If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing morning meal, look no further than Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. This dish is the perfect marriage of crispy tater tots, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheddar cheese, all baked together into a golden, satisfying casserole that will make your kitchen smell like pure breakfast joy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a brunch with friends, this casserole is a total game-changer—easy to assemble, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to disappear in record time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole plays a starring role, coming together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. These simple staples work their magic with minimal fuss, ensuring every bite is hearty and delicious.
- Frozen Tater Tots: These crispy potatoes form the irresistible base, delivering crunch and comfort in every forkful.
- Breakfast Sausage (pork or turkey): Adds savory depth and a hint of spice; choose your favorite variety for a personal touch.
- Onion: Diced onion lends sweetness and aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the casserole.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, binding everything together with cheesy goodness.
- Large Eggs: The backbone of the casserole, holding it all together and giving it that classic breakfast vibe.
- Milk: Whisked with the eggs to create a custardy, tender texture throughout the casserole.
- Garlic Powder: Just a pinch brings a subtle savory note that complements the sausage beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life—don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper: A dash of pepper adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- Chopped Green Onions or Parsley (optional): Sprinkle on top for a fresh pop of color and a little extra flavor.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes serving a breeze, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and crumbled. Add the diced onion and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Be sure to drain off any excess grease to keep your casserole perfectly balanced, not oily.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, spoon the sausage and onion mixture over the tots, creating a hearty, flavorful layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top—this will melt into every nook and cranny.
Step 4: Mix the Egg Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. This seasoned mixture is what gives the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole its signature fluffy texture and rich flavor.
Step 5: Pour, Bake, and Rest
Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the assembled casserole. Pop it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this helps it slice neatly and allows the flavors to meld.
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped green onions or fresh parsley right before serving adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that perfectly balances the richness of the casserole. Even just a sprinkle can brighten up each slice!
Side Dishes
Pair your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with a simple fruit salad, a platter of crisp bacon, or a fresh green salad to round out your breakfast or brunch spread. A glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice or a strong cup of coffee is the perfect finishing touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the casserole into bite-sized squares for a brunch buffet, or serve in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also offer a toppings bar—think salsa, hot sauce, or sour cream—so everyone can customize their own slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), simply cover your cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—making it a fantastic grab-and-go breakfast option during the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling, wrap portions or the whole dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through, or warm the entire casserole, covered, in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. For best results, remove the cover for the last few minutes to restore a crispy top.
FAQs
Can I assemble the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole the night before?
Absolutely! Just assemble everything, cover the dish, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pop it in the oven and bake as directed—perfect for busy mornings or when you have guests.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Definitely. Feel free to use turkey, chicken, or even a spicy chorizo sausage to tailor the casserole to your taste. Vegetarian sausage works as well for a meat-free version.
What vegetables can I add to the casserole?
Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or even diced tomatoes make delicious additions. Just be sure to sauté any extra veggies first to prevent excess moisture in your casserole.
Is Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free tater tots and sausage, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this casserole in a smaller dish?
You can! Halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8-inch dish. The baking time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on it and check for doneness after about 35-40 minutes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around the table for a homemade Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a holiday morning, this dish brings people together and sparks smiles with every cheesy, crispy bite. Give it a try—your family and friends will thank you!
Print
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for weekend brunch or a make-ahead breakfast. This savory casserole combines crispy tater tots, flavorful breakfast sausage, sautéed onions, and a cheesy egg custard, baked until golden and bubbly. It’s easy to prepare, customizable with your favorite veggies, and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until fully browned and crumbled. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Drain off any excess grease.
- Layer Tater Tots and Meat: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top them with the cooked sausage and onion mixture, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Mix Egg Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered casserole ingredients in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is a golden brown color.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, covered, then baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
- Customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sausage and onion mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use frozen tater tots and sausage labeled gluten-free to keep the dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg
