If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast that combines crispy, golden tater tots with savory sausage and cheesy goodness, look no further than this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s a wonderful one-dish meal that brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels special and comforting, perfect for busy weekend mornings or holiday brunches. The crispy edges, melty cheese, and fluffy baked eggs make every bite an indulgent adventure you’ll want to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step towards a delicious Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe. Each one plays its role: the sausage adds that rich, savory base, the tater tots bring a satisfying crunch and texture, and the cheeses melt beautifully to create gooey pockets of flavor throughout.
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage: Choose a quality sausage for bold, spicy flavor that wakes up every bite.
- 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen tater tots: The crispy exterior and soft interior of tater tots provide the perfect base texture.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the savory flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dish.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a gentle, aromatic note that complements the sausage.
- 1/4 tsp onion powder: Brings sweetness and balance to the casserole.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it creates a rich layer of flavor.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese: Smooth and stretchy, it adds a creamy texture throughout.
- 8 eggs: The binder that holds the casserole together with a light, fluffy texture.
- 2 cups milk: Makes the egg mixture silky and tender when baked.
How to Make Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later. Getting your oven and pan ready upfront saves time and helps everything cook evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the hot breakfast sausage over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. Make sure to break it into small pieces for even cooking. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Combine the Tater Tots, Sausage, and Cheese
In a big mixing bowl, toss together the frozen tater tots with the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. This mixture forms the hearty, flavorful base of your casserole. Evenly spread it into the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Egg Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk until fully combined. Pour this creamy egg mixture evenly over the tater tot and sausage layer. The eggs will soak into the tots and bind everything beautifully during baking.
Step 5: Optional Refrigeration
If you want to prep ahead, cover the assembled casserole and refrigerate it at this point. It can sit overnight or several hours before baking, making it a perfect time-saver for busy mornings or entertaining guests.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the eggs are completely set and the top is golden brown. You’ll notice the tater tots crisping up around the edges, while the interior stays soft and cheesy. Let it cool slightly before serving for the best texture.
How to Serve Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To dress up your Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or crisp bacon bits on top for an extra pop of flavor and color. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can add exciting contrasts as well.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple mixed green salad or fresh fruit salad to balance its richness. Toasted English muffins or warm biscuits also make excellent companions for scooping up every delicious bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for cute, personal portions at brunch. Alternatively, cut it into squares and pack it for a breakfast picnic or potluck where it’s sure to impress with its crispy edges and comforting flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you’ll find it tastes just as satisfying with a quick reheat.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled, unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To bake later, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as directed.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, cover the portions loosely with foil and warm them in a 350ºF oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for faster results, although the oven method helps maintain texture best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While hot breakfast sausage adds nice spice and flavor, you can swap it for mild sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative depending on your preference.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots before baking?
No need to thaw. The tater tots go straight from the freezer into the casserole and oven. The baking time is sufficient to cook them through and develop that crispy texture.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives and a milk substitute such as almond or oat milk. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly but it will still be delicious.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the eggs?
Reheating covered in the oven or microwaving with a damp paper towel over the top helps prevent the eggs from drying out and keeps the casserole moist and tasty.
Is it okay to prepare this casserole a day in advance?
Definitely! Preparing it the night before saves time and lets the flavors meld together even more. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh when ready.
Final Thoughts
Give this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe a try the next time you want to treat yourself or your guests to a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and wonderfully versatile. Trust me, once you taste those crispy tots melded with cheesy sausage and baked eggs, this casserole will quickly become one of your all-time favorites to whip up again and again.
Print
Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole combines crispy tater tots, savory breakfast sausage, and melted cheeses baked together with a seasoned egg custard. Perfect for a comforting weekend brunch or breakfast gathering, this casserole is easy to assemble ahead of time and bakes up golden and satisfying.
Ingredients
Sausage and Tater Tots
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
- 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the hot breakfast sausage until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the cooked sausage, frozen tater tots, shredded cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese until well mixed. Transfer this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tot and sausage mixture in the baking dish. Do not stir; the egg will set around the other ingredients as it bakes.
- Optional Refrigeration: Cover the casserole and refrigerate if you plan to bake it later. This step allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set further.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it; just add extra baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
- Feel free to swap hot breakfast sausage with mild sausage depending on your spice preference.
- Shredded cheese can be varied – Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack add a nice twist.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
