Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

A Comforting and Easy Breakfast for Everyone

If you’re looking for a warm, cheesy, and satisfying breakfast, this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is just what you need! It’s the perfect mix of crispy tater tots, fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and gooey melted cheese—all baked together in one dish.

Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch, a special holiday morning, or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

I love making this casserole because it saves me so much time in the morning. Instead of cooking eggs, sausage, and potatoes separately, everything bakes together in one pan. It’s a family-friendly meal that both kids and adults enjoy, and it’s also budget-friendly since tater tots and eggs are affordable ingredients. Plus, it’s great for feeding a crowd, so if you have guests over, this dish makes breakfast effortless.

You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just simple pantry staples that come together in a delicious, filling dish. Plus, it’s completely customizable! You can add veggies, switch up the protein, or even make it vegetarian. It’s a great way to use what you have in your fridge while still creating something tasty.

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is one of those recipes that feels special yet requires minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it for a lazy Sunday brunch, a quick weekday breakfast, or even breakfast for dinner, it’s always a comforting and satisfying choice.

About Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, oven-baked dish that combines crispy tater tots, eggs, cheese, and sausage (or your favorite protein) into a one-pan meal. It’s like a classic breakfast platter but layered into a casserole for easy serving.

What makes this casserole stand out from similar recipes is the use of tater tots instead of hash browns or toast. The tots get crispy on the top while soaking up all the delicious flavors from the eggs and cheese underneath. Unlike a traditional quiche, which has a more delicate texture, this dish is thicker, cheesier, and extra comforting.

Why You’ll Love It

1. Super Easy to Make – No complicated steps! Just layer the ingredients in a baking dish, pour the egg mixture over the top, and let the oven do the work.
2. Great for Meal Prep – Make it ahead of time and reheat slices throughout the week for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
3. Crowd-Pleasing – Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting brunch, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is a guaranteed hit.
4. Customizable – Add veggies, swap the sausage for bacon or ham, or make it vegetarian—the possibilities are endless!
5. Crispy & Cheesy Goodness – The golden-brown tater tots on top give a satisfying crunch, while the melty cheese and eggs make every bite rich and flavorful.

Ingredients

• Tater Tot Layer
  • 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
• Egg Mixture
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Protein & Cheese
  • 1 pound of breakfast sausage (or bacon/ham)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• Optional Add-Ins
  • ½ cup diced bell peppers
  • ¼ cup diced onions
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra flavor)

Ingredient Notes

• Tater Tots – No need to thaw them! They crisp up beautifully when baked straight from the freezer.
• Sausage – I love using breakfast sausage for its flavor, but bacon or ham work great too. Want a vegetarian option? Try sautéed mushrooms or spinach!
• Cheese – Cheddar is classic, but you can mix in Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a little Parmesan for extra depth.
• Milk – Whole milk makes the eggs rich and creamy, but you can use 2% or even half-and-half if you prefer.

Kitchen Tools Needed

1. 9×13-inch Baking Dish – This is The perfect size for this casserole to bake evenly and hold all the layers.
2. Large Skillet – Needed for cooking the sausage (or other proteins) before adding them to the casserole.
3. Mixing Bowl – For whisking the eggs, milk, and seasonings together.
4. Whisk – Helps combine the eggs and milk smoothly for a fluffy texture.
5. Spatula or Wooden Spoon – Great for stirring and breaking up the sausage while it cooks.
6. Measuring Cups & Spoons – Ensures the right balance of milk, seasoning, and cheese.
7. Cheese Grater (optional) – If you’re shredding fresh cheese, which melts better than pre-shredded!

