Hey y’all! Ready to make a breakfast that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds? This cheesy, golden Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from lazy weekends to holiday brunches or meal prepping busy mornings. It’s comforting, filling, and packed with flavor in every single bite. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Effortless prep makes it ideal for busy mornings or make-ahead meals.
- Crispy tater tots and gooey cheese create irresistible textures.
- Hearty enough to feed a crowd—perfect for brunches and potlucks.
- Highly customizable to suit different tastes and diets.
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved—no leftovers guaranteed!
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Ingredients
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked & crumbled
- 1 cup diced onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Directions
Step 1: Prep the Pan & Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Add diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Layer the Casserole
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cooked sausage and onion mixture evenly over the tater tots, then sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Mix and Pour
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well blended. Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole layers in the dish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions if desired and dig in!
Notes & Tips for the Perfect Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- For crispy tots, bake the casserole uncovered—don’t skip the resting time to help it set and slice cleanly.
- You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate; just add 10 extra minutes to the bake time if baking cold.
- For more info on safe egg handling, see the Egg Safety Center.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
- Southwest Style: Add chopped jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
- Meat Lovers: Add diced cooked bacon and ham with the sausage layer for an extra protein punch.
Required Equipment for Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or rewarm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven, covered, for 20–25 minutes. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions for Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Serve with fresh fruit salad or a side of mixed greens for a balanced brunch.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream, hot sauce, or salsa for extra zing.
- Pair with coffee or a fresh-squeezed orange juice to round out your morning spread.
Pro Tips for Amazing Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Use extra-sharp cheddar cheese for intense cheesy flavor in your breakfast casserole.
- For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and low-fat cheese—see tips on substitutions at EatRight.org.
- To avoid sogginess, don’t let the uncooked casserole sit out for more than 30 minutes before baking—learn more about food safety at the Food Safety.gov.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole FAQ
- Can I make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble the night before, cover, and bake in the morning (add 10 minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge).
- Why are my tater tots not crispy?
- Baking uncovered and not overcrowding the dish helps them stay crisp—be sure your oven is fully preheated.
- Can I use different cheeses?
- Yes! Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack for a cheesy twist.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
-
2Evenly spread the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage over the bottom of the baking dish.
-
3Sprinkle diced onion and bell pepper over the sausage layer.
-
4In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and vegetables.
-
5Top with shredded cheddar cheese, then arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the top.
-
6Bake for 45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
↑
Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
420 caloriescal
Protein:
19 gg
Fat:
29 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
20 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
