Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for mornings when you want something filling and flavorful. Loaded with golden tater tots, savory sausage, melted cheese, and fluffy eggs, it’s the ultimate comfort breakfast. Whether you’re hosting brunch, preparing for the holidays, or simply feeding a hungry family, this recipe delivers every time. It can be made ahead, refrigerated, or even frozen for busy mornings, making it both convenient and delicious.
Why This Breakfast Casserole Is a Family Favorite
Comfort in every bite
This casserole brings together the flavors most people love at breakfast: sausage, cheese, and potatoes. The tater tots bake into a golden crust while the eggs set gently around them, creating a creamy yet hearty texture. Each bite is packed with savory sausage and gooey cheese, making it a dish that both adults and kids will happily devour. Its balance of protein and carbs makes it a meal that fuels the day.
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Perfect for gatherings
When serving a crowd, few dishes work better than a baked breakfast casserole. It can be assembled ahead of time and baked fresh in the morning, freeing you from kitchen stress. The generous portions make it easy to feed a large group, and the flavors appeal to just about everyone. Whether it’s a holiday breakfast, weekend brunch, or potluck, this casserole always impresses.
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Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A hearty breakfast casserole made with tater tots, sausage, cheese, and eggs. Perfect for family mornings, holidays, or make-ahead meal prep.
Ingredients
2 lb hot breakfast sausage
1 (30-32oz) bag frozen tater tots
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1–1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
8 eggs
2 cups milk
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage until no longer pink. Drain fat.
3. In a large bowl, toss together tater tots, cooked sausage and cheeses. Pour into a lightly greased 9×13-inch pan.
4. Whisk together eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and milk. Pour over tater tot mixture.
5. Cover and refrigerate at this point if baking later.
6. Bake uncovered for 60 – 70 minutes, or until eggs are set.
Notes
You can make the casserole in advance and refrigerate or freeze for later. If baking after refrigerating, add a few extra minutes to cooking time. If baking after freezing, thaw completely before baking as directed. To reheat, thaw completely, cover with foil, and bake at 350ºF for 30–40 minutes until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 200g
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Ingredients and Variations
Core ingredients explained
The base of this recipe uses hot breakfast sausage for a bold, flavorful kick, but you can choose mild sausage if you prefer. Frozen tater tots create the potato layer, which bakes into a crisp and golden texture. Eggs mixed with milk form the custard that binds everything together, while cheddar and mozzarella cheeses add creaminess and sharp flavor. Seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder elevate the dish without overpowering it.
Flavorful variations
This casserole is easy to adapt. Swap cheddar for pepper jack to add spice or use Colby jack for a milder flavor. For a lighter version, replace sausage with turkey sausage or even cooked chicken. Vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can be added for color and nutrition. If you enjoy a smoky flavor, crumbled bacon works beautifully in place of or alongside sausage. These variations make the dish versatile enough for any occasion.
How to Make the Best Tater Tot Sausage Casserole
Preparing the layers
Start by cooking the sausage in a skillet until it’s browned and no longer pink, then drain the fat. In a large bowl, mix the tater tots, sausage, and both cheeses until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This creates a hearty base layer that will soak up the egg mixture while baking.
Mixing the custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and seasonings. Pour this mixture evenly over the tater tot and sausage base. If you want to prepare ahead of time, cover the dish and refrigerate overnight. This step allows the flavors to blend and makes baking stress-free the next morning. For immediate baking, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350ºF and cook for 60 to 70 minutes until the eggs are set.
Serving and Storing Your Casserole
Serving ideas for any occasion
This casserole is versatile when it comes to serving. For a casual breakfast, enjoy it straight from the oven with hot coffee. For brunch gatherings, pair it with fresh fruit, salad, or pastries for a balanced spread. It also works well as a holiday dish, complementing everything from cinnamon rolls to mimosas. Leftovers can be cut into squares and reheated for quick weekday breakfasts.
Storage and reheating tips
The casserole stores well, making it ideal for meal prep. After baking, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze portions or the whole dish. To reheat after refrigerating, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350ºF for about 20 minutes. For frozen casseroles, thaw completely before reheating to ensure even cooking. This makes it a practical dish for busy schedules.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Balanced nutrition in each serving
Each serving delivers a combination of protein from sausage and eggs, carbohydrates from tater tots, and fats from cheese. This balance provides long-lasting energy, making it a great choice for starting the day. Depending on portion size, one serving can range between 300 and 400 calories. Adding vegetables to the dish boosts vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants without compromising taste.
Making a lighter version
If you want to reduce calories and fat, swap full-fat sausage with turkey sausage or lean ground chicken. Use reduced-fat cheese and skim milk for a lighter custard base. Substituting half the tater tots with roasted vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower lowers carbohydrates while adding nutrients. These small adjustments keep the dish flavorful but better suited for those watching their diet.
Tips and Troubleshooting
Common mistakes to avoid
A common mistake is undercooking the casserole, which leaves the eggs runny in the center. Always bake until a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. Another issue is watery texture, which can happen if you don’t fully drain the sausage. Using too much milk can also make the custard loose, so stick to the recommended measurements.
Pro tips for best results
For the crispiest topping, arrange a layer of tater tots neatly on top before baking. Letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking allows it to set, making slicing easier. Using a mix of cheeses adds depth of flavor, and seasoning the egg mixture thoroughly ensures every bite is delicious. These techniques guarantee consistent results and a casserole that tastes as good as it looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole the night before?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning as directed.
Can I freeze it?
Definitely. Freeze either the baked or unbaked casserole. Thaw completely before baking or reheating.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and onions work well. Just sauté them lightly before adding.
How do I know when it’s done?
The casserole is ready when the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
Can I use different meats?
Absolutely. Bacon, ham, or turkey sausage make great alternatives.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a warm, filling, and crowd-pleasing dish that simplifies breakfast and brunch. With its combination of savory sausage, crispy tater tots, creamy cheese, and fluffy eggs, it checks every box for flavor and comfort.
Its make-ahead and freezer-friendly qualities make it perfect for busy mornings, holidays, or meal prepping. With simple steps and endless variations, this recipe is one you’ll turn to time and again when you want to serve a satisfying breakfast without the fuss.
