Golden, crispy tater tots baked over layers of fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and melted cheese—this breakfast casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, meal prepping, or lazy weekend mornings. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that combines classic breakfast ingredients into one simple, oven-baked dish. It’s incredibly easy to assemble and perfect for weekends, holidays, or as a make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings. The golden tater tots form a crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy eggs, savory sausage, and gooey cheese underneath. It’s also freezer-friendly and highly customizable.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- frozen tater tots
- breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), cooked and crumbled
- shredded cheddar cheese
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- large eggs
- milk
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- black pepper
- optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the cooked and crumbled sausage across the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the sausage.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese layers.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer across the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories per Serving: 420 kcal
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Omit the sausage or replace it with a plant-based breakfast sausage alternative.
- Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeños or use spicy sausage for more heat.
- Extra veggies: Add sautéed peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sausage layer.
- Different cheeses: Swap in pepper jack, Swiss, or provolone for new flavor profiles.
- Bacon twist: Use cooked bacon instead of sausage or add a combination of both.
- Mini casseroles: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings perfect for grab-and-go meals.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout. This casserole also freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs
Can I assemble this casserole the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.
Do the tater tots need to be thawed before baking?
No, use the tater tots straight from the freezer. They will cook and crisp up during baking.
Can I use hash browns instead of tater tots?
Yes, shredded or cubed hash browns can be substituted, though the texture will be different.
What kind of sausage is best?
Breakfast sausage (pork or turkey) works best. You can use mild or spicy depending on your preference.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions to the sausage layer.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes. You can freeze the baked casserole in portions or as a whole. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The eggs should be set in the center, and the tater tots should be crisp and golden. A knife inserted into the middle should come out clean.
Can I use egg whites or egg substitute?
Yes, you can replace some or all of the eggs with egg whites or a liquid egg substitute. Adjust for volume as needed.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Use turkey sausage, reduced-fat cheese, and egg whites or a mix of whole eggs and egg whites to cut down on calories and fat.
What sides go well with this casserole?
Serve with fresh fruit, a green salad, or yogurt for a complete and balanced breakfast or brunch.
Conclusion
This Easy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that makes breakfast or brunch effortless and delicious. With its crispy topping, cheesy center, and savory sausage base, it’s the kind of recipe that will quickly become a household favorite. Great for gatherings, make-ahead meals, or busy mornings, this casserole brings convenience and flavor to your table with minimal effort.
PrintEasy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Golden, crispy tater tots baked over layers of fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and melted cheese—this easy breakfast casserole is the ultimate comfort food, ideal for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or lazy weekend mornings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cooked and crumbled sausage evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle both cheeses over the sausage layer.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning.
- Substitute sausage with cooked bacon or plant-based alternatives for variety.
- Use any cheese blend you prefer—pepper jack adds a kick.
- Letting it rest after baking helps the casserole slice neatly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 210mg