Golden-crispy tater tots, savory sausage, melting cheese, and fluffy eggs all come together in this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe, a crowd-pleasing brunch dish that’s insanely easy to assemble and guaranteed to disappear in minutes. Whether you’re feeding your family on a lazy Sunday or impressing a houseful of overnight guests, this casserole delivers on every front: flavor, texture, and pure breakfast comfort. Bursting with classic, hearty ingredients, it’s satisfying enough for even the hungriest crowd, yet flexible for adding your own tasty spin.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how these simple ingredients join forces to create something truly greater than the sum of their parts. Each one brings its own element—crispy, gooey, creamy, or bold flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Frozen Tater Tots (32 oz bag): These little potato pillows crisp up beautifully and form the irresistible base of your casserole.
- Breakfast Sausage or Bacon (1 lb): Adds satisfying savory depth; opt for sausage for classic flavor or bacon for a smoky twist.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Brings subtle sweetness and fragrance to balance the richness of the meat and cheese.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into bubbly goodness and provides that iconic, bold cheesy layer.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup): Lends extra gooey stretch and a mild creamy bite.
- Large Eggs (8): The backbone of the casserole, ensuring everything binds together perfectly while delivering protein-packed fluffiness.
- Milk (1 cup): Keeps the egg mixture light, moist, and custardy throughout.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces subtle savory warmth that sneaks into every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and brings out the cozy comfort of the casserole.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and a pop of brightness.
- Chopped Green Onions or Parsley (optional garnish): Use for fresh color and a little herby zing just before serving.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Baking Dish Ready
Set the stage for your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This not only ensures your casserole bakes evenly, but also helps with a smooth, stress-free release when it’s time to serve up those golden squares.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Onion
Heat a skillet over medium and cook your breakfast sausage (or bacon) together with the diced onion. Stir occasionally, breaking up the sausage as you go, until the meat is fully browned and the onion is tender and fragrant. Once done, drain off any excess fat to keep your casserole from turning soggy.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Egg Mixture
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is completely combined and lightly frothy. This custard base is what gives the casserole its dreamy, fluffy texture.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Evenly spread the frozen tater tots across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next up, sprinkle the cooked sausage and onion mixture over the tots, making sure it’s spread out for a little taste in every bite. Follow this with a shower of cheddar and mozzarella over the top—don’t be shy, cheese is the hero here!
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the whole casserole, making sure it trickles down to fill the nooks and crannies. Slide the dish onto the center rack of your oven and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is beautifully golden brown. Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes out of the oven—this makes slicing so much easier.
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley right before serving adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a hint of earthy brightness. If you want to get a little wild, a light dusting of paprika or a spoonful of salsa on the side brings a whole new layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Complete your breakfast spread with crisp fruit salad, a simple green salad, or fresh-cut melon. For a heartier meal, serve your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe alongside buttered toast or warm biscuits. A pitcher of orange juice or a pot of hot coffee sets everything off just right.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the casserole into small squares for an easy brunch buffet, or bake and serve it in individual ramekins for personalized portions. You can even roll up slices in tortillas for breakfast burritos, or serve with avocado slices and hot sauce for a modern twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the casserole completely, then cover and keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It holds together well, making it perfect for reheating as a quick breakfast or lunch throughout the week.
Freezing
Once baked and cooled, you can slice the casserole, wrap portions tightly, and freeze them for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes, or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. The oven method retains the crispiness of the tater tots, while the microwave is perfect for those extra-busy mornings.
FAQs
Can I assemble the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe the night before?
Absolutely! Just assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and pop it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, bake as directed (adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge) for a fantastic, no-stress breakfast.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Of course! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or even diced tomatoes go wonderfully in this casserole. Sauté firmer veggies first to draw out any extra moisture before layering them into the dish.
What can I use instead of sausage?
Feel free to swap the sausage for crumbled cooked bacon, diced ham, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter touch. Each gives the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe a tasty new spin.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Check that the center is set and no longer jiggly. The top should be golden and the edges bubbling with cheesy, potato goodness. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Most traditional tater tots are gluten-free, but always double-check the packaging for potential additives. With gluten-free tots and sausage, this recipe is a perfect fit for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a breakfast everyone will jump out of bed for, this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is it! Brunch, holiday mornings, or easy dinners—it’s a cozy classic that never gets old. Gather your ingredients and give it a try; you’re just one pan away from total breakfast bliss!
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
A delicious and satisfying Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. This hearty dish combines crispy tater tots, savory breakfast sausage, eggs, and two types of cheese for a flavorful breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients
Tater Tot Layer:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Sausage Layer:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (or bacon, cooked and crumbled)
- 1 small onion, diced
Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Sausage: Cook sausage and onion in a skillet until browned; drain and set aside.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Assemble Casserole: Layer tater tots, sausage mixture, and cheeses in the baking dish. Pour egg mixture over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden. Let it rest before serving. Garnish with green onions or parsley.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepped the night before and baked in the morning.
- Customize with bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
