Bacon Egg Cheese Breakfast Totchos

This bacon egg and cheese breakfast totchos recipe transforms ordinary tater tots into an impressive one-pan breakfast masterpiece. With crispy potatoes, melty cheese, bacon, and perfectly baked eggs, it's the ultimate weekend brunch dish that combines all your favorite breakfast flavors in one delicious skillet.

I first made these totchos for a lazy Sunday brunch, and they've quickly become our family's most requested weekend breakfast. The combination of crispy tots with runny egg yolks creates magic that even my pickiest eater can't resist.

Ingredients

• Frozen tater tots: Provide the crispy, potato base that eliminates the need for hash brown prep work
• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and essential crispiness, choose thick-cut for better texture and flavor
• Shredded cheddar: Melts beautifully; look for a good quality sharp cheddar that you grate yourself
• Eggs: Create beautiful sunny spots throughout the dish; fresh eggs with bright orange yolks work best
• Green onions: Bring color and mild onion flavor; select ones with firm green tops
• Salt and pepper: Enhance all the flavors; fresh ground pepper makes a noticeable difference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Base:

Arrange tater tots in a 12-inch cast iron skillet, creating a solid layer on the bottom and evenly distributing the remaining tots on top. The cast iron helps create the perfect crispy exterior on the tots while retaining heat throughout serving.

Add The Toppings:

Sprinkle crumbled bacon pieces evenly across the tots, ensuring good distribution so every bite has some bacon flavor. Then add a generous layer of shredded cheddar, making sure to cover the entire surface. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference.

Create Wells For Eggs:

Use the back of a spoon to make 6-8 small divots or wells in the tot mixture. These will cradle your eggs and prevent them from sliding to the edges. Carefully crack each egg into a separate small bowl first, then gently pour into each well to maintain intact yolks.

Bake To Perfection:

Place the skillet in a preheated 400°F oven for 22-25 minutes until egg whites are completely set but yolks remain slightly runny. The tots will become golden and crispy while the cheese melts into all the nooks and crannies.

Rest And Serve:

Allow the totchos to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This crucial step helps the eggs set further and makes cutting and serving easier. Sprinkle with freshly sliced green onions just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pin it

The cast iron skillet is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered that preheating the skillet before adding the tots creates an even crispier base. My husband now requests these totchos for every birthday breakfast, claiming the runny egg yolks create the perfect natural sauce.

Customization Options

These breakfast totchos welcome all kinds of creative twists. Try adding diced bell peppers, jalapeños for heat, or even a layer of breakfast sausage instead of bacon. Mediterranean lovers can add feta and spinach, while southwestern versions can include black beans and salsa. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability to whatever flavors your family enjoys most.

Pin it

Make-Ahead Tips

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook and crumble the bacon, shred the cheese, and slice the green onions up to two days in advance. Store each component separately in the refrigerator. For serving a crowd, consider preparing multiple skillets and staggering their entry into the oven by about 5 minutes to ensure fresh servings for everyone.

Serving Suggestions

These totchos are a complete meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast. For a special brunch, serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Hot sauce, salsa, sour cream, or guacamole make excellent tableside condiments, allowing everyone to customize their portion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make breakfast totchos ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook and crumble bacon, shred cheese, and slice green onions a day before. Assemble and add eggs just before baking for optimal texture and flavor.

→ What can I substitute for cast iron skillet?

If you don't have a cast iron skillet, use any oven-safe baking dish or pan. A 9x13 baking dish works well, though cooking times may vary slightly. Just ensure your substitute can withstand 400°F oven temperatures.

→ How do I know when the eggs are perfectly cooked?

Look for opaque, set egg whites while the yolks remain slightly runny. The whites should be completely white with no translucent areas. For firmer yolks, add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

→ What can I add to customize these breakfast totchos?

Try adding diced bell peppers, jalapeños, sautéed onions, or breakfast sausage. After baking, top with avocado slices, sour cream, hot sauce, or salsa. For a southwestern twist, include black beans and corn.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar offers classic flavor, try pepper jack for heat, Monterey Jack for meltability, or a Mexican cheese blend. Gouda or Gruyère add richness, while mozzarella creates a stretchy texture.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Microwave reheating works but may make the tots less crispy.