If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast, look no further than this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of crispy tater tots, savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melty cheese that comes together in one comforting bake — perfect for lazy weekend mornings or a special brunch gathering.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Simple and Convenient: With just a handful of everyday ingredients, this casserole is quick to assemble but delivers big on flavor.
Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy, cheesy layers and hearty sausage throughout.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prep it the night before to save time on busy mornings — it even freezes beautifully.
Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug in a dish.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic of this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role — from the crispy tater tots that add texture to the eggs that bind everything together, ensuring a rich, satisfying bite every time.
- Breakfast Sausage: Whether you like it mild or spicy, cooked and crumbled sausage infuses the dish with savory depth.
- Tater Tots: Frozen tots deliver that iconic crispy-tender base that holds the casserole together fabulously.
- Cheese: A Mexican blend or sharp cheddar cheese offers melty, gooey richness and a pop of color.
- Eggs & Milk: This duo creates a fluffy, custardy texture that gently sets around the tots and meat.
- Seasonings: Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic, and onion powder add well-rounded, comforting flavors.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Sausage
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter — this ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and develops lovely golden edges. Then, cook the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart until fully browned and crumbly, which brings out all those savory flavors.
Step 2: Layer the Tater Tots, Sausage, and Cheese
Spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the greased baking dish, then sprinkle the cooked sausage over them. Follow with 1½ cups of shredded cheese and give everything a gentle stir so the layers intertwine just enough to provide flavor in every bite without losing that satisfying texture.
Step 3: Pour the Egg Mixture and Top with Cheese
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. Pour this creamy mixture over the casserole’s contents, making sure it spreads through evenly. Lastly, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese across the top to create that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Golden
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes until the eggs are set and the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. The smell alone will have everyone gathered around the kitchen, eager to dig into this warm, hearty casserole.
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or some diced avocado add bright notes and extra creaminess that complement the casserole’s rich flavors. A dash of hot sauce or salsa can also bring a fun kick for spice lovers!
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad or a simple side of roasted vegetables to round out your meal without overpowering the star dish. For brunch parties, a light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette helps balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. You can also turn the casserole into a delicious sandwich filling by layering slices between toasted English muffins for a handheld breakfast treat on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The casserole holds moisture well, so reheating still delivers that delightful creamy texture and crispy edges you love.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully! Portion it into meal-sized servings, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in freezer bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for a quick, delicious breakfast.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave at medium power to warm evenly without drying out, or pop them in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 15 minutes to revive that fresh-from-the-oven crispness — either way, you’ll relive the casserole’s comforting charm.
FAQs
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Can I use other meats besides sausage in the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! This casserole is versatile — you can swap sausage for diced ham, cooked bacon, or even turkey sausage depending on your preference. Just use about 1 pound or 2 cups cooked meat to maintain the perfect balance.
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Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add sautéed veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for flavor and texture. You might also want to boost the cheese or add plant-based sausage alternatives to keep it hearty and satisfying.
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How far in advance can I prepare this casserole?
You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it. When ready, bake covered for 50 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until golden and set. Perfect for stress-free mornings!
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Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Most traditional ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check your sausage and any seasoning blends to avoid hidden gluten. Using certified gluten-free sausage and cheese will make this a safe, delicious option for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is one of those treasured dishes that warms your heart and fills your belly with pure comfort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving an easy, satisfying breakfast, it delivers every single time. Give it a try — I promise it’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and delicious Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole combining crispy tater tots, savory breakfast sausage, and melted Mexican cheese blend baked to perfection with a fluffy egg custard. Perfect for family breakfasts or make-ahead brunches, this casserole is easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound regular or hot breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
Base
- 30 ounces frozen tater tots
Cheese
- 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 Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage until fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Assemble Base Layer: Place the frozen tater tots evenly in the prepared baking dish. Add the cooked sausage over the tots, then sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheese evenly on top. Stir gently to combine the layers.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 8 eggs, 1 cup of milk, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Pour Egg Mixture & Top with Cheese: Pour the seasoned egg mixture evenly over the tater tot and sausage layer in the baking dish. Top the casserole with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese for a melty, golden finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. The eggs should be fully set and the cheese on top golden brown around the edges. Insert a knife or toothpick to ensure the center is cooked through.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm for a filling breakfast or brunch option.
Notes
- You can substitute the sausage with bacon, diced ham, or pork or turkey sausage. Be sure to use about 1 pound (or 2 cups cooked) of whichever meat you choose.
- This casserole is excellent as a make-ahead breakfast. Assemble and cover tightly with foil, refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, bring the casserole to room temperature as the oven preheats, bake covered for 50 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 20-25 minutes until eggs are set and top is golden.
- To freeze leftovers, portion cooked casserole into individual servings, store in zip-close and freezer bags. Thaw overnight in fridge to reheat in microwave, or reheat frozen portions starting at half power for 2 minutes followed by full power until hot.
