Ham and Cheddar Potato Tot Egg Bake for Easy Breakfasts Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If you want to add more flavor, consider whisking in a pinch of black pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder into the egg mixture before pouring it over the tots. These simple additions can complement the savory ham and cheddar without overpowering the dish. Just be mindful of the salt content already present in the ham and cheese, and adjust accordingly if you choose to add extra seasoning.

For a perfectly browned cheese topping, you can switch the oven to the broiler setting for the final 1 to 2 minutes of cooking. Watch the dish very closely if you do this, as the cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. This step is optional but provides a beautiful, restaurant-quality finish to your breakfast bake that looks impressive when served.

Variations

• Veggie-Loaded Bake: Add 1 cup of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and spinach to the dish before pouring the eggs. Ensure any excess moisture from the vegetables is drained first to avoid a soggy bake.
• Spicy Breakfast Bake: Incorporate diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce into the egg mixture for a spicy kick. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra layer of heat.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot, or microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 1 to 2 minutes.

If you have leftovers, allow the bake to cool completely at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring it to an airtight container.

Storing it properly helps maintain the texture of the potatoes and prevents the eggs from drying out. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat again, ensure it is heated thoroughly until piping hot throughout.

You can assemble the potato tot and ham base in the baking dish the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture, wait to mix and pour the egg mixture until just before you are ready to bake in the morning.

This prevents the potato tots from absorbing too much liquid overnight and becoming mushy, ensuring they remain crispy and delicious when the bake comes out of the oven.

Serving ideas

This ham and cheddar potato tot egg bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad to add a touch of brightness to your plate.

If you are serving a larger crowd, consider offering a variety of hot sauces or fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley on the side so everyone can customize their portion according to their own taste preferences.

To serve, use a wide spatula to lift out neat squares from the baking dish. Because the dish is ceramic, it retains heat well, which keeps the bake warm for a longer period while you are setting the table.

If you are hosting a brunch, you can place the baking dish directly on a heat-proof trivet in the center of the table, allowing guests to serve themselves easily, which makes for a welcoming and relaxed breakfast experience.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Ham and Cheddar Potato Tot Egg Bake for Easy Breakfasts

Prep 10 minCook 40 minRest 5 minTotal 55 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 32 oz frozen potato tots
• 1 1/2 cups diced ham
• 8 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the frozen potato tots in an even layer across the bottom of a 9x13 inch ceramic baking dish. Scatter the diced ham evenly over the potato tots to ensure every serving gets plenty of flavor.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until the mixture is completely combined and no streaks of egg white remain. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the potato tots and ham, making sure it reaches all corners of the dish.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish, covering the surface edge to edge. Place in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Contains: eggs, milk

Food safety: These eggs are not cooked through. Use pasteurised eggs if serving pregnant women, young children, older adults or those with a weakened immune system.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.