Sink your fork into this crowd-pleasing Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe, and you’ll understand why it’s the brunch hero you never knew you needed! This savory casserole layers crispy golden tater tots, hearty sausage, colorful veggies, and gooey cheddar cheese all together with a fluffy egg base. It’s irresistibly comforting, endlessly customizable, and perfect for feeding a hungry group at breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re planning a weekend treat, a special family gathering, or just want to make mornings more exciting, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe is its blend of simple, everyday ingredients that come together with pure breakfast magic. Every ingredient in the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe adds flavor, texture, or that bit of classic diner nostalgia—plus, there’s plenty of room for your own twists!
- Olive oil: Adds just enough richness to brown the sausage and soften the veggies.
- Breakfast sausage (pork or turkey): The heart of the casserole, bringing savory, spiced flavor that’s irresistible.
- Onion: Diced onion cooks down to add gentle sweetness and depth to every bite.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and subtle sweetness—feel free to use yellow or orange for variety.
- Large eggs: The binding force of the casserole, giving you that fluffy, tender structure.
- Milk: Makes the eggs extra creamy and helps set the casserole just right.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dish with subtle garlicky warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right level of background heat—adjust to taste!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For that gooey, melty finish and a punch of sharpness that ties everything together.
- Frozen tater tots: The crowning glory—crispy, golden, and pure breakfast comfort!
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything bakes up evenly and those tater tots get perfectly crisp. Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with a bit of oil or nonstick spray; this guarantees easy cleanup and no stuck-on egg at the end.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your breakfast sausage—whether you opt for pork or turkey, it’s all about that juiciness and flavor! Use a wooden spoon to crumble the sausage as it cooks, making sure there are no big chunks. You want everything golden brown and cooked through, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Toss the diced onion and bell pepper into the skillet with the sausage. Keep everything moving for another 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies are softened and fragrant. This step brings both color and bursts of flavor to your casserole, setting it apart from all the rest!
Step 4: Whisk the Eggs and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, crack in the eggs and add the milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until smooth and pale yellow. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese; this way, every bite is guaranteed to be cheesy and decadent.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Evenly spread the cooked sausage and veggie mixture across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour the egg and cheese mixture right over the top, making sure it filters down into every nook and cranny. Next, arrange the frozen tater tots on top; whether you line them up perfectly or scatter at random, they’ll bake into a crispy, golden crown!
Step 6: Add the Final Cheese Touch
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots to create that irresistible, bubbly, golden-brown finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole in the oven, uncovered, for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set (no longer jiggly in the center!) and the tater tots are deeply golden and crispy. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing—this helps everything set up for perfect squares.
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream. For an extra zing, offer hot sauce or salsa on the side—there’s nothing like a little kick alongside all that cheesy goodness!
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a bowl of fresh fruit, a crisp green salad, or a platter of buttery toast. If you’re feeding a big group, round things out with muffins, pastries, or even a yogurt parfait for a full brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the casserole into small squares and serve on a platter with fun toothpicks for a party-friendly, bite-sized version. For brunch buffets, let guests customize their servings with toppings like avocado slices, pico de gallo, or crumbled bacon. Or, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, then refrigerate. The Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe keeps well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it an awesome option for quick and satisfying breakfasts all week.
Freezing
Want to stash some for later? Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the entire dish in foil and freeze. It stays fresh for up to 2 months; just remember to label and date!
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or pop larger sections back in a 350°F oven (covered) for 15 to 20 minutes. For best results and maximum crispiness, reheat uncovered for a few extra minutes at the end.
FAQs
Can I assemble the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe the night before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole through step 5, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just add the final cheese layer and bake as instructed. It’s a lifesaver for busy mornings or when entertaining.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Of course! Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend with mozzarella work beautifully. Mix and match for your perfect cheesy melt.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Swap out the sausage for your favorite vegetarian sausage or toss in sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a delicious, meat-free twist. The rest of the steps remain exactly the same!
Can I add extra veggies or swap out the meat?
Definitely—this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe thrives on customization! Try spinach, jalapeños, mushrooms, or swap in bacon, diced ham, or a veggie protein for the sausage.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The eggs should be fully set in the center and the tater tots a deep golden brown. Give the pan a gentle shake—if it jiggles in the middle, give it a few extra minutes.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a warm and comforting Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe that turns any morning into a celebration! Whether you stick with the classic or jazz it up with your own favorite ingredients, this recipe is sure to delight family and friends. Give it a try and watch it become a new tradition at your table!
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Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and delicious Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole that combines savory breakfast sausage, bell peppers, eggs, and cheese, all topped with crispy tater tots. This make-ahead dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy breakfast at home.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the sausage until browned. Add onions and bell pepper, cook until softened.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheese.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread sausage mixture in the baking dish. Pour egg mixture over it. Layer tater tots on top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until set and golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- You can prep this casserole the night before and bake it in the morning.
- Customize with spinach, mushrooms, or jalapeños for added flavor.
- Try using bacon or ham instead of sausage for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
