Name: Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 8 large eggs; 1 cup milk (whole or 2 percent); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)

This is the ultimate breakfast comfort food! My Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is absolutely dreamy-crispy golden tots on top, savory sausage, melty cheese, and fluffy eggs baked into every bite.

It's the very best one-pan breakfast for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy mornings. With just 15 minutes of prep, you'll have a cheesy, hearty meal that disappears fast at any brunch table.

Whether you're hosting weekend guests, planning a holiday breakfast, or just craving something extra special, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. It's a long-time family favorite that always gets rave reviews!

Hearty Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole fresh from the oven

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Feeds a Crowd: Easily serves 8 and is perfect for brunch gatherings, holidays, or meal prep.
Super Simple: Minimal prep and no fancy equipment-just layer, bake, and enjoy.
Incredibly Satisfying: Crispy tater tots, gooey cheese, and flavorful sausage make every bite irresistible.
Make Ahead Friendly: Assemble the night before and bake in the morning for zero morning stress.

Key Ingredients for Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Breakfast Sausage

This gives the casserole its savory, meaty backbone. Choose a good-quality pork breakfast sausage for classic flavor, or swap for turkey sausage to lighten things up. Remove the casings if using links, and crumble as you brown. If you like a little spice, try hot sausage for extra kick!

Frozen Tater Tots

Classic tater tots create that iconic crispy crust and add satisfying potato goodness to every bite. There's no need to thaw before baking. You can use regular, mini, or even seasoned tots for a fun twist. Hash brown patties or shredded hash browns can work in a pinch, but tots give the best texture.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar brings the gooey, melty factor and rich flavor. Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but mild, Colby Jack, or a blend all work well. Always shred your own for the best melt, but pre-shredded cheese is fine for convenience.

Eggs

Eggs bind everything together and fluff up during baking, creating that classic casserole texture. Large eggs are standard. For a richer custard, add an extra yolk or substitute half-and-half for some of the milk.

Milk

Milk helps create a creamy egg mixture that soaks into the other ingredients. Whole milk is best for richness, but 2 percent works too. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond or oat.

Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole cooking process

Instructions for Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Sausage and Onion

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage and onion, breaking up the meat as it browns. Cook until the sausage is fully cooked and onions are soft, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the cooked sausage and onion mixture over the bottom. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage.

Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until well blended. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese layer in the baking dish.

Top with Tater Tots

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the top of the casserole. Don't worry if they aren't perfectly lined up-just cover the surface.

Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden and crispy. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking, if desired.

Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped chives, if using. Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Love a little heat in the morning? Use hot breakfast sausage or add ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage as it cooks. You can also add diced jalapeños for even more zing!

Veggie Lover's Version

Skip the sausage and load your casserole with sautéed veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra flavor-this version is perfect for vegetarians!

Gluten-Free Friendly

Most tater tots are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the packaging. Use gluten-free sausage and cheese, and this casserole becomes a safe and delicious gluten-free breakfast.

Lighter Option

Substitute turkey sausage, reduced-fat cheese, and use low-fat milk to cut down on calories and fat. You can also try using cauliflower tots for a lower-carb twist.

Southwest Style

Give your casserole a Tex-Mex spin by adding a cup of drained black beans, some chopped green chilies, and swapping in pepper jack cheese. Top with salsa and avocado just before serving!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole with a simple fruit salad or fresh berries for a bright, balanced meal. A dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce on top is amazing. For a hearty brunch, pair with a green salad, fresh orange juice, and your favorite coffee!

Storage and Reheating

Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months-just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole (FAQ)

Q: Can I assemble this casserole the night before?

A: Absolutely! Assemble everything except the tater tots, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add the tots just before baking to keep them crispy.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: Yes! Any melty cheese like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend works great. Feel free to mix and match your favorites.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?

A: Definitely. Just leave out the sausage and add your favorite sautéed veggies-bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach are classic options.

Craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast? This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is sure to become your new favorite! It's easy, cheesy, and always a hit. If you try it, be sure to leave a comment or rating below-I'd love to hear how it turned out for you!