When mornings call for comfort food that feels like a warm hug, this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe answers the call with delicious simplicity and hearty satisfaction. Picture crispy golden tater tots layered under savory sausage and onions, all topped with melty cheddar cheese and a fluffy baked egg mixture that brings everything together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy breakfast, this dish is a winning combination of textures and flavors that makes waking up something to look forward to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is a breeze with just a handful of ingredients that each play an important role in creating flavor and texture that’s simply irresistible. From the crispy tater tots to the creamy eggs, every component comes together for a perfectly balanced breakfast casserole.
- Frozen tater tots: The crispy base providing a golden, crunchy texture that’s classic comfort food.
- Breakfast sausage: Adds a savory, rich flavor with a satisfying meaty bite—choose pork or turkey to your preference.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Sweetness and a little bite that complement the sausage beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly to create gooey, cheesy layers that bring everything together.
- Large eggs: Create the fluffy, custardy layer that binds the casserole for that perfect breakfast bake.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess that keeps eggs tender and moist.
- Garlic powder: A subtle hint of savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the dish.
- Black pepper: Lends a mild kick and freshness to round out the seasoning.
- Optional chopped green onions or parsley: Provides a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens up each serving.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures that nothing sticks and makes cleanup a cinch while starting your dish with the perfect foundation.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Onions
In a skillet over medium heat, add your breakfast sausage and finely chopped onion. Cook until the sausage is browned throughout and onions are soft, breaking up the sausage as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat so the casserole doesn’t get greasy and set the mixture aside for layering.
Step 3: Layer Tater Tots and Sausage
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single even layer on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, sprinkle the cooked sausage and onion mixture evenly over the tater tots, then top everything with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. This layering creates those perfect pockets of crispy, cheesy, and savory bites throughout.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered casserole so it seeps down between the tots and sausage, setting everything into a fluffy, cohesive bake.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for the eggs to be completely set and the top to turn a beautiful golden brown. Once baked, let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to allow everything to firm up and make serving easier.
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley right before serving to add a pop of color and a mild, fresh contrast to the richness of the casserole. These simple garnishes make each slice visually inviting and add a subtle brightness to every bite.
Side Dishes
Balance this hearty casserole with a light side salad, fresh fruit, or some sautéed greens for a complete breakfast spread. A glass of fresh orange juice or a hot cup of coffee pairs splendidly to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or muffin tins to create grab-and-go breakfast bites. You can also add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies, or swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese if you want to spice things up and make this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe your own signature dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. Leftovers will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making quick breakfast or lunch options easy to enjoy without extra effort.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well either before or after baking. Wrap it securely in foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through, or heat the entire casserole covered with foil at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes. This keeps that wonderful texture while ensuring every bite is piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use frozen sausage for this recipe?
It’s best to thaw and drain any frozen sausage before cooking to ensure it browns evenly and prevents excess moisture from making the casserole soggy.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
Cheddar is great for its melt and flavor, but you can use mozzarella for a milder taste, pepper jack for spice, or even a sharp Swiss cheese for a different twist.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to double-check the packaging on processed items like tater tots and sausage.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, or mushrooms are fantastic additions. Just sauté them with the sausage and onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
Make sure to drain the cooked sausage well, and avoid adding too many wet vegetables. Also, don’t cover the casserole while baking so steam can escape and keep the topping crispy.
Final Thoughts
This scrumptious Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer for any morning meal. Easy to prepare and immensely satisfying, it brings everyone together around the table with a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite you’ll make again and again.
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: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and satisfying Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole featuring crispy tater tots, savory breakfast sausage, onions, and melted cheddar cheese all baked with a flavorful egg custard. Perfect for an easy make-ahead breakfast or brunch that serves 8.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage along with the finely chopped onion. Break up the sausage as it cooks until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the mixture aside.
- Arrange Tater Tots and Sausage: Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the cooked sausage and onion mixture over the tater tots, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour Egg Mixture Over Casserole: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered tater tots, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. The casserole is done when the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
- Add diced bell peppers or spinach to increase the vegetable content and add flavor.
- Swap cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a spicy twist to the flavor profile.
