Name: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots; 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or hot), casings removed; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 8 large eggs; 1 cup milk (whole or 2%); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish, optional)

Get ready to dig into the most irresistible, comforting breakfast ever: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole! This golden, cheesy, crowd-pleasing dish is utterly swoon-worthy with its crispy tater tot topping, creamy eggs, and hearty sausage throughout.

Whether you need a quick weekend breakfast, a make-ahead holiday brunch, or just want to treat your family to something special, this casserole delivers on big flavor with minimal fuss. It's hands-down one of my go-to recipes when I want everyone around my table to wake up happy!

Inspired by cherished family gatherings and lazy Sunday mornings, this dish is as easy as it is delicious. Each bite has that perfect combo of savory, cheesy, and crunchy-trust me, this is one breakfast you'll crave again and again.

A slice of golden-brown Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole showing layers of eggs, sausage, and cheese

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Effortless to prep and totally foolproof-even beginners can make it!
Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Customizable with your favorite mix-ins like veggies or different cheeses.
Incredible blend of textures: crispy tater tots, creamy eggs, and melty cheese.

Key Ingredients for Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

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

Tater Tots

These iconic little potato nuggets form the irresistible crispy topping for this casserole. Use frozen tater tots straight from the bag to keep things easy-no need to thaw. You can substitute with hash browns, but tater tots add unbeatable crunch and nostalgic flavor!

Breakfast Sausage

Sausage brings savory, herby depth and makes this dish super satisfying. Use hot, mild, or maple-flavored sausage according to your taste. If you prefer, swap in turkey sausage for a lighter version, or go meatless with plant-based sausage.

Cheddar Cheese

Melty, sharp cheddar binds everything together and adds richness. Pre-shredded cheese works well and saves time, or shred your own for extra meltiness. Want to mix it up? Try pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a twist.

Eggs

Eggs are the creamy, custardy backbone of this casserole, holding all the delicious ingredients together. Fresh large eggs are best. For a lighter casserole, use half whole eggs and half egg whites.

Milk

Milk keeps the eggs soft and the casserole moist. Whole or 2% milk works perfectly, or substitute half-and-half for extra creaminess. Non-dairy milk is fine for lactose-free needs-just pick an unsweetened variety.

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole cooking process

Instructions for Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

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

Brown the Sausage

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula until brown and fully cooked-about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.

Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of oil. Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the bottom, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage. Pour the egg mixture all over. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the surface completely.

Bake Until Golden

Place the casserole in the oven (middle rack) and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden and crispy. If you like, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crunch-just watch closely.

Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Let the casserole cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!

Recipe Variations

Veggie-Packed Casserole

Swap half of the sausage for sautéed veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. This adds color, nutrients, and a fresh garden flavor-plus, it's a great way to use up leftover vegetables!

Meat-Free Option

Easily make this casserole vegetarian by using plant-based sausage crumbles or omitting the meat entirely. Amp up the flavors with extra cheese or a dash of smoked paprika.

Make It Spicy

Craving a morning kick? Use hot breakfast sausage or add a handful of diced jalapeños or chopped green chiles to the egg mixture for a spicy twist.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Most tater tots are gluten-free, but always double-check the package. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy choice for gluten-sensitive guests.

Cheesier Deluxe

Love cheese? Add extra varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack, or top with a handful of crumbled feta before baking for a decadent, melty experience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with a bright and tangy fruit salad, a simple green salad, or crispy bacon for the ultimate brunch spread. Fresh chives or salsa make fantastic garnishes, adding a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with hot coffee or orange juice to round out the meal!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or better yet, bake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked casserole (whole or in portions) tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole (FAQ)

Q: Can I assemble this casserole the night before?

A: Absolutely! Assemble up to the step where you place the tater tots on top, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed (you may need an extra 5-10 minutes).

Q: Can I use bacon instead of sausage?

A: Yes! Cook and crumble about 12 ounces of bacon and use it in place of sausage for a smoky, delicious twist.

Q: My casserole came out watery—what went wrong?

A: This can happen if the sausage wasn't fully drained, or if using vegetables that weren't sautéed first (they release water). Thoroughly drain meats and precook any veggies for best results.

Ready for a breakfast that everyone will rave about? This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is pure comfort in every bite and will easily become a classic in your kitchen. Try it out, and don't forget to leave a comment or rating sharing how your version turned out-I can't wait to hear from you!