Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and comforting morning dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a weekend treat. Layers of savory sausage, crispy tater tots, melted cheddar, and a flavorful egg mixture come together in a simple bake that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces breakfast sausage
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup half and half (or milk)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (finely shredded, divided)
• 32 ounces frozen tater tots (unthawed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: Cook the breakfast sausage in a large hot skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, remove from the heat and drain any excess grease.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, half and half (or milk), salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Step 4: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked sausage and the tater tots. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top and stir gently to combine everything.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the casserole starts to pull away from the edges of the pan.
6. Step 6: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This helps it set for easier slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage for a leaner or meat-free version.
• Add chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sausage for extra flavor and nutrition.
• For a creamier texture, swap half and half for heavy cream or whole milk.
• Top with sliced green onions or hot sauce right before serving for a fresh kick.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm or in a 350-degree oven covered with foil to prevent drying out. This casserole also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in the baking dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Do I have to thaw the tater tots before baking?

It’s best to use unthawed frozen tater tots as directed. Thawing can cause the tots to become soggy and affect the texture of the casserole.

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 100 reviews

A hearty and delicious Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole featuring savory breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting weekend brunch or a make-ahead breakfast dish.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sausage Mixture

• 16 ounces breakfast sausage

Egg Mixture

• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup half and half (or milk)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (finely shredded, divided)

Additional

• 32 ounces frozen tater tots (unthawed)
• Cooking spray for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
2. Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook it while breaking it up into small pieces. Once the sausage is browned and fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat and drain off any excess grease.
3. Mix Eggs and Seasonings: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half (or milk), kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until fully combined. Stir in 1 cup of the finely shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked sausage with the frozen, unthawed tater tots. Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the top. Gently stir everything together to combine, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
5. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away from the sides of the dish and the top is golden and set.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into portions and serving. This allows the casserole to firm up for easier slicing.

Notes

• For a lighter version, use milk instead of half and half.
• Make sure tater tots are unthawed to ensure even cooking.
• You can add diced vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Use a sharp cheddar for best melting and flavor results.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.

Keywords: Tater Tot Casserole, Breakfast Casserole, Sausage Casserole, Cheddar Cheese Casserole, Tater Tots Breakfast