This Is the Most Googled Casserole in the US

A casserole is many things: It’s versatile, utilitarian, and nostalgic—at least for me, anyway. As a child of the 90s, I grew up on them. My dad rotated through three or four casserole recipes like tuna noodle casserole and baked ziti, which fed our family for nights at a time thanks to their ability to stretch as leftovers. 

I am pretty sure there is an endless collection of casserole recipes out there in the world—all ready to feed many and feed them well. With all of the comfort food possibilities, one casserole reigns supreme according to Google Trends: the all-mighty Tater Tot casserole. Since 2004, Americans simply cannot get enough.

Our Tater Tot Casserole Is a 5-Ingredient Winner

“Tater Tot casserole” can refer to a few different versions with one thing in common—crispy tots on top. The Midwestern classic hotdish has a number of permutations all on its own. There are even breakfast versions featuring ingredients like eggs, sausage, and cheese.

Our take on the one-pan breakfast casserole calls for just five ingredients and is ready in under an hour. You simply brown and cook sausage in a large skillet, sprinkle the sausage with shredded cheese, pour a mixture of eggs and milk over both, top everything with a layer of frozen Tater Tots, then bake the casserole for 35 to 40 minutes, until set.

It can also be fully made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to five days, which means it’s a great option when you’re looking to save time in the morning. Even though it’s called a breakfast casserole, this recipe is tasty any time of day. Serve wedges for lunch or pair them with a simple green salad or your favorite roasted vegetable for an easy breakfast-for-dinner.

Customize This Casserole 

Like all the best recipes, this one is flexible:

• Many Tater Tot casseroles include a vegetable but this one doesn’t. If you’d like to add one, though, feel free. Sautè chopped bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or a combination with the sausage.
• Instead of breakfast sausage, try hot or sweet Italian sausage or Mexican chorizo for a spicy kick. You can also use chicken, turkey, or beef sausage instead of pork sausage.
• Try shredded mozzarella, pepper Jack, or a cheese blend like Mexican or Italian instead of the cheddar. 
• Frozen sweet potato tots are a fun swap in for regular potato tots, too.