If you love a breakfast that’s hearty, cheesy, and indulgent, the Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is exactly what you need. Combining crispy tater tots, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese, this casserole is the ultimate comfort breakfast or brunch dish. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday mornings, or even a make-ahead weekday breakfast that feeds a crowd.
The beauty of this casserole is its simplicity. You layer frozen tater tots and cooked sausage, pour over a rich egg and milk mixture, sprinkle generous amounts of cheddar and mozzarella, and bake until golden and bubbly. Each bite is loaded with flavor and texture—crispy tater tots on top, tender egg custard underneath, and melty cheese binding everything together.
This recipe is straightforward and forgiving, making it ideal for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike. With just a few common ingredients, you can create a show-stopping breakfast casserole that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
- 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
Optional: chopped green onions or fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation Method
Preparing the Sausage
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage until fully browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spatula. Drain any excess grease. Spread the cooked sausage evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Adding the Tater Tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cooked sausage. This forms the crispy, golden topping of your casserole. You don’t need to thaw them—baking them directly from frozen works perfectly.
Preparing the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the sausage and tater tots, ensuring it seeps between the tots for a custardy texture.
Adding the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. The combination of cheeses creates a rich, melty layer that enhances the flavor of the casserole.
Baking the Casserole
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the tater tots are golden brown. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes.
Serving the Casserole
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, toast, or a light salad for a balanced breakfast or brunch.
Tips for Perfect Tater Tot Sausage Casserole
- Use hot breakfast sausage: It adds a subtle kick, but mild sausage works if you prefer less spice.
- Layer evenly: Make sure the tater tots are in a single layer for maximum crispiness.
- Cheese options: Cheddar and mozzarella are classic, but a blend with Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds extra flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for a convenient breakfast.
- Extra veggies: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach between the sausage and tots for added flavor and nutrition.
Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings
Description
Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, hearty breakfast dish that layers crispy tater tots with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and a melty cheese blend. Perfect for family brunches or make-ahead mornings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
- 1 (30-32oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Spread the sausage evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer frozen tater tots evenly over the sausage.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour egg mixture evenly over tater tots and sausage.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add diced onions, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and color.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight. Bake in the morning.
- For extra crispiness, broil the top for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen sausage instead of cooking it first?
Yes, but cook it in the skillet until fully browned for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar and mozzarella are classic, but Swiss, pepper jack, or a cheese blend works well too.
How can I make the tater tots extra crispy?
Bake the casserole uncovered, and don’t overlap the tater tots. For extra crunch, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is an indulgent, satisfying breakfast that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. With crispy tater tots, savory sausage, creamy eggs, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish everyone will love, from kids to adults.