If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying breakfast that feeds a crowd and basically guarantees a happy morning, this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is the one you’ll want to have on standby. I absolutely love how this casserole comes together with crispy tater tots, savory sausage, melty cheese, and fluffy eggs all baked into one hearty dish. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again, whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole is perfect for feeding hungry families or groups with minimal effort.
- One-Dish Wonder: All your breakfast favorites come together in one easy-to-bake dish, cutting down on cleanup.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning, which is a total lifesaver.
- Customizable: You can easily swap the sausage or cheese to match your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key, and this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe keeps things simple and accessible without sacrificing flavor. Each component works beautifully to create those layers of texture and taste you’ll crave.
- Breakfast sausage: I prefer regular sausage for a nice balance of spices, but hot sausage adds a fun kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Frozen tater tots: Use your favorite brand because the tots bring that crispy, golden crunch everyone loves.
- Shredded cheese: Mexican blend or sharp cheddar both work fantastic—feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.
- Eggs: The binder that gives this casserole its fluffy texture, be sure to use fresh eggs for best results.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture without overpowering the other flavors.
- Kosher salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for a touch of heat and depth.
- Granulated garlic or garlic powder: I discovered this trick when I added garlic powder—it gives the casserole a subtle, savory boost.
- Onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness that complements the sausage perfectly.
Variations
I love how flexible this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is—once you master the base, it becomes a playground to add your favorite twists. Whether you want to lighten it up or boost flavor, there’s plenty of room for creativity.
- Vegetarian Version: I sometimes swap out the sausage for sautéed mushrooms and peppers; it keeps the hearty vibes without the meat, and my family actually loves it.
- Spicy Kick: Adding diced jalapeños or using hot sausage amps the heat—perfect for those mornings when you want something bold.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use a plant-based cheese and substitute milk with almond or oat milk to make it allergy-friendly.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or spinach for added color and nutrition.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook and crumble the sausage
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Then, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook your sausage until it’s browned and crumbled evenly. This step is key because a well-cooked sausage base adds so much flavor and texture to the dish—you want it nicely browned but not dry.
Step 2: Layer the tater tots, sausage, and cheese
Next, spread the frozen tater tots in an even layer across the bottom of your greased dish. Then sprinkle the cooked sausage over the tots, followed by 1½ cups of shredded cheese. Give that a gentle stir to combine everything—this creates those delicious pockets of cheese and sausage throughout the casserole.
Step 3: Mix and pour the egg mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, kosher salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, and onion powder until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the tater tots, sausage, and cheese in your baking dish. Then, finish by sprinkling the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top. This soaked through everything, setting into a custardy, cheesy layer that makes the casserole irresistible.
Step 4: Bake until golden and set
Pop the dish into your oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. You’re aiming for the eggs to be set—not jiggly—and the edges of the casserole to turn a gorgeous golden brown. If you notice the topping browning too fast, cover loosely with foil midway through baking to prevent burning. When it’s done, it should smell amazing and be ready to serve warm.
Pro Tips for Making Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Taking the eggs out of the fridge about 15 minutes before mixing helps them blend more smoothly into the milk.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Sausage: When cooking, give the sausage plenty of room to brown well—it develops richer flavors this way.
- Give the Casserole Time to Rest: Letting it sit for 10 minutes after baking makes it easier to slice and helps the flavors settle.
- Prevent Soggy Tots: Resist thawing the tater tots before baking to keep their signature crispy edge.
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish the casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions or a little dollop of sour cream—both add a fresh contrast to the richness. Sometimes, I also add sliced avocado or a handful of chopped cilantro for a bright, creamy touch that takes the dish to the next level.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I love serving this casserole alongside fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad. If it’s a lazy weekend, some warm biscuits or simple toast work wonders too. My family goes crazy for syrup-drizzled waffles paired with this casserole for a full-on breakfast feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to bake this recipe in individual ramekins or muffin tins—makes portioning a breeze and adds a cute flair to brunch. Another fun trick is layering colorful veggies or swapping cheese blends for a festive twist that fits any season or celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge and it stays surprisingly nice for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven or toaster oven helps keep the crispy top intact, which is my favorite part!
Freezing
I’ve had great results freezing the casserole before baking—just assemble it, then cover tightly with foil and freeze. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra time until the eggs are fully set. This trick is perfect for super-busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend baking leftover slices at 350ºF for about 15 minutes or microwaving on medium power in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Covering loosely with foil helps preserve moisture while maintaining crisp edges.
FAQs
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Can I use turkey sausage instead of regular sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well if you want a leaner option. Just cook it thoroughly and season to your liking to maintain flavor.
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Do I have to thaw the tater tots before baking?
No need to thaw. Using frozen tater tots helps them stay crispy and golden during baking, which is a big part of what makes this casserole so tasty.
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Can I make this casserole the night before?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning for best texture and flavor.
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What’s the best type of cheese to use?
I love a Mexican blend or sharp cheddar because they melt beautifully and add richness, but feel free to use mozzarella or pepper jack for extra creaminess or spice.
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How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Look for the eggs to be fully set without jiggling and watch for a golden brown color around the edges. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe, I wasn’t sure what to expect—but it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. It’s comforting, easy, and downright delicious, with a nostalgic yet fresh feeling that everyone seems to adore. If you want a no-fail breakfast that’s as foolproof as it is flavorful, this casserole is your new best friend—go ahead and make it, your family will thank you!
Print
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a delightful morning dish combining crispy tater tots, savory cooked breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese baked to perfection. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty casserole perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings, delivering a comforting blend of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound regular or hot breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled)
Main Ingredients
- 30 ounces frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese (divided)
Egg Mixture
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and set it aside while you prepare the ingredients.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Use a spoon or spatula to crumble the sausage as it cooks for even pieces. Once done, drain excess grease if necessary.
- Assemble Base Layer: Place the frozen tater tots evenly into the greased baking dish. Add the cooked sausage on top of the tater tots. Sprinkle 1½ cups of the shredded cheese evenly over the sausage and tater tots. Stir lightly to combine all components evenly across the dish.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, kosher salt, black pepper, granulated garlic (or garlic powder), and onion powder until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Combine and Top: Pour the egg mixture steadily over the tater tots, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish, making sure to distribute it evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the egg mixture is fully set and the edges of the casserole are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Slice into portions and serve warm for a delicious breakfast or brunch centerpiece.
Notes
- This casserole works well with either regular or hot breakfast sausage depending on your spice preference.
- Make sure to cook the sausage fully before assembling to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- You can substitute Mexican blend cheese with cheddar or a cheese blend of your choice for different flavors.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for a convenient breakfast option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but are best enjoyed within 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 369 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 917 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 157 mg
