Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s equal parts cozy, cheesy, and irresistibly crispy, look no further than this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. It’s the ultimate comfort food, with golden tater tots crowning a savory mix of sausage, eggs, and melty cheddar cheese. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, feeding a hungry family, or just love starting your day with something special, this casserole is sure to win hearts and fill bellies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how each ingredient adds its own magic—flavorful sausage, creamy eggs, and those iconic tater tots. Every component matters, and together, they build layers of taste and texture that make this dish shine.
- Breakfast sausage: Brings a savory, slightly spicy kick; use pork or turkey to suit your taste.
- Eggs: The foundation of the casserole, giving it that classic, fluffy breakfast texture.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps the eggs set perfectly.
- Heavy cream: For extra richness and a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors; a little goes a long way.
- Black pepper: Gives a subtle warmth and depth.
- Garlic powder: Lends a gentle, savory undertone without overpowering.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness throughout the casserole.
- Diced onions: Add a bit of sweetness and crunch after baking.
- Diced bell peppers: Bring a pop of color and a mild, fresh flavor—any color works!
- Frozen tater tots: The star of the show, creating a golden, crispy topping everyone loves.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out beautifully golden around the edges. A quick spritz of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter does the trick.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your chosen breakfast sausage. As it cooks, break it up with a spoon for bite-size pieces. Once it’s browned and fully cooked through, drain off any excess grease. This keeps the casserole from getting oily while locking in all that savory flavor.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This creamy, seasoned base is what transforms the casserole into a true breakfast delight. Make sure the eggs are well combined for the fluffiest results.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Veggies
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and bell peppers. This is where the color and extra flavor come in—don’t be shy about mixing it up so every bite gets a little cheese, veggie, and egg.
Step 5: Combine with Sausage
Add the cooked sausage to your egg and cheese mixture and give everything a good stir. This brings all those tasty elements together in one harmonious mix, ready for the baking dish.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the sausage, egg, and veggie mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, the fun part: arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, neat layer on top. They’ll bake up golden and crisp, making the casserole extra tempting.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set and the tater tots are beautifully golden. Let it rest for about 5 minutes so it slices up cleanly and holds its shape.
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
Top your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, sliced green onions, or a handful of extra shredded cheese for a burst of color and flavor. A dollop of sour cream on the side can also add a lovely tangy finish.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, a platter of fresh fruit, or even a simple side of sliced avocado. For brunches, consider some buttery toast or flaky biscuits to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, bake the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized servings. You can also serve it buffet-style at a brunch spread, letting guests add their favorite toppings. Leftovers are fantastic tucked into breakfast burritos or even reheated as a savory afternoon snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After breakfast, simply cover any leftover Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—if it lasts that long! It makes a delicious next-day breakfast or lunch.
Freezing
This casserole is incredibly freezer-friendly. You can freeze baked or unbaked portions tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. If freezing unbaked, assemble as directed and cover well; just add a little extra bake time straight from the freezer when ready to cook.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop individual slices in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm a larger portion in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For the crispiest tots, use the oven or a toaster oven—this brings back that just-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble everything in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just bake as directed—perfect for stress-free brunches or busy mornings.
What meats can I use instead of sausage?
Feel free to swap in cooked bacon, diced ham, or even a vegetarian sausage to suit different tastes. Each variation brings its own unique twist to the casserole.
Can I add other veggies?
Definitely! Mushrooms, spinach, or even jalapeños make great additions. Just be sure to sauté any watery vegetables first to keep the casserole from getting soggy.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The eggs should be fully set and no longer jiggly in the center, and the tater tots should be golden and crisp. A quick poke with a knife in the center should come out clean.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your sausage and tater tots to be sure. Many brands offer certified gluten-free options if you need them.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a breakfast that’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear fast, this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is your answer. It’s the kind of recipe people ask for after just one bite. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for lazy weekends, holidays, and every special morning in between!
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Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy mornings or a weekend brunch. Combining savory breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots, it’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe that can be prepared ahead of time to make mornings stress-free.
Ingredients
Sausage Layer
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
Topping
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Cook the Sausage: Place the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease and set the cooked sausage aside.
- Mix the Egg Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined and smooth.
- Add Cheese and Vegetables: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and diced bell peppers into the egg mixture, mixing everything evenly.
- Combine with Sausage: Add the cooked sausage to the egg mixture and mix thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sausage and egg mixture into the prepared baking dish. Then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the top of the mixture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after baking before slicing into portions and serving. This helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Make ahead by assembling the casserole the night before; cover tightly and refrigerate. Bake fresh the next morning.
- Swap the breakfast sausage with bacon or ham for a different flavor profile.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for variation.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
