Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a perfect, hearty dish to serve at any brunch or breakfast gathering. With crispy tater tots, savory sausage, eggs, and cheese, this casserole is an easy crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Itโs a great dish for meal prep or a comforting weekend breakfast thatโs simple to put together.
In this guide, weโll walk you through how to make this delicious casserole, share some tips for perfecting the dish, and offer variations to help you customize it to your taste.
What Is Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole?
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a baked dish made with layers of crispy tater tots, scrambled eggs, sausage, and shredded cheese. Itโs a comforting, savory casserole that combines all your breakfast favorites in one easy-to-make dish. The tater tots create a golden, crispy base, while the sausage and cheese add rich, hearty flavor. Itโs versatile, so you can add extra veggies or protein to make it your own.
Ingredients for Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Hereโs what youโll need to make this tasty breakfast casserole:
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (or substitute with bacon or ham)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ยฝ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional additions:
- ยฝ cup diced bell peppers or onions
- 1 cup cooked bacon or ham
- 1 cup spinach or other leafy greens
A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) and grease a 9ร13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. If youโre using bacon or ham, cook them as needed. Once done, drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole:
Layer the frozen tater tots evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage (or other meats) on top of the tater tots. If youโre adding any optional veggies, layer them now.
- Make the Egg Mixture:
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the sausage and tater tots.
- Add Cheese:
Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you prefer). You can also use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for more flavor.
- Bake the Casserole:
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set, and the tater tots are golden and crispy. You can check doneness by inserting a knife into the center โ it should come out clean.
- Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares. Serve hot, garnished with additional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or salsa.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Variations
1. Veggie Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole:
Add some fresh veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added color and nutrition. Sautรฉ them with the sausage, or layer them directly in the casserole before baking.
2. Bacon Tater Tot Casserole:
If you prefer bacon over sausage, swap it out for crispy bacon bits. Bacon pairs wonderfully with eggs and tater tots for that classic breakfast flavor.
3. Spicy Breakfast Casserole:
Spice things up by adding diced jalapeรฑos or a sprinkle of hot sauce in the egg mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
4. Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ham:
For a heartier meal, use ham as your protein of choice. Combine it with cheese and eggs for a more filling breakfast casserole.
People Also Ask: FAQs About Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just bake it until itโs golden and bubbly. This is perfect for busy mornings or feeding a crowd.
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole either before baking (to bake later) or after baking (for easy reheating). Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and it will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Yes, feel free to get creative with your cheese! Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack also work well. You can even blend different cheeses together for a more complex flavor.
To avoid sogginess, make sure to cook the sausage and drain any excess fat before layering it in the casserole. Also, if you add vegetables, be sure to sautรฉ or drain them well to remove excess moisture.
Yes! You can skip the meat and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetarian version. You can also use plant-based sausage or bacon as a substitute.
Equipment
- ๐ณ Large skillet
- ๐ฅฃ Mixing bowl
- ๐ฅ 9ร13 baking dish
- ๐ช Sharp knife
- ๐ฅ Measuring cups/spoons
Ingredients
- For the Base:
- ๐ฅ 1 32 oz bag frozen tater tots
- ๐ฅ 10 large eggs
- ๐ฅ 1 cup milk
- ๐ง 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ๐ง 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ๐ง Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Filling:
- ๐ฅฉ 1 pound breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled
- ๐ง 1/2 cup diced onion
- ๐ถ๏ธ 1/2 cup diced bell peppers optional
- ๐ง 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- For Topping:
- ๐ง 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ๐ฟ Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Grease a 9ร13 baking dish.
- ๐ฅ Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer at the bottom of the baking dish.
- ๐ณ In a skillet, cook breakfast sausage with onion and bell peppers (if using) until browned. Drain excess grease.
- ๐ฅฃ In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- ๐ฅฉ Layer the cooked sausage and vegetables over the tater tots. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layers, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- ๐ง Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with parsley or green onions and serving.
Notes
๐ Customize with your favorite veggies or add bacon for extra flavor.
๐ Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing for clean servings. Storage Tips:
โ๏ธ Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
โ Freeze: Freeze baked casserole in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat as needed.
๐ฅ Reheat: Microwave individual portions or bake at 350ยฐF until warmed through. Pro Tips:
๐ Swap milk with heavy cream for a richer texture.
๐ Add chopped jalapeรฑos for a spicy kick.
๐ Use pre-cooked tater tots for an even crispier base. Variations:
๐ฅ Add crumbled bacon for more flavor.
๐ถ๏ธ Make it spicy with hot sausage or red pepper flakes.
๐ง Try a cheese blend like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
๐ฅฆ Add chopped spinach or kale for added greens. Common Questions:
โ Can I make it the night before? Yes! Assemble, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
โ Can I use fresh potatoes? Yes, but par-cook them first.
โ What cheese works best? Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of both. Perfect For:
โ๏ธ Weekend breakfasts
๐ Brunch parties
๐ฝ๏ธ Meal prep
๐ฅ Feeding a crowd Serving Suggestions:
๐ฅ Fresh fruit salad
๐ฅ Toast or biscuits
โ Coffee or orange juice
๐ฟ Extra fresh herbs for garnish
Nutrition
Conclusion
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a versatile and satisfying dish thatโs perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty family meal. With its crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and gooey cheese, itโs sure to be a hit at any gathering. Customize it to suit your tastes, and enjoy this comforting dish that everyone will love. Try it out today and make it a breakfast staple in your home!
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out our other delicious breakfast and casserole recipes!
