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Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole brings sausage, eggs, melty Colby Jack cheese, and golden tater tots together in one hearty breakfast bake. With just 15 minutes of prep, this easy casserole is a great choice for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or breakfast for dinner.
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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling: Sausage, eggs, cheese, and potatoes make a satisfying breakfast in one dish.
- Easy prep: Frozen tater tots keep the prep simple.
- Feeds a group: One 9×13-inch casserole makes 8 servings.
- Flexible flavors: Switch up the sausage, cheese, or vegetables to suit your family.
What Is Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole?
This cheesy breakfast casserole has a savory sausage and vegetable layer, a seasoned egg filling, and a topping of frozen tater tots. The tots bake until golden, then get a final layer of melted cheese. It has all the comfort of a big breakfast without cooking separate batches of eggs and potatoes.
Key Ingredients
NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
- Breakfast sausage: Gives the casserole its hearty base and savory breakfast flavor. Its seasoning also flavors the onion and bell pepper as they cook.
- Eggs: Set as the casserole bakes, holding the sausage and cheese together so you can cut it into portions.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and keeps the egg filling tender.
- Colby Jack cheese: Melts into the egg filling and adds a creamy, cheesy layer on top. Saving half for the end keeps the topping from browning too much.
- Frozen tater tots: Provide the potato layer and a golden, crisp topping. Keeping them frozen helps them hold their shape during assembly.
- Onion, bell pepper, and garlic: Add savory flavor, mild sweetness, and color to the sausage layer.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder and onion powder spread flavor throughout the eggs, while salt and black pepper bring the filling together.
Ingredients & Substitutions
NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
- Breakfast sausage: Use pork, turkey, or chicken breakfast sausage in the same amount. Choose mild or hot.
- Yellow onion: Use white or sweet onion.
- Red bell pepper: Use yellow, orange, or green bell pepper.
- Garlic: Replace the 2 cloves with ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, added to the egg mixture.
- Eggs: Use 2 cups of plain liquid whole eggs in place of the 8 large eggs. Egg-free substitutes have not been tested.
- Whole milk: Use 2% milk or lactose-free whole milk in the same amount.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Replace with a salt-free garlic and onion seasoning blend to taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste, especially when using a salty sausage or cheese.
- Colby Jack cheese: Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper Jack.
- Frozen tater tots: Use any brand of frozen potato tots in the same amount. Hash brown patties or loose shredded potatoes need different cooking instructions.
Variations
- Spicy: Use hot sausage and pepper Jack, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the sausage.
- More vegetables: Add cooked mushrooms or wilted spinach to the sausage mixture. Drain them well first.
- Different cheese: Try sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor.
- Serving toppings: Offer salsa, hot sauce, or sliced green onions at the table.
Tips for Success
- Drain extra grease: A greasy sausage layer can make the casserole heavy.
- Use frozen tots: Arrange them in a single layer without thawing.
- Check the center: The eggs should be set with no liquid pooling. Use a thermometer to confirm 165°F in the center.
- Save half the cheese: Add the last cup during the final 5 minutes so it melts without spending the whole bake in the oven.
- Let it rest: Wait 5 minutes before slicing to help the portions hold together.
FAQs
No. Add them straight from the freezer and arrange them in a single layer.
Yes. Cook the sausage mixture, cool it promptly, and refrigerate it in a covered container. Whisk the egg mixture and refrigerate separately. Assemble with cheese and frozen tots just before baking. This keeps the tots from soaking overnight.
Yes. Turkey or chicken breakfast sausage works, as does hot pork breakfast sausage. Cook the sausage fully before assembling the casserole.
The casserole needs more time. Pan material, oven temperature, and chilled ingredients can change the bake time. Continue baking until the eggs are set and the center reaches 165°F; loosely cover the top if it browns too quickly.
Yes. Halve all the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch baking dish. Begin checking earlier, since the bake time may change. The center should still reach 165°F.
Yes. Freeze wrapped, cooked portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat to 165°F.
It can be, but check the labels on the sausage, tater tots, and seasonings. Choose products labeled gluten-free if needed.
How to Store
Refrigerate leftover cheesy breakfast casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Divide it into shallow containers and refrigerate within 2 hours. For longer storage, wrap individual cooked portions and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat to 165°F. An oven gives the tots a better texture than the microwave.
Quick Steps
NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
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- Cook the sausage, onion, and bell pepper, then stir in the garlic.
- Spread the sausage mixture in the greased baking dish.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, and seasonings; pour over the sausage.
- Add 1 cup cheese and arrange the frozen tots on top.
- Bake at 375°F for about 40 minutes, until the eggs are set.
- Add the remaining cheese and bake about 5 minutes more, until melted and the center reaches 165°F.
- Rest 5 minutes, slice, and serve.
Make Ahead
For an easier morning, cook the sausage and vegetables the night before, cool promptly, and refrigerate in a covered container. Whisk the egg mixture and refrigerate it separately. Keep the cheese chilled and the tots frozen. Assemble just before baking. If using a glass baking dish, follow the manufacturer’s guidance about temperature changes.
What to Serve With Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole
A fresh side balances this hearty casserole. Try Rainbow Fruit Salad with Honey Citrus Dressing or Fruit and Yogurt Breakfast Parfait. For a larger brunch spread, add Air Fryer Flaky Sour Cream Biscuits, coffee, and juice. You can also keep it simple with sliced fruit and toast.
If You Enjoyed This Recipe
If easy breakfast bakes are your thing, try Overnight Christmas Breakfast Casserole, Mexican Breakfast Casserole, or Italian Breakfast Strata. Each is a handy option when you want breakfast ready to share.
For more savory breakfast ideas, check out Sausage Egg & Waffle Breakfast Casserole, Breakfast Egg Muffins, and Breakfast Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Eggs and Sausage.
Looking for more meal ideas? Browse my Recipe Index for easy breakfasts, family dinners, sweet treats, and more recipes to add to your menu.
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Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole
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Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded, divided
- 28 ounces frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, onion, and red bell pepper, breaking up the sausage, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.1 pound breakfast sausage, 1 medium yellow onion, 1 red bell pepper
- Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.2 cloves garlic
- Spread the sausage mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.8 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Pour the egg mixture over the sausage mixture.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese over the egg mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.2 cups Colby Jack cheese, 28 ounces frozen tater tots
- Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden brown. If the center is still wet, continue baking before adding the remaining cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheese over the tater tots. Bake for about 5 more minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the center reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into 8 portions and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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