Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Hearty Morning Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Mornings call for hearty comfort with this tater tot sausage breakfast casserole that promises to satisfy every hungry soul at the table.

Layers of crispy golden tater tots mingle with savory sausage and melted cheese in a dish that screams weekend breakfast goals.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will make everyone’s taste buds dance with joy.

Simple ingredients come together to create a crowd-pleasing meal that feeds a hungry crew without hours of prep work.

This casserole transforms ordinary breakfast ingredients into something extraordinary and irresistible.

Packed with protein and pure deliciousness, you’ll want to make this recipe a permanent weekend tradition.

breakfast just got a whole lot more exciting with this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Highlights

  • Combines classic breakfast favorites like sausage, tater tots, and cheese into one mouthwatering casserole that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Prep the entire dish in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing for stress-free meal planning and easy morning cooking with minimal morning preparation.
  • Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients, making it a flexible recipe for various taste buds and family needs.

What’s Inside Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Protein Base:
  • Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and protein to the breakfast casserole.
  • Eggs: The binding ingredient that helps hold the casserole together and provides additional protein.
Dairy Components:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Cheeses that create a creamy, melty texture and add depth of flavor to the dish.
  • Milk: A liquid that helps create a smooth and creamy egg mixture.
Starch and Seasoning:
  • Frozen Tater Tots: The crispy potato base that gives the casserole its signature texture and hearty feel.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Dried seasonings that provide additional depth and aromatic flavor to the casserole.
Cooking Accessories:
  • Cooking Spray: A non-stick agent used to prepare the baking pan.

Cooking Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Cooking Space

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray.

This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Drop in the sausage and cook thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.

Drain excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.

Step 3: Create the Base Layer

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Frozen tater tots
  • Cooked sausage
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Stir everything together until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, creating a delicious foundation for your casserole.

Step 4: Whisk the Liquid Gold

In a separate bowl, blend together:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder

Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.

Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the tater tot and sausage base, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Make-Ahead Magic

Want to prep in advance?

Cover the assembled casserole with aluminum foil and refrigerate.

The dish will happily wait in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the uncovered casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, watching for the eggs to set completely.

The casserole is done when it barely jiggles when gently shaken.

Golden, puffy, and irresistibly aromatic, your breakfast masterpiece is ready to devour!

Smart Tips for Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

  • Break sausage into smaller, uniform pieces while cooking to ensure every bite has a perfect meat-to-tot ratio.
  • Place tater tots in a single layer and avoid overcrowding to maintain crispy texture and even cooking throughout the casserole.
  • Grate cheese fresh for superior melting quality and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Prepare the entire casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake directly from the cold state for hassle-free morning meals.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm eggs are fully cooked at 160°F, guaranteeing food safety and perfect doneness.

Saving and Warming Up Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

  • Seal leftover casserole in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Portion casserole into individual servings, wrap securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Remains good for up to 2 months in the freezer.
  • Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming. Add splash of milk to prevent dryness.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety and maintaining crispy tater tot texture.

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Pairings

  • Brew Perfect Coffee Companions: A rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee complements the hearty breakfast casserole, cutting through its richness with smooth, balanced notes.
  • Elevate with Mimosa Pairing: Fresh orange juice mixed with sparkling champagne creates a zesty morning cocktail that brightens the casserole's savory flavors and adds a festive touch.
  • Enhance with Fresh Sides: Crisp mixed green salad with light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy, cheesy casserole, balancing the meal's richness and adding nutritional variety.
  • Complement with Fruit Medley: Fresh seasonal berries or a citrus fruit salad offer a sweet, tangy counterpoint to the salty sausage and cheesy tater tots, providing a light, palate-cleansing element.

Fun Ideas for Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

  • Vegetarian Potato Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains protein and flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Breakfast Bake: Use certified gluten-free tater tots and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap tater tots with roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and create a keto-friendly breakfast casserole.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy cheeses with almond or coconut-based cheese alternatives and use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap out the sausage for breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or even turkey sausage to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

  • Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. It’s perfect for making the night before and baking fresh in the morning.

  • Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tater tots and ensure your sausage and seasonings are certified gluten-free. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.

  • How can I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy?

Avoid thawing the tater tots beforehand. Use them frozen and spread them evenly in the pan to maintain their crispy texture during baking.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole brings comfort and flavor to morning tables, combining crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and melted cheese. Morning meals become memorable when layers of deliciousness unite, promising satisfaction for hungry breakfast enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) hot breakfast sausage
  • 8 large eggs

Starches and Cheese:

  • 1 (30-32 ounces) (850907 grams) bag frozen tater tots
  • 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (57 grams) mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until fully browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
  3. Combine the cooked sausage, frozen tater tots, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses in a large mixing bowl. Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Spread the sausage and tater tot mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
  5. Whisk eggs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk until smooth and well-blended.
  6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tot and sausage layer, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. If preparing in advance, cover the dish with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  8. Bake uncovered for 60-70 minutes in the preheated oven until eggs are completely set and the top is golden brown.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and cool slightly.

Notes

  • Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate to save precious morning time, allowing flavors to meld beautifully overnight.
  • Swap sausage with bacon, turkey sausage, or vegetarian crumbles to suit different dietary preferences and tastes.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, Swiss, or gouda to add unexpected flavor twists and keep the dish exciting.
  • Replace tater tots with cauliflower tots or diced roasted vegetables for a lower-carbohydrate version that’s equally delicious and nutritious.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 240 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star