Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Few things say “comfort food” like a hot, cheesy breakfast casserole straight from the oven. And this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate morning crowd-pleaser. Packed with crispy golden tater tots, savory breakfast sausage, gooey cheddar cheese, and fluffy eggs, it’s the kind of dish that makes brunch unforgettable and weekday breakfasts something to look forward to.
This all-in-one casserole comes together with simple ingredients and can be prepped ahead of time, making it perfect for holidays, weekend mornings, potlucks, or meal prep. The best part? You can customize it to your heart’s content—swap the cheese, add veggies, or make it spicy. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy breakfast or hearty dinner, it hits every time.
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole
- Hearty & Filling: Sausage, eggs, cheese, and potatoes—what’s not to love?
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble it the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
- Easy to Customize: Change the meat, cheese, or toss in veggies.
- Great for a Crowd: One casserole feeds 6–8 people generously.
- Crispy, Cheesy, Savory Goodness: Golden tater tots layered over melty cheese and eggs—every bite is comfort food heaven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2% preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: chopped green onions, diced bell peppers, cooked bacon bits
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Spread the cooked sausage evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sausage.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top. You can lay them out neatly or just scatter them—it all works.
Step 4: Mix the Egg Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the tater tots.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the eggs are set, the top is golden, and the tater tots are crispy.
If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley and serve hot.
Tasty Variations & Add-Ons
- Add Veggies: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Use hot sausage, pepper jack cheese, or add diced jalapeños.
- Bacon Swap: Replace sausage with crispy bacon or mix both for double the flavor.
- Cheese Options: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a sharp cheddar for a deeper cheese flavor.
- Southwest Style: Add black beans, green chilies, and serve with salsa or hot sauce.
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- As a Main Dish: Serve warm from the oven with a fresh fruit salad on the side.
- With Coffee or Juice: A full breakfast combo that’s energizing and satisfying.
- For Brunch: Pair with cinnamon rolls, muffins, or yogurt parfaits for a complete spread.
- Dinner for Breakfast: Serve it for dinner with a side salad—yes, it’s that good any time of day.
Pro Tips for Success
- Bake Until Golden: Don’t underbake—it needs time for the eggs to set and tater tots to crisp.
- Let It Rest: Cooling helps it firm up and makes slicing cleaner.
- Use Pre-Cooked Tots (Optional): For even crispier results, bake the tater tots separately until golden before layering them in the casserole.
- Double for a Crowd: Easily doubled and baked in two pans for large gatherings.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the night before, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning, adding 10 extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, slice into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave individual slices or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 790mg
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: 55–60 minutes
- Serves: 6–8
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
You can, but they’ll need to be par-cooked or shredded and cooked first to ensure they bake through properly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use non-dairy milk and omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Bake, cool, slice, and freeze for future quick breakfasts.
Can I use egg whites?
Yes—replace whole eggs with an equivalent amount of egg whites or egg substitute.
How do I know it’s done?
The center should be set and not jiggly, and the top should be golden and bubbling around the edges.
Conclusion
This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is everything a breakfast should be: hot, hearty, and full of satisfying flavors. Whether you’re hosting brunch, prepping meals for the week, or feeding a hungry family on a weekend morning, this casserole delivers every time. With its golden tots, cheesy layers, and savory sausage, it’s bound to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Just one bite, and you’ll be hooked.
