If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s both cozy and jaw-droppingly delicious, look no further than this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe. Golden tater tots crown a savory layer of sausage, peppers, and onions, all nestled in a bed of fluffy eggs and gooey cheddar. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday brunch, a family weekend breakfast, or just want an easy make-ahead meal, this casserole is a guaranteed winner. It’s hearty, packed with color, and offers that comforting “just like mom made it” magic with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special, from golden crunch to creamy richness, making this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe an absolute must-try for breakfast lovers of all stripes.
- Frozen tater tots (32 oz bag): These deliver that signature crispy, potatoey topping and make assembly a breeze.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps soften and caramelize the veggies for extra flavor.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the casserole.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Lends vibrant color and a gentle, sweet crunch.
- Breakfast sausage (1 pound, pork or turkey): Brings savory, spiced richness—use your favorite variety.
- Large eggs (8): The heart of your custard, binding everything together with creamy, satisfying texture.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Creates a tender, fluffy egg layer and balances the richness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides subtle warmth and balance.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds another layer of savory depth to the eggs.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Sneaks in a gentle smokiness and a pop of color.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts throughout for gooey, cheesy goodness with a sharp kick.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish, optional): To add a fresh, colorful finish right before serving.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. A light misting of nonstick spray or a swipe of olive oil ensures your beautiful casserole doesn’t stick, making cleanup just as easy as the cooking!
Step 2: Sauté Sausage, Onions, and Peppers
In a large skillet, heat your olive oil over medium. Toss in the onion and red bell pepper, cooking for about 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and cooked through. If you see extra fat, go ahead and drain—that keeps your casserole from feeling greasy but still ultra-satisfying.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You want this mixture to be thoroughly combined so every bite delivers that perfect custardy texture—no streaks of yolk or white.
Step 4: Layer and Assemble
Spread your cooked sausage and veggies evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle one cup of cheddar cheese over the sausage layer. Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything, letting it soak into all those nooks and crannies for extra flavor.
Step 5: Top with Tater Tots and Bake
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer right on top. Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the eggs are set and the tater tots are gloriously golden and crisp. In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top for a melty, bubbly finish.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once the casserole is cooked and golden, let it cool for 5–10 minutes. This brief wait helps the layers set, making it much easier to slice and serve. Finish with chopped green onions or parsley for a final pop of freshness and color!
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing touch can make all the difference! Sprinkle on chopped green onions for a zesty crunch or a flurry of fresh parsley for a burst of green. If you like a little kick, a dash of hot sauce or even a spoonful of salsa is a game-changer.
Side Dishes
A simple fruit salad or some sliced fresh berries are delightful alongside this rich Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe. If you’re hosting brunch, offer a crisp green salad or some creamy yogurt and granola for added variety. Don’t forget the mugs of hot coffee or a tall glass of juice!
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your casserole into elegant brunch fare by cutting it into tidy squares and stacking them with a skewer and a cherry tomato. Bake in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or scoop it into tortillas for an on-the-go breakfast wrap with a Tex-Mex twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a meal prep dream. After cooling, cover the baking dish tightly or portion slices into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—they’ll reheat beautifully for hassle-free breakfasts all week.
Freezing
Want to get really ahead? Once baked and cooled, slice the casserole, wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap or foil, and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes in the oven.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through—the tater tot topping will regain its crispness. If you’re in a rush, a quick minute or two in the microwave works, though the tots won’t be quite as crunchy.
FAQs
Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven—add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
What’s the best sausage for this casserole?
Use whatever breakfast sausage you love most. Pork offers rich, classic flavor, but turkey sausage is lighter and equally tasty. For extra flair, try a spicy or sage-infused sausage.
Can I add veggies or swap out ingredients?
Definitely! This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is incredibly versatile. Add a handful of spinach or sliced mushrooms, switch up the cheese (pepper jack or Swiss are delicious), or even toss in some diced ham or bacon for more variety.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use your favorite unsweetened dairy-free milk (like almond or oat) and non-dairy cheese shreds. The result will still be creamy and satisfying.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Look for a casserole that’s puffed in the center, with no jiggly uncooked eggs. The tater tots should be crisp and golden. A quick knife or toothpick test should come out clean when inserted in the center.
Final Thoughts
If you want to win breakfast or brunch without breaking a sweat, this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe should be your new go-to. It’s comforting, fun, endlessly customizable, and just waiting to become a family legend in your kitchen. Give it a try and get ready for smiling faces around your table!
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Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for weekend brunch or meal prep. Packed with eggs, sausage, veggies, and cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Additional:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté veggies and sausage: In a skillet, sauté onion and red bell pepper, then add and brown the sausage.
- Prepare egg mixture: Whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl.
- Assemble casserole: Spread sausage and veggies in dish, top with cheese, pour egg mixture, add tater tots.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until set. Sprinkle remaining cheese in last 5 minutes.
- Serve: Let cool for 5–10 minutes before garnishing and serving.
Notes
- Great for meal prep—store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze in portions.
- You can also add spinach, mushrooms, or swap cheese types for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
