Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and gooey melted cheese all baked together in a warm, comforting casserole. The tater tots get perfectly golden on top, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft, fluffy eggs and cheesy layers beneath. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, cozy morning hug.
I love making this casserole for weekends when there’s time to relax and enjoy a slow breakfast with family or friends. It’s super easy to throw together and always gets rave reviews—plus, leftovers taste just as good reheated the next day. One tip I like is to use a little diced onion or bell pepper in the sausage mixture for an extra pop of flavor.
My favorite way to serve this is alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance out the richness. It’s great for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy mornings. Whenever I bring this casserole to a brunch or holiday breakfast, it always disappears quickly, which makes me happy and keeps me coming back to this recipe again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These are the crispy base of the casserole. If you want a lighter option, try shredded or diced potatoes, but tots add great crunch and ease.
Breakfast Sausage: Pork sausage works best for that classic flavor. You can swap with turkey sausage or a plant-based option for a lighter or vegetarian dish.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor and melts nicely. Feel free to mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra gooeyness.
Eggs & Milk: They bind the casserole and soften the potatoes. Use whole eggs or a mix of whites and yolks to control richness. Dairy-free milk works, but the texture may change slightly.
Onions & Seasonings: Onions add sweetness and depth, but you can omit or use bell peppers for a different flavor. Garlic and onion powder boost taste easily.
How Can I Get a Crispy Tater Tot Topping Without Overcooking the Eggs?
The key is layering and timing:
- Place half the tater tots on the bottom and half on top for a crispy top layer.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly so it cooks through but doesn’t drown the tots.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 45-55 minutes—check that eggs are set (no jiggle) and tops are golden.
- Let it rest 5 minutes before cutting; this helps set the eggs and keeps tots crispy.
For extra crispiness, you can broil the top for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect for holding all the layers and easy to serve from.
- Large skillet – makes cooking the sausage and onions simple and quick.
- Whisk or fork – helps you easily beat the eggs and milk together for the casserole mixture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate portioning of ingredients like milk, salt, and seasonings.
- Spatula or spoon – for spreading and layering ingredients evenly in the dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked bacon bits or sausage links instead of ground sausage for different meat flavors.
- Mix in diced bell peppers or cooked spinach for extra veggies and color.
- Replace cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella for a milder or spicier taste.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or your favorite herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) package frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or your choice)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- ½ cup cooked bacon bits (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and cooking the sausage, then 45 to 55 minutes baking time. After baking, allow around 5 minutes for the casserole to rest before serving, making the total time about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to keep the casserole from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
2. Cook the Sausage and Onion:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. If you like, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft. Once done, drain off any extra grease.
3. Layer the Tater Tots, Sausage, and Cheese:
Spread half of the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. Next, sprinkle half of the cooked sausage mixture over the tater tots. Then add half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining tater tots, sausage, and cheese.
4. Mix and Pour the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until everything is combined well. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, making sure it seeps down into the layers.
5. Bake and Finish:
Bake the uncovered casserole in your preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. The eggs should be set, and the top should be golden and bubbly when it’s ready. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking – this helps everything set nicely.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the sliced green onions and cooked bacon bits on top for a fresh and flavorful finish. Serve warm, maybe alongside some fresh fruit or a simple salad for a lovely balanced meal.
Can I Use Frozen Tater Tots Straight from the Bag?
Yes! You don’t need to thaw them first. The tots cook and crisp up during baking, making them perfectly crispy on top and soft inside.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it for about 50-60 minutes, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What Can I Substitute for Breakfast Sausage?
You can use turkey sausage, ground beef, or even a plant-based sausage alternative. Just cook it thoroughly before layering it in the casserole.