Whether it's a weekend brunch or make-ahead weekday breakfast, this Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole is loaded with mixed vegetables, topped with crispy tater tots, and elevated by the essence of fennel seeds for a sausage-like flavor without any meat!
Preheat oven to 375F and grease a 9x13 pan with cooking spray or softened butter.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced mushrooms to the pan in an even layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes and allow the water to release from the mushrooms, stirring occasionally as they lift from the pan.
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms
Add the butter to melt, then stir in the yellow onion, bell pepper, garlic, and spices, as well as a good pinch of salt. Cook for 4-5 minutes until tender.
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 cup yellow onion, 1 large bell pepper, 2 cloves garlic, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon fennel seeds, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon rubbed sage, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
Stir the shredded kale into the vegetable mixture and cook fro 1-2 minutes until wilted, then, stir in parsley.
2 cups kale, ¼ cup fresh parsley
Spread the veggies in an even layer across the baking pan to cool slightly. Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, half and half, cheese, salt and pepper.
12 eggs, 1 ⅓ cups half and half, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, Freshly ground black pepper
Pour the egg mixture into the veggies, stirring to combine as needed. If desired, sprinkle the top with extra shredded cheese, then top with the tater tots.
45 Tater tots
Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until tater tots are golden and the center of the casserole is set. The internal temperature should be at least 160°F. Let rest for 10-15 minutes, then slice and serve.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 1 - 1 1/2 minutes until heated through to 165°F.
Notes
Make Ahead Unbaked: store uncovered in the fridge without the tater tots. Remove from the fridge the next day while the oven preheats, add the tater tots, and bake according to the directions. Please see the post for more details as needed.
To Freeze: wrap slices well in plastic wrap, and again in foil. Place in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, unwrap and place on a plate. Use the defrost setting on your microwave until the slice is thawed, then I like to heat on full power for about 30 seconds until fully heated through to at least 165°F. Time will vary depending on the size of your slice.