Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

1 lb. ground breakfast sausage, no casings

2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided

2 cups whole milk

3 large eggs

1/2 tsp ground pepper

1/4 tsp onion powder

dash of salt

2 lbs frozen tater tots, or shredded hash browns

3 T freshly chopped parsley (optional)

1.  Brown sausage on medium high heat. Once cooked through and crumbled, drain and layer onto the bottom of a 9X13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle 2 cups of the cheese over cooked sausage.

2.  In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, pepper, salt and onion powder.  Once mixed, pour evenly over the cheese and sausage in a baking dish.  Layer with frozen tater tots, or hash browns.  If not baking right away, cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate until the next morning.

3.  Preheat oven to 350F.  Bake for 35 minutes.  Top with additional 1/2 cup of cheese, cooked/crumbled bacon, and bake another 5-10 minutes, or until bubbling and top is golden brown.  Garnish with chopped parsley.  Let rest at room temp for 10 minutes, and serve.