Bacon Egg Cheese Totchos

This hearty Bacon Egg And Cheese Breakfast Totchos transforms ordinary breakfast ingredients into an irresistible skillet meal that will have everyone gathering around the table. The crispy tater tots create the perfect base for the savory bacon, runny eggs, and melty cheese combination that delivers comfort food at its finest.

I created this recipe one lazy Sunday morning when I wanted something more exciting than standard eggs and bacon. My family now requests these totchos almost every weekend and it has become our special tradition before weekend activities.

Ingredients

• Frozen tater tots form the crispy foundation and provide the perfect potato texture
• Bacon adds that irresistible smoky flavor choose thick cut for best results
• Shredded cheddar cheese creates the gooey delicious layer use freshly grated for best melting
• Eggs with their runny yolks create a natural sauce when broken into the dish
• Green onions provide a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor
• Salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors select freshly ground pepper for best taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create The Tot Base

Arrange a single layer of frozen tater tots in a 12" cast iron skillet then add remaining tots in an even layer on top. The cast iron conducts heat perfectly ensuring crispy tots on the bottom and sides.

Add The Toppings

Sprinkle the crumbled crispy bacon pieces evenly across the tots followed by an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese. This layering method ensures that the cheese melts into both the tots and around the bacon pieces creating perfect flavor integration.

Create Wells For Eggs

Use the back of a spoon to create 6 to 8 small wells in the tot mixture depending on how many eggs you want to use. These depressions will cradle the eggs and keep them from sliding to the edge of the pan. Carefully crack one egg into each well taking care not to break the yolks.

Bake To Perfection

Place the skillet in a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. Look for opaque egg whites while maintaining slightly runny yolks for the ideal texture. The tots will become extra crispy and the cheese will develop delicious browned spots.

Rest And Garnish

Allow the totchos to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This crucial step helps the eggs set properly and makes serving easier. Sprinkle fresh green onions over the top for a bright finish before slicing and serving.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is breaking into those perfectly baked eggs and watching the yolks create a natural sauce that coats every bite. My son always claims the center pieces where the eggs are most concentrated while my daughter goes for the extra crispy edge pieces.

Make Ahead Options

Planning a brunch gathering? You can prep most of this dish ahead of time to make morning cooking effortless. Cook and crumble the bacon up to two days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can even assemble the tots in the skillet and refrigerate covered overnight. In the morning simply add the toppings eggs and bake adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold start.

Totcho Variations

This versatile recipe welcomes creative adaptations to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or mix in some crumbled breakfast sausage along with the bacon. Vegetarian? Skip the bacon and add sautéed bell peppers mushrooms and spinach beneath the cheese layer. For a Mexican inspired version add black beans corn and top with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream after baking.

Serving Suggestions

These breakfast totchos shine as a standalone dish but can be elevated with thoughtful accompaniments. Serve with small bowls of salsa hot sauce or sour cream for guests to customize their portions. A simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich totchos. For a more substantial meal pair with fresh fruit or a light citrus salad to balance the savory flavors. When serving for brunch a pitcher of mimosas or Bloody Marys completes the spread.

The History Behind Totchos

Totchos represent the delightful evolution of nachos in American cuisine. While traditional nachos originated in Northern Mexico in the 1940s the concept of totchos emerged as part of the creative comfort food movement of the early 2010s. They embody the playful American tradition of reinventing classic dishes with unexpected ingredients. This breakfast version takes the concept even further combining the beloved breakfast staples with the fun communal eating experience that makes nachos so popular at gatherings.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare any parts of this breakfast dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can pre-cook the bacon and have it crumbled and ready to go. You can also measure out your cheese in advance. For best results though, the tater tots should be arranged and baked fresh so they maintain their crispiness.

→ What if I prefer my eggs fully cooked through?

Simply extend the baking time by 3-5 minutes to ensure the egg yolks are fully set. Watch carefully to prevent overcooking the other ingredients.

→ Can I add other toppings to these breakfast totchos?

Absolutely! Consider adding diced bell peppers, jalapeños for heat, avocado slices after baking, or a dollop of sour cream. Breakfast sausage can be substituted for or added alongside the bacon.

→ What's the best way to serve this dish?

Serve directly from the cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation and to keep everything warm. Provide hot sauce, salsa, or extra cheese on the side for guests to customize their portions.

→ Do I need to thaw the tater tots before baking?

No, use the tater tots frozen straight from the package. This helps them maintain structure and crisp properly during baking.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the cheddar cheese or substitute with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish will still be delicious with the eggs and bacon providing plenty of flavor.