Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for starting your day off right. It brings together crispy, golden tater tots, savory sausage, and a cheesy egg mixture that bakes into a warm, filling breakfast everyone will love. It’s like a big, cozy hug in casserole form.
I always enjoy making this casserole when I have a crowd or want an easy breakfast that holds up well if you want to make it the night before. What I really love about this dish is how simple it comes together, but tastes like you put in way more effort. The combination of crispy tots and flavorful sausage mixed with gooey cheese and soft eggs always wins over the family, no matter the age.
My favorite way to serve this is straight from the oven with a little splash of hot sauce or some fresh fruit on the side. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch or even a special holiday morning. Whenever I make it, I end up wanting to keep it around all day long—it’s one of those meals you feel happy and full after eating.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These bring a crispy, golden texture. If frozen tots aren’t available, try diced and roasted potatoes for a homemade touch.
Breakfast Sausage: I love using pork sausage for its flavor, but turkey or chicken sausage works well too for a leaner option.
Eggs & Milk: The eggs bind everything together, and whole or 2% milk adds creaminess. For dairy-free, unsweetened almond milk is a good substitute.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great taste and meltiness. You can swap it for Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free cheese.
Green Onions & Bacon: They add freshness and crunch. You can skip bacon for a simpler version or use vegetarian bacon if preferred.
How Do I Make Sure the Casserole is Perfectly Cooked and Not Watery?
Getting the right texture can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- Use a well-greased baking dish so nothing sticks.
- Drain cooked sausage well to remove extra grease.
- Don’t thaw tater tots before baking; the frozen ones crisp up best in the oven.
- Mix eggs and milk thoroughly for an even custard base.
- Bake uncovered so steam escapes, avoiding sogginess.
- Check with a toothpick: it should come out clean when set.
Letting it cool a few minutes helps it firm up for easier slicing and better texture. Follow these tips, and your casserole will come out just right every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I like this size because it fits all the ingredients evenly and bakes uniformly.
- Large skillet – makes it easy to cook the sausage thoroughly and crumble it easily.
- Whisk or fork – helps you mix the eggs, milk, and seasonings until smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions.
- Rubber spatula – great for spreading the tater tots and mixing ingredients in the dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap sausage for cooked bacon pieces or ham for a different savory flavor.
- Add cooked vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost the nutrition and color.
- Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Pepper Jack for extra spice or creaminess.
- Mix in shredded hash browns or diced cooked potatoes for an even heartier, crispy texture.
Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or your choice)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 50-55 minutes to bake. You’ll spend just a few minutes browning the sausage and mixing the ingredients, then bake the casserole until it’s golden and set. Letting it cool a bit at the end makes it easier to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sausage and Tater Tots:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside. Spread frozen tater tots evenly in the bottom of your baking dish.
2. Layer Sausage and Cheese:
Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the tater tots. Then, add 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sausage layer.
3. Mix and Pour Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped green onions until everything is well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.
4. Bake and Add Topping:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top looks golden. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes so the cheese melts nicely.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Take the casserole out of the oven and garnish with crumbled cooked bacon and extra chopped green onions, if you like. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this comforting, hearty breakfast dish!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Tater Tots?
Yes! If you prefer fresh potatoes, peel and dice them into bite-sized pieces, then roast them until crispy before layering in the dish. It may take a bit longer to bake the casserole if using fresh potatoes.
Can I Make This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to eat, bake it covered for about 55-60 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 5-10 minutes to brown the top.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
What Can I Substitute for Breakfast Sausage?
You can swap sausage for cooked bacon, ham, or even vegetarian sausage to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before layering into the casserole.
