Prep Tips:

• The tater tots go in straight from the freezer. There’s no need to cook or thaw them first!
• Pat the chopped roasted red peppers dry with a paper towel. Extra liquid from the jar can make the casserole runny.
• After microwaving the spinach, press out any water that collected in the bowl before folding it in.
• The casserole is done when the center no longer jiggles and an instant-read thermometer reads 160 degrees F.
• For a golden, crispy top, sprinkle on a little extra cheese after baking and broil for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
• To make it ahead, assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, put the dish into a cold oven and then turn on the heat, so a glass dish warms up gradually instead of cracking. Plan on a little extra baking time, and check the center for doneness.

Variations:

• Swap the cheddar for colby, Swiss, or pepper jack for a little kick.
• Use 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms in place of the roasted red peppers. Microwave them for about 2 minutes and drain before adding them to the eggs.
• Trade the spinach for 8 ounces of bite-sized asparagus pieces, microwaved for about 2 minutes and drained, or a can of drained green beans.
• Add cooked ground beef, turkey, chicken, or breakfast sausage. Drain off the fat before stirring the meat into the egg mixture.
• Add more seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, or red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve it for Christmas morning or a holiday brunch. The red peppers and green spinach look festive!
• It’s an easy main dish for Meatless Monday or a Friday during Lent.
• For breakfast-for-dinner, pair it with Quick Parmesan Garlic Bread and a small side salad.
• A fruit salad on the side adds a sweet contrast to the cheesy eggs.
• Serve it as a side dish with grilled kielbasa or sausage, a beef roast, or steak.
• Top each piece with chopped chives before serving.

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You can also cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
• Freezing isn’t recommended, because the eggs and tater tots turn watery and soggy once thawed.
• For the best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F, loosely covered so the top doesn’t get too brown, until the center is warm.
• To reheat in the microwave, sprinkle a few drops of water over the top first. This keeps the eggs moist and gets the cheese melty again.