If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort breakfast that will make your mornings instantly happier, you’ve got to try my Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe. Trust me, this dish is seriously fan-freaking-tastic — layers of crispy tater tots, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and ooey-gooey cheese come together in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving something cozy, this casserole is sure to become your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these staples in your kitchen, making it perfect for last-minute breakfasts.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this casserole, and it’s always a hit at brunches or holiday mornings.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once everything is in the dish, the oven does the magic — you get time to relax!
- Versatile and Customizable: Whether you like it spicy, loaded with veggies, or extra cheesy, this casserole can do it all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I’ve found that the magic of this Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe lies in combining simple, flavorful ingredients that blend perfectly after baking. Here’s a quick scoop on what to look for when grabbing ingredients to make it shine.
- Breakfast sausage: Choose regular or hot, depending on your spice preference; cooking it ahead brings out the best flavor.
- Frozen tater tots: The backbone of this dish; they crisp up beautifully in the oven, giving you that satisfying crunch.
- Cheese: I love using a Mexican blend for depth, but sharp cheddar works great too—feel free to mix it up.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs add richness and help bind everything together perfectly.
- Milk: A little helps keep the eggs fluffy and light.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Season simply but effectively to let the other flavors pop.
- Granulated garlic and onion powder: These pantry heroes boost the savory profile without overpowering.
Variations
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I love encouraging folks to make it their own, so here are some ideas to inspire you.
- Veggie boost: I sometimes add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a fresh twist — sneak in some greens without anyone noticing!
- Meat swap: If sausage isn’t your thing, cooked bacon or diced ham work beautifully.
- Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños took it to the next level for us.
- Dairy-free: Use a plant-based milk and vegan cheese to make it dairy-free without losing that cheesy vibe.
How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook and crumble the sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your sausage and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir regularly until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. This step brings out that savory richness that will flavor the whole casserole. Drain excess fat if needed — you want it tasty but not greasy!
Step 2: Layer your casserole base
Butter or grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread out your frozen tater tots evenly on the bottom—no need to thaw! Next, sprinkle the cooked sausage and 1½ cups of shredded cheese on top. I like to give it a gentle stir so the layers mingle just a bit before adding eggs.
Step 3: Mix and pour the egg mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully blended. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the tater tots and sausage layer in the dish. Finally, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top for that beautiful golden finish.
Step 4: Bake until bubbly and golden
Pop the casserole into a preheated 350ºF oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set — no wiggle when you gently shake the dish — and the edges have that golden-brown crust. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing; the leftovers will hold together better and be just as delicious.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Layers: When adding the sausage, tater tots, and cheese, gently toss so you don’t crush the tots and keep them crispy after baking.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: I’ve noticed the eggs set more evenly when they aren’t cold from the fridge, giving a smoother texture.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Giving the casserole 10-15 minutes to cool makes slicing cleaner and helps all the flavors settle beautifully.
- Check Your Oven Temperature: I once had a too-hot oven that brown the edges too fast—using an oven thermometer saved my next batch!
How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish this casserole with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color and fresh bite. Sometimes, a dollop of sour cream or salsa on the side amps up the flavor and makes every forkful a little party.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp side salad, fresh fruit bowl, or even some lightly sautéed greens to balance out the richness. For a brunch crowd, consider serving alongside some fresh orange juice or coffee for the perfect combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins or muffin tins—great for portion control and super cute! You can also add themed toppings like diced tomatoes and sliced avocado to match the vibe of your brunch table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are a great bonus here — just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. I usually enjoy mine cold or reheated within 3-4 days, and it still tastes spot on with the flavors nicely melded.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by wrapping it well in foil and popping it into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350ºF until warm and bubbly before serving. It’s great for prepping meals ahead for busy weekends!
Reheating
To reheat, I find warming individual portions in the microwave works fine for quick fix, but heating the whole casserole (covered) in a 350ºF oven brings back its fresh-from-the-oven charm—about 15-20 minutes should do.
FAQs
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Can I use turkey sausage instead of regular sausage in this casserole?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works as a leaner option and still adds plenty of flavor. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding to the casserole. You might want to add a pinch more seasoning since turkey can be milder than pork sausage.
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Do I have to thaw the frozen tater tots before baking?
Nope, no thawing needed! One of the joys of this recipe is using tater tots straight from the freezer—this helps them keep their crispy texture while the eggs bake perfectly around them.
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Can I make this casserole the night before and bake it in the morning?
Definitely. You can assemble everything the night before, cover the dish tightly with foil, and refrigerate. In the morning, just bake it according to the instructions, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
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What if I want to make this vegetarian?
Swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based alternative or add hearty veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers for umami flavor. Just make sure to cook any veggies that need tenderizing before layering.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe brings simplicity and satisfaction to the breakfast table. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how easy it was to throw together, and how quickly it disappears once served! It’s one of those dishes that creates happy memories — perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special gatherings. I can’t recommend it enough, so give it a shot and see how it becomes your family’s new favorite.
Print
Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish perfect for family breakfasts or brunches. It features layers of crispy tater tots, savory cooked sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted Mexican blend cheese, baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this casserole is sure to become a breakfast favorite.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound regular or hot breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled)
Casserole
- 30 ounces frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese (divided)
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat and grease: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the breakfast sausage until it is fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if desired.
- Assemble the base: Place the frozen tater tots evenly in the prepared baking dish. Add the cooked sausage on top, then sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheese evenly over the mixture. Stir lightly to combine these layers.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully blended and smooth.
- Combine and top: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tots, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the edges of the casserole turn a golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm: Cut the casserole into 12 pieces and serve warm for a satisfying and comforting breakfast or brunch.
Notes
- Say goodbye to leftovers with this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole, layered with crispy tater tots, gooey cheese, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs.
- For spicier flavor, use hot breakfast sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
- Substitute the Mexican blend cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite cheese blend.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for a quick breakfast.
- Gluten-free if you use gluten-free sausage and tater tots.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 369 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 917 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 157 mg