I love using a ceramic-coated baking dish because it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. If you prefer extra crispy tater tots, use a glass or metal baking dish for better heat distribution.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an even bake and crispy tater tots.
2. Cook the Sausage – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes). Break it into crumbles with a spatula as it cooks. If using bacon, cook until crispy and crumble it into small pieces. Pro Tip: Drain excess grease on a paper towel to prevent a greasy casserole.
3. Whisk the Egg Mixture – Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. This helps create a light and fluffy texture when baked. Pro Tip: Whisk well to fully incorporate the eggs and milk for an even consistency.
4. Assemble the Casserole – Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Then, layer the ingredients:
   • Spread the cooked sausage evenly across the bottom.
   • Sprinkle shredded cheese over the sausage.
   • Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything.
   • Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer (no need to press them down!).
5. Bake – Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the eggs are fully set and the tater tots are golden brown. Pro Tip: If the top is browning too quickly but the eggs aren’t fully cooked, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
6. Cool & Serve – Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for extra flavor.

I love pairing this casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait for a balanced breakfast. It also reheats beautifully—pop a slice in the microwave for a quick meal the next day!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Dish – Make sure the tater tots are in a single layer on top so they bake up crispy instead of soggy. No stacking!
• Make It Ahead – You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven the next morning for an easy, stress-free breakfast!
• Extra Flavor Boost – Add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika to the egg mixture for a little kick. If you love garlic, mix in some sautéed onions and bell peppers for extra depth.
• Let It Rest – After baking, let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This helps it firm up, making serving much easier.
• Crispier Tots Trick – If you love extra crunchy tater tots, bake them separately for 10 minutes before adding them on top of the casserole. This gives them a head start on crisping up!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Meat Options – Swap sausage for bacon, ham, or even chorizo for a spicy kick. Want a vegetarian version? Use cooked mushrooms, spinach, or black beans instead!
• Dairy-Free Option – Use unsweetened almond, oat, or coconut milk in place of regular milk, and swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative (or skip it altogether!).
• Cheese Swaps – Try Monterey Jack, Swiss, Pepper Jack, or even feta for a different flavor twist.
• Low-Carb Alternative – Instead of tater tots, use cauliflower tots or even roasted sweet potatoes for a slightly healthier spin.
• Spice It Up – Love heat? Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha to give your casserole a bold kick.

Serving Suggestions

• With Fresh Fruit – A side of strawberries, blueberries, or orange slices adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
• With a Simple Side Salad – A light greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the hearty flavors perfectly.
• With Hot Sauce or Salsa – A drizzle of sriracha, salsa, or even avocado crema takes this casserole to the next level.
• With Toast or Biscuits – Serve with buttery toast, homemade biscuits, or even English muffins for a full brunch experience.
• As a Breakfast Burrito Filling – Scoop some casserole into a warm tortilla, add a little extra cheese, and roll it up for an on-the-go breakfast!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigeration – Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If keeping it in the baking dish, just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
• Freezing – Want to save some for later? Let the casserole cool completely, then cut it into individual portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating in the Microwave – Heat a slice on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes. Pro Tip: Add a splash of milk or sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating to bring back moisture!
• Reheating in the Oven – Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If you want crispy tater tots again, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes!
• Reheating from Frozen – Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as usual. In a hurry? Microwave a frozen slice at 50% power for 3-4 minutes, then heat on full power for another minute.

I love making extra and freezing portions for busy mornings! It’s such a time-saver, and the casserole still tastes amazing after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—no extra prep is needed!

Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?

Nope! Frozen tater tots work best because they stay crispy when baked. Just layer them on top straight from the freezer.

Can I use egg substitutes?

Yes! You can use liquid egg substitutes or whisk together flaxseed and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) for a plant-based version.

What’s the best way to make it spicier?

If you love heat, try adding diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or using spicy sausage or Pepper Jack cheese. A drizzle of hot sauce on top also works wonders!

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Let the casserole cool completely, cut it into portions, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven when needed.

How do I prevent a soggy casserole?

Make sure to drain excess grease from the sausage before layering, and don’t overmix the egg mixture—this keeps it light and fluffy instead of watery.

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I’d love to hear how this turns out for you! Did you add any fun twists, or do you prefer it just as it is? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your favorite toppings—I’m always looking for new ideas!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me (@tasiahub_) or use the hashtag (#tasiahub). I’d love to see your creations!