If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s a snap to prep and always earns rave reviews, look no further than this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It combines the irresistible crispiness of golden tater tots with savory sausage, gooey cheddar cheese, and a rich, fluffy egg custard, baked together to create a hearty, make-ahead gem that’s just right for breakfast, brunch, or even breakfast-for-dinner! Each bite is layered with comforting flavors, making this recipe a true favorite for relaxed family mornings or lively holiday gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe comes together with simple ingredients that work magic when combined. Every element plays a crucial role—adding texture, depth, or color—so nothing is wasted, and the end result is always delicious.
- Frozen tater tots (32 oz bag): The foundation of the casserole, creating a golden, crispy base everyone loves.
- Breakfast sausage (1 pound, pork or turkey): Brings hearty, savory flavor and satisfying protein; choose your favorite variety.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the sausage mixture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into the casserole, binding everything with creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Large eggs (8): Whisked eggs form the rich, custardy layer that holds the casserole together.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Adds silkiness and a bit of richness to the egg mixture.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Subtle savory boost that enhances every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and brightens all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a hint of warmth and spice.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor when sprinkled over the finished casserole.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your casserole won’t stick and helps the tater tots bake up nice and crispy. A well-prepped pan is the secret to an effortless serving later on!
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Onion
In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the breakfast sausage along with the chopped onion. Stir occasionally until the sausage is browned all over and the onions are soft and fragrant. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat—this keeps the casserole from becoming greasy while letting those cozy flavors shine.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
Next, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer right in your prepared dish. No need to thaw—the oven will work its magic! Evenly distribute the cooked sausage and onion mixture over the tots, and then cover everything with that beautifully shredded cheddar cheese. Every bite will have melty cheese and sizzling sausage flavor.
Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Eggs
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Carefully pour this mixture all over the tater tots, sausage, and cheese, making sure it seeps into all those nooks and crannies. This creates the hearty, creamy texture the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is famous for.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top looks golden and the eggs are set in the center. If you press gently on the middle, it should feel firm, not jiggly. After baking, let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes—this little pause makes it much easier to slice without falling apart.
Step 6: Add Fresh Finishing Touches
Just before serving, add a generous sprinkle of fresh green onions or chopped parsley if you like. This last step gives vibrant color and a burst of freshness that takes your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe from simply satisfying to truly memorable!
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A colorful sprinkle of sliced green onions or chopped parsley adds brightness and a garden-fresh zing to this comforting bake. If you want a pinch of extra decadence, a dusting of more shredded cheese or even a dollop of sour cream on top can make every plate look irresistible.
Side Dishes
This casserole is filling enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides. Fresh fruit salad, a simple green salad, or even a platter of roasted vegetables can balance out the richness, making your brunch spread both lively and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try baking the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, mini version. Or, turn it into easy-to-grab squares for a brunch buffet. Add small pitchers of hot sauce and salsa so everyone can customize their serving, making your breakfast table interactive and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The texture holds up surprisingly well, and the flavors deepen—a great excuse to enjoy another slice the next morning!
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to two months. I recommend slicing portions before freezing for easy breakfasts down the road—just thaw and heat!
Reheating
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy on top, usually around 15 to 20 minutes. In a rush, you can microwave individual slices for a quick, hearty breakfast that still tastes freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I assemble Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe the night before?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead. Assemble it right up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven—no fuss, no early wake-up call required.
What can I substitute for breakfast sausage?
Try cooked bacon, diced ham, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative. The recipe is flexible, so feel free to swap in whatever fits your cravings or dietary needs.
Can I add extra veggies?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even jalapeños can be stirred into the sausage layer for extra flavor, color, and nutrients. Just cook out excess water from the veggies first to avoid sogginess.
Does this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe work with different cheeses?
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment! Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, Swiss lends a nutty note, or a blend of cheeses brings complex flavor. Shred your own for the best melt.
Is Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free breakfast sausage and check that your tater tots are certified gluten-free, this casserole is a great option for gluten-free guests.
Final Thoughts
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again—it’s endlessly customizable, nearly foolproof, and always disappears quickly at the table. Give it a try for your next brunch or family breakfast, and get ready for lots of smiles and requests for seconds!
Print
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of crispy tater tots, savory breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese, this casserole is a delicious way to start the day.
Ingredients
Tater Tot Layer:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Sausage Layer:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Cheese Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional):
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet, cook the sausage and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Layer Casserole: Arrange tater tots in the baking dish, top with sausage mixture, and then cheese.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until set and golden brown. Let cool before slicing. Garnish if desired.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning.
- Add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies.
- Swap cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 205mg
