If you love breakfast foods that are hearty, comforting, and downright irresistible, then you absolutely have to try this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It takes simple ingredients like crispy tater tots, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheddar cheese and brings them together in one beautiful, golden-baked dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning. It’s the ultimate cozy breakfast upgrade that’s easy to throw together, delicious to eat, and guaranteed to become your new favorite go-to for brunch or breakfast any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each plays an essential role in making your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe shine. From the crispy texture of the tater tots to the rich creaminess of the dairy and the punch of savory sausage, every element adds layers of flavor and satisfaction.
- Frozen tater tots (32 oz bag): The star crispy topping that becomes golden and crunchy in the oven.
- Breakfast sausage (1 pound): Adds that perfect seasoned, meaty flavor that pairs brilliantly with eggs.
- Small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and aromatic depth to the sausage mixture.
- Large eggs (8): The binding ingredient that creates a fluffy, custardy base.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Helps keep the eggs tender and adds creamy richness.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Introduces extra decadence and smooth texture to the casserole.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Melts to a gooey, flavorful layer that ties everything together.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Gives a subtle savory kick without overpowering the dish.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, colorful finish to your serving.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and gets that perfect crust on the bottom. This step sets the stage for an easy baking experience.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage and diced onion together. Break up the sausage as it browns and stir occasionally until the sausage is cooked through and the onions are soft and fragrant. Once done, drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from getting too oily and set the mixture aside.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until fully blended and smooth. This will create the creamy, custard-like base of your casserole that pulls all the flavors together.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the cooked sausage and onion mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top for that irresistible melty layer. Pour the egg mixture carefully over everything, ensuring it evenly saturates all the ingredients beneath.
Step 5: Top with Tater Tots and Bake
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, neat layer on top of the egg mixture. This final step before baking guarantees you get a crisp, golden topping that’s simply delicious. Place your dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tater tots have turned perfectly golden and crispy.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
When your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe comes out of the oven, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps everything firm up just a bit for clean cuts. Optional garnishes like chopped green onions or parsley add a lovely touch of color and freshness.
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring brightness and a pop of color that contrast beautifully with the casserole’s rich, golden tones. Try sprinkling chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or even a little diced red bell pepper on top after baking for a fresh finish.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but if you’d like to round out your breakfast or brunch spread, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit salad, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, or some lightly toasted crusty bread to scoop up bites of the cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests or family, serve the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins so everyone has their own personal portion. Alternatively, layer in different veggies like bell peppers or spinach next time you make it to switch up the flavor and add more color to the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the texture and flavor—your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe will still taste fantastic the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option. To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed for a hassle-free breakfast.
Reheating
Reheat slices of the casserole in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. If you want to revive the crispy tater tots on top, reheating in the oven is definitely the way to go.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While traditional pork breakfast sausage is classic here, feel free to swap it out for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even diced ham or bacon for a different twist on the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe.
Is it possible to add vegetables?
Yes! Adding diced bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or even tomatoes can add great flavor, moisture, and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions and sausage to soften before assembling the casserole.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Of course! Replace the sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or extra vegetables, and consider adding beans or mushrooms for a hearty, flavorful vegetarian version of this casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
You’ll want the eggs to be fully set and no longer jiggly in the center. The tater tots should be golden brown and crispy on top. If you’re unsure, a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Definitely! This recipe is great for meal prepping. Just assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, bake it fresh in the morning for a no-fuss breakfast.
Final Thoughts
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, warm and satisfied. It’s easy enough for weekday mornings but special enough for weekend gatherings. Give it a try—you won’t regret making this delicious, comforting casserole a regular part of your breakfast rotation!
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
Description
This hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole combines crispy frozen tater tots, savory breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and satisfying morning meal. Perfect for brunch or a make-ahead breakfast, this casserole is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or meats.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Garnish
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage together with the diced onion until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. Break the sausage up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set the mixture aside.
- Mix Eggs and Dairy: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until completely combined and smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the cooked sausage and onion mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage layer. Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly over the cheese and sausage layer, making sure it’s well distributed.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the egg mixture to create a crispy golden crust during baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into portions. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can assemble this casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it fresh in the morning for convenience.
- Try adding diced bell peppers or fresh spinach to the sausage mixture for extra veggies.
- Swap the breakfast sausage for bacon or ham as a tasty variation.
- Ensure to drain sausage well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Use gluten-free tater tots if you need a gluten-free version.
