This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a perfect mix of crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and creamy eggs all baked together into one hearty and comforting dish. The golden tots on top add a delightful crunch, while the sausage brings a nice spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds. It’s a great way to start the day with something filling and flavorful.
I love making this casserole when I have friends or family over for brunch because it’s so easy to put together, and everyone always asks for seconds. One of my favorite tricks is to use a little bit of cheese sprinkled between the layers to make it extra melty and tasty. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, especially on chilly mornings.
Whenever I serve this casserole, I pair it with fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance out the richness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works perfectly for holiday mornings or lazy weekends. Plus, leftovers heat up wonderfully, so I always look forward to enjoying it again the next day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These give the casserole its crispy and fun texture. If you can’t find tater tots, you can swap with frozen hash browns or shredded potatoes—they’ll still taste great.
Sausage: I like using a spicy breakfast sausage for a bit of kick. For milder flavor, choose a sweet or maple sausage. You could also use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Eggs & Milk: The eggs bind everything together, and the milk makes the mixture creamy. If dairy is a concern, try unsweetened almond or oat milk as a substitute.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts well and adds bold flavor, but feel free to use mozzarella or pepper jack for a milder or spicier twist.
Green Onions & Bacon: These toppings add freshness and crunch. You can replace green onions with chives or regular onions if preferred. Bacon can be skipped or replaced with vegetarian bacon for dietary needs.
How Can You Make Sure the Casserole Cooks Evenly and Holds Together?
To get perfectly set eggs and crispy tater tots, follow these tips:
- Don’t thaw the tater tots: Using them frozen helps keep their crispy texture during baking.
- Even layering: Spread tater tots first, then sausage, and pour egg mixture carefully to cover everything evenly.
- Whisk eggs and milk well: Fully mixing helps the casserole hold its shape once baked.
- Bake uncovered: This lets the top get golden and tater tots crisp up nicely.
- Check for doneness: The casserole is ready when eggs are fully set—no jiggle in the center.
After baking, let it rest for a few minutes to firm up before slicing. This helps keep your servings neat and makes it easier to enjoy every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – I like it because it gives enough room for all the ingredients to cook evenly.
- Large skillet – essential for browning the sausage and draining excess fat.
- Whisk or fork – helps you easily beat the eggs and milk together.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurement of ingredients.
- Cooking spoon or spatula – useful for spreading toppings and serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage—light and tasty.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms into the sausage for extra veggies.
- Mix in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese to change up the flavor.
Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (for topping)
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 35-40 minutes to bake. You’ll also want to give it about 5 minutes to cool down before serving, so plan for roughly an hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep the casserole from sticking and make clean-up easier.
2. Layer the Tater Tots and Sausage:
Spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any extra grease, then sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the tater tots.
3. Mix the Eggs and Cheese:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until everything is smooth and well combined. Stir in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese along with the chopped green onions.
4. Assemble and Bake the Casserole:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and tater tots in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top turns golden brown.
5. Add Finishing Touches and Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon and extra green onions on top. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious, comforting breakfast casserole!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Tater Tots?
Yes, you can! If using fresh potatoes, peel and cube them, then par-cook by boiling or roasting until tender before layering. This helps ensure they cook fully and become crispy in the casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it a few extra minutes until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm portions gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I Substitute the Sausage?
Definitely! Try ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option, or even vegetarian sausage if you prefer. Just cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.