You’ll love this homestyle Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole recipe made with sausage, eggs, cheese, and of course tater tots!
This tater tot casserole was (and still is!) always a hit when I serve it.
It’s made with breakfast sausage, vegetables, cheese, simple seasonings, and tater tots, of course.
It’s crazy easy, hearty and filling, and just plain delicious.
There’s also no flour, so it’s a great option for anyone with gluten sensitives.
Ingredients
2 pounds hot breakfast sausage
1 (30-32ounces) bag frozen tater tots
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1-1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 c mozzarella cheese
8 Eggs
2 c milk
How To Make Tater Tot Casserole Breakfast
Prepare the oven and preheat to 175 degrees C or 350 degrees F.
Apply cooking spray in a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Place a large skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium.
Add the sausage, then cook until crumbly and brown.
Discard any excess grease.
In a mixing bowl, add the brown sausage, cheeses, and tater tots.
Toss until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
In another mixing bowl, add the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Whisk until well mixed.
Pour the mixture into the bowl with the tater tots mixture.
Stir until just mixed.
Place it inside the preheated oven and bake for about an hour or until done.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes at room temperature.
Variations of Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole:
Classic Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole:
Combine tater tots with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and shredded cheese.
Bake until golden and crispy for a hearty, simple dish.
Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole:
Skip the sausage and replace it with a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and onions. Add a plant-based cheese if desired.
Bacon Lover’s Tater Tot Casserole: Swap sausage for crispy bacon.
For extra flavor, sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top before baking.
Tex-Mex Tater Tot Casserole:
Add taco seasoning to the eggs, along with ingredients like black beans, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese.
Serve with salsa, sour cream, and avocado for a southwestern twist.
Meat Lovers Tater Tot Casserole: Combine breakfast sausage, bacon, and diced ham.
The combination of meats makes this version extra filling and flavorful.
Cheesy Overload Tater Tot Casserole: Mix in several types of cheese, like cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda, for a rich, cheesy casserole.
You can also top the casserole with extra cheese towards the end of baking for a crispy, golden top.
Spicy Breakfast Casserole: Add heat by incorporating spicy sausage, jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese into the mix. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also enhance the spiciness.
Gluten-Free or Low-Carb Option: Substitute traditional tater tots with cauliflower tots or sweet potato tots for a lower-carb or gluten-free version.
Tips for Making the Best Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole:
Pre-Cook Meats and Vegetables: Whether using bacon, sausage, or vegetables, pre-cook them before adding them to the casserole.
This ensures the ingredients are fully cooked and adds extra flavor to the eggs.
Use Frozen Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots work best because they’ll crisp up nicely in the oven.
There’s no need to thaw them before baking.
Whisk the Eggs Well:
Make sure to whisk the eggs thoroughly with a splash of milk or cream. This will make the casserole light and fluffy.
Season Generously:
Eggs can be bland without enough seasoning, so add salt, pepper, garlic powder, or even a little onion powder to the egg mixture to enhance the flavor.
Layer Properly:
For the best texture, layer your casserole starting with meat and veggies, followed by the egg mixture, and top with cheese.
Place the tater tots on top for maximum crispiness.
Bake Until Golden:
Ensure the casserole is fully cooked by baking it until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden and crispy on top.
This usually takes around 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, just pop it in the oven for a quick and easy breakfast.
Customize with Toppings: Once baked, top your casserole with extras like fresh herbs (parsley, chives), diced avocado, or a drizzle of hot sauce to add freshness and flavor.
Portion and Freeze: Tater tot casserole freezes well. After baking, portion out servings and freeze them for a quick grab-and-go breakfast option during busy mornings.
To store Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole, first allow it to cool completely to room temperature to prevent sogginess from condensation.
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, cut the casserole into portions, wrap them in plastic wrap or foil, and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm refrigerated portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, or bake directly from frozen for 40-45 minutes.
To keep the tater tots crispy, reheating in the oven or air fryer is best.
Serve and enjoy!