Hey y’all! If you love a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s crispy on top, creamy and fluffy inside, and loaded with savory flavor, this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is about to be your go-to. It’s perfect for weekends, holidays, potlucks, or meal prep mornings when you want something warm and satisfying. Let’s get cooking!
Prep: 15 minutes | Bake: 50–55 minutes | Rest: 10 minutes | Total: 1 hour 15–20 minutes | Yield: 8–10 servings
Why You'll Love This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Golden, crispy tater tots top a creamy, cheesy egg base for unbeatable texture.
- Make-ahead friendly so busy mornings are totally stress-free.
- Customizable with your favorite meats, veggies, and cheeses.
- Feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully for breakfast all week.
- Exact times and temps ensure consistent, delicious results.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 32 oz (2 lb / 907 g) frozen tater tots
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 cup (75 g) finely diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup (75 g) finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (8 oz / 226 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (4 oz / 113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra melt)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing pan)
- Optional: 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Veggies (9–11 minutes)
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned and cooked through, 6–8 minutes. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain excess fat if needed and let cool 2 minutes.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture (2 minutes)
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dry mustard, and hot sauce (if using) until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole (3–4 minutes)
Spread the cooked sausage mixture evenly in the greased dish. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups cheddar and all the mozzarella over sausage. Arrange frozen tater tots in tight rows on top (keep them frozen; do not thaw). Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything. Finish with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection (50–55 minutes)
Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 50–55 minutes, until the eggs are set in the center (no jiggle) and the tater tots are deeply golden and crispy. If the cheese browns too quickly around 40 minutes, tent loosely with foil.
Step 6: Rest and Serve (10 minutes)
Let the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole rest 10 minutes so it slices cleanly. Garnish with green onions, cut into squares, and serve hot.
Notes for a Crispy, Cheesy Result
- Keep tots frozen until baking; starting frozen helps them crisp instead of steam.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning sausage for better caramelization and flavor—see this helpful guide on searing and browning: Serious Eats.
- For egg safety and doneness, consult this egg temperature chart: FoodSafety.gov.
Tasty Variations of Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Southwest: Use chorizo, pepper jack, 1/2 cup corn, and top with cilantro and salsa.
- Veggie Lovers: Swap sausage for 10 oz (285 g) sautéed mushrooms and spinach; add feta.
- Meat Lover’s: Combine 1/2 lb (225 g) sausage + 1/2 lb (225 g) diced ham or bacon for extra savory oomph.
Essential Equipment
- 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls and whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula and knife
- Aluminum foil (optional for tenting)
Storage and Make-Ahead for Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Make-Ahead (Unbaked): Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours. Bake straight from cold at 350°F (175°C) for 55–65 minutes, tenting if needed.
- Refrigerate (Baked): Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate 3–4 days.
- Freeze (Baked): Wrap portions tightly; freeze up to 2–3 months. Reheat covered at 325°F (165°C) for 20–25 minutes (or air fry at 360°F / 182°C for 6–8 minutes). For more freezer tips, see this casserole guide: The Kitchn.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices 60–90 seconds until hot.
What to Serve with Your Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole
- Fresh fruit salad or citrus segments for brightness.
- Crisp greens with a tangy vinaigrette to balance richness.
- Hot sauce, salsa, or creamy avocado for extra flair.
- Coffee, cold brew, or a brunchy mimosa.
Pro Tips for Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Season in layers: lightly salt the sausage-veggie mix, then season the egg custard for full-flavored bites.
- Line up tots tightly in a single layer; gaps lead to uneven browning and soggy spots.
- If your oven runs cool, preheat a sheet pan and place the casserole dish on it to help crisp the bottom—learn more about oven hot spots and heat transfer here: Serious Eats.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole FAQ
Can I assemble this the night before?
Yes. Cover and refrigerate up to 12 hours. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55–65 minutes since it starts cold, checking for a set center and crispy tots.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Omit sausage and add 10–12 oz (285–340 g) sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and extra peppers. Keep the same egg and cheese ratios.
Can I use hash browns instead of tater tots?
Yes. Use 24–28 oz (680–794 g) frozen shredded hash browns. Thaw and squeeze out moisture, then bake 45–50 minutes, watching for browning.
Nutrition and Timing Info
Each serving (1/10th) is hearty and satisfying, with protein from eggs and sausage and energy from crispy potatoes. For precise dietary needs, adjust cheese, dairy, or meat as preferred, and consult reputable nutrition resources.
Ingredients
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
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2In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
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3Spread the cooked sausage evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer frozen tater tots on top of the sausage.
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4In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and green onions.
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5Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tots and sausage. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
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6Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
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.
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