If you’ve been searching for a brunch dish that brings together all the cozy comforts of breakfast with a fun twist, the Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe is here to steal the show. This hearty quiche layers crispy golden tater tots as the crust, savory breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, creamy cottage cheese, and melty mozzarella into one irresistibly satisfying bite. Whether you need a crowd-pleaser for weekend gatherings or a delightful meal to brighten up your morning, this quiche balances texture and flavor in such a delightful way that it quickly becomes a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe, the ingredients are refreshingly simple but each plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect breakfast harmony. From the crispy tater tots forming a unique crust, to the creamy cottage cheese adding softness, every item is key to making this dish pop.
- Frozen tater tots (2 cups): The must-have crispy and golden base that sets this quiche apart from the traditional crust.
- Ground breakfast sausage (½ pound): Infuses a savory, slightly spicy flavor essential for hearty breakfasts.
- Large eggs (6): Acts as the binding agent that brings richness and fluffiness to the filling.
- Low fat cottage cheese (½ cup, 2%): Adds a creamy texture without overwhelming richness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors making them pop just right.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat that livens up the savory ingredients.
- Mozzarella cheese, freshly grated (1 cup): Gives a melty, gooey texture and mild, milky flavor.
- Freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a bright, fresh note and a pop of color to make each slice look irresistible.
How to Make Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tater Tot Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F and greasing a 9-inch deep-dish pie dish with butter—that little bit of fat helps prevent sticking and adds a buttery note. Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in the pie plate and bake them for 15 minutes. This initial bake crisps up the tots, which will hold the filling while providing a golden, crunchy crust unique to this quiche.
Step 2: Mash the Crust Layer
Once those tater tots are baked and crispy, take a spatula and gently mash them into an even layer covering the bottom and sides of the pie dish. This creates a consistent crust that’s both sturdy and delicious. Lowering the oven temperature to 350 degrees F in this step sets the scene for baking the filling perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
While the oven cools, toss your breakfast sausage into a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Cook until it’s browned and crumbly, which takes about 7 to 10 minutes. The savory aroma will fill your kitchen and excite you even more about this quiche. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly; this prevents cooking the eggs too quickly when combined.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, cottage cheese, salt, and black pepper to form a smooth, creamy base. Stir in the grated mozzarella and the cooled sausage until everything is evenly distributed. This mixture is the heart of the Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling evenly over your mashed tater tot crust in the pie dish. Transfer the quiche back to the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly golden on top. Let it cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing; this resting time lets the flavors meld together beautifully and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the top brings a lively color contrast and a hint of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Other garnish ideas include chives or a light drizzle of hot sauce for those who like a little extra kick.
Side Dishes
Pair your quiche with fresh fruit salad for a light, refreshing balance or some roasted vegetables to keep the meal hearty and wholesome. A simple side of crisp mixed greens tossed with a light vinaigrette complements the quiche without overwhelming its bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving brunch guests, cut the quiche into small wedges and arrange them on a large platter with colorful garnishes around the edges. You can also serve individual quiches in smaller ramekins for a cozy, personalized touch that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making leftovers just as delightful if not better the next day.
Freezing
This quiche freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect meal prep option. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its delicious texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm slices in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the tater tot crust crispy and the filling evenly warm.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella adds wonderful meltiness, cheddar or pepper jack can bring a sharper or spicier flavor profile. Just choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this quiche vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add hearty vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to maintain a satisfying texture and taste.
Can I prepare the tater tot crust a day in advance?
Yes, you can bake and mash the tater tots the day before. Just cover and refrigerate the pie dish and assemble the filling when ready to bake for best results.
What type of pie dish works best?
A 9-inch deep-dish pie dish works perfectly, giving enough depth to hold the tater tot crust and filling without spilling. Glass or ceramic dishes heat evenly and are great choices.
How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked?
The quiche center should be set and no longer jiggly when you gently shake the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone craving a cozy, filling breakfast that’s anything but ordinary. With its crispy, comforting crust and rich, cheesy filling, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether at the family table or a weekend brunch with friends. So grab those simple ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make breakfast magic happen—you won’t regret it!
Print
Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Sausage and Tater Tot Breakfast Quiche is a hearty and delicious morning meal featuring a crispy tater tot crust filled with savory sausage, creamy cottage cheese, eggs, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a family breakfast or brunch, this recipe is easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection.
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 the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie dish with butter. Place the frozen tater tots in an even layer covering the bottom and sides of the pie dish. Bake for 15 minutes to partially cook the tater tot crust.
- Mash the tater tots: After baking, remove the pie dish from the oven and gently mash the tater tots so they form an even layer that covers the entire bottom and sides, creating a crust.
- Reduce oven temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F to prepare for baking the quiche filling.
- Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium to medium-high heat, fully cook and crumble the ground breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix filling ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, low fat cottage cheese, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Stir in the freshly grated mozzarella cheese and the cooled cooked sausage to combine evenly.
- Assemble and bake quiche: Pour the egg and sausage mixture evenly over the mashed tater tot crust in the pie dish. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is firm.
- Cool and serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Partially baking and mashing the tater tots creates a crispy, sturdy crust that holds the filling well.
- Cooking the sausage fully before mixing ensures no raw meat is in the quiche and enhances flavor.
- Allowing the quiche to rest after baking helps it set properly for easy slicing.
- Use low fat cottage cheese to keep the quiche lighter without sacrificing creaminess.
- Freshly grated mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded for a creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
