Buzz
Spam, known for its salty, umami-packed goodness, is already a treat in any regular meal, but when combined with eggs and tater tots in a casserole, it elevates to a whole new level. The flavors create an unexpected blend of fast food meets fancy – though that could just be a state of mind. Still, treating yourself to this Spam and Tater Tot casserole is a must.
This dish is a perfect example of how packaged foods can come together to create something creative and delicious. The Spam and tater tot casserole keeps things simple by using these ready-to-go ingredients, no need for extra protein or potatoes. With just a dash of onion powder and smoked paprika to season the eggs, everything’s already perfectly flavored. The smoked paprika stood out as a subtle yet essential flavor enhancer, bringing out the rich, smoky taste of the Spam.
I had high expectations for this dish, but I wasn’t prepared for how the tater tots would completely change the texture. Straight from the freezer with no thawing, I thought the tots would remain as distinct potato pieces. But instead, they softened and melded into the egg base, infusing the entire casserole with potato goodness. Any tots that peeked out crisped up beautifully on top, making the dish reminiscent of a gourmet French fry bread pudding.
I came across this brilliant recipe on the Spam website, and while the ingredients and instructions are mostly spot on, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your casserole turns out just right. The recipe calls for “one bag” of tater tots but doesn't specify the bag size. A 28-ounce bag is very different from a 5-pound bag. I used a 28-ounce bag of Ore-Ida tater tots and thought it might even be better with a few fewer tots.
The recipe also overlooks a simple step: how to prepare the baking dish. Butter it up! It’s not a deal-breaker if you forget, but I prefer my casserole slices to come out cleanly. A quick buttering along the bottom and sides ensures that nothing sticks. For a polished finish, reserve a cup of cheese and some seared Spam cubes to sprinkle on top before baking. The Spam website’s picture shows the casserole with an extra crispy topping, but if you don’t save some for this step, your casserole won’t have that same perfect finish.
Here’s a crucial tip: Avoid broiling it for 15-20 minutes as the recipe suggests. I don’t know what kind of broiler they have in the Spam test kitchen, but that’s way too long for mine. I didn’t broil mine at all, since it was already golden and crispy after 45 minutes of regular baking, with the Spam being pan-seared in the second step. If you do want to broil, only do it for 3 minutes and keep a close eye on it for every extra minute.
Feel free to get creative beyond Spam and tater tots. You can add different spices, chopped bacon, minced herbs, or even stir in a tablespoon of barbecue sauce. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have a fantastic casserole that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Modified Spam Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients:
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1 can of Spam, diced into ½-inch cubes
2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
2 teaspoons of onion powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper
10 eggs, beaten
18 or 19 ounces of tater tots (approximately ⅔ of a 28-ounce bag)
3 cups of loosely packed shredded cheddar cheese
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a casserole dish, around 8 inches by 10 inches in size.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion in butter until it becomes translucent. Transfer to a large bowl. In the same pan, cook the Spam cubes until they're crispy and golden on at least one side. Add all the Spam cubes to the large bowl, keeping just a small cup of them aside.
Set aside that cup of Spam cubes and a small portion of shredded cheese for the casserole topping.
Add the dry seasonings to the bowl and toss them together. Next, mix in the eggs, tater tots, and the remaining cheese, stirring everything to combine evenly. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the reserved Spam and cheese. Bake in the preheated 350°F oven for 45 minutes. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil the casserole for 3-5 minutes at the end. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
