust. Bake them for 15 minutes until they start getting golden and slightly crisp—the perfect foundation that will hold all those delicious fillings.
Step 2: Mash the Tater Tots
After removing the tater tots from the oven, gently mash them down so they connect and cover every bit of your pie dish. This step helps create a cohesive base that holds its shape and mimics a traditional quiche crust with a crispy, tender texture.
Step 3: Adjust Oven Temperature
Turn down the oven to 350 degrees F. This lower temperature will be perfect for baking the egg custard mixture without drying it out, ensuring a tender and well-set quiche.
Step 4: Cook the Sausage
While the oven is cooling, cook your ground breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat until it’s browned and fully crumbled. Once cooked, set it aside to cool slightly—this keeps the eggs from cooking prematurely and helps maintain a nice texture in your quiche.
Step 5: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together those beautiful eggs, creamy cottage cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth. Then fold in your grated mozzarella and the cooked sausage, mixing just enough to combine all the flavors. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over your mashed tater tot crust, making sure every inch is covered with this savory goodness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your quiche for 30 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly puffed, with a golden top that invites you to dig in. Once out of the oven, let it rest for at least 5 minutes—this helps the filling firm up a bit and makes slicing much easier. If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for an inviting finish and a dash of color.
How to Serve Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
While the quiche is flavorful and satisfying on its own, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds an eye-catching touch and a hint of brightness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream can add a tangy or spicy kick that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This quiche pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or lightly dressed mixed greens. Fresh fruit, such as berries or orange segments, also balances the savory flavors wonderfully and adds a refreshing contrast to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, slice the quiche into wedges and serve on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of complementary toppings like salsa, guacamole, or shredded cheese. You could even let guests customize their servings with different herbs or crunchy bacon bits for a fun, interactive breakfast experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Simply cut into slices and stack with parchment paper in between to avoid sticking.
Freezing
This quiche freezes quite well! Wrap it securely in foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a 350 degrees F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep that irresistible crispiness of the tater tot crust.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! Cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese are all excellent alternatives, each bringing its own unique flavor and meltiness to the quiche.
Is it possible to make this quiche vegetarian?
You can easily swap out the sausage for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to create a delicious vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
Can I prepare the quiche the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the quiche the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you cook it the next morning.
What should I serve with the quiche for a complete breakfast?
Pair it with fresh fruit, a green salad, or even some crispy bacon or sausage links on the side for a well-rounded and fulfilling meal.
How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked?
The center should be set and not jiggly when you gently shake the dish. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about digging into a warm slice of this Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe. It takes comfort food to a whole new level with its perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and savory elements. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself on a quiet weekend morning, this recipe is sure to become a cherished staple. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite breakfast tradition!
Print
Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche is a hearty and satisfying morning dish featuring a crispy tater tot crust filled with a savory mixture of ground breakfast sausage, eggs, low-fat cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a family brunch or a weekend breakfast, it combines comforting flavors with an easy prep and bake method.
Ingredients
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
- Freshly chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie dish with butter. Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly inside the pie dish to form the crust.
- Bake tater tots: Bake the tater tots in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until partially cooked and beginning to crisp.
- Form crust layer: Remove the pie dish from the oven and use a spatula or masher to gently press and mash the tater tots evenly along the bottom and sides, creating an even crust layer.
- Reduce oven temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F to prepare for the quiche baking.
- Cook sausage: While the tater tots cool slightly, cook the ground breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat until fully cooked and crumbled. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, low-fat cottage cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Stir in the mozzarella cheese and the cooked sausage mixture until well combined.
- Assemble quiche: Pour the sausage and egg mixture evenly over the tater tot crust in the pie dish, ensuring it fills all spots.
- Bake quiche: Bake the quiche in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is slightly golden.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a deep-dish pie dish to ensure enough room for the tater tot crust and filling.
- Partially baking the tater tots before mashing helps create a firm crust that holds together.
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- The quiche can be reheated in the oven or microwave for leftovers.
- Chopped bell peppers or onions can be added to the sausage for extra flavor.
