Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Bake
Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Bake is a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole made with crispy tater tots, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or make-ahead weekday meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Spread cooked sausage evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the sausage.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese layer.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the egg mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until eggs are set and tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Make ahead by assembling the night before and baking in the morning.
- Use plant-based sausage and dairy-free cheese for a vegetarian or dairy-free version.
- Check that tater tots and sausage are gluten-free if needed.
- Layer in veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- To ensure the center is cooked, insert a knife in the middle—it should come out clean.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This breakfast bake is everything you want in a morning meal—warm, cheesy, crispy, and full of flavor. It requires minimal prep time, uses pantry staples, and is perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re preparing it for a relaxed Sunday morning or making it ahead for busy weekdays, this casserole delivers on taste and convenience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Frozen tater tots
- Breakfast sausage
- Eggs
- Whole milk
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Spread the cooked sausage evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the egg mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Skip the sausage or use plant-based sausage crumbles.
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
- Southwestern twist: Mix in black beans, corn, and taco seasoning with the sausage.
- Extra veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Bacon lover’s version: Substitute or add cooked bacon bits to the sausage layer.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through, or bake in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What kind of sausage is best for this recipe?
Breakfast sausage (pork or turkey) is most commonly used, but any ground sausage will work depending on your preference.
Can I make this breakfast bake ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake it in the morning for a fresh, hot breakfast.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Tater tots are recommended for texture and ease, but you can use shredded or cubed potatoes—just pre-cook them before assembling.
Is it okay to use skim milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, you can substitute with skim or low-fat milk, but whole milk gives the dish a creamier texture.
Can I use egg substitutes?
Yes, liquid egg substitutes work well in this recipe if you’re avoiding whole eggs.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The eggs should be fully set and the tater tots should be golden brown and crispy. You can test the center with a knife to make sure it’s cooked through.
Can I add cheese in the middle of the bake?
Absolutely! Adding cheese in layers gives a gooier, more indulgent texture throughout.
What other cheeses can I use?
Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for different flavor profiles.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, but make sure the sausage and tater tots you use are certified gluten-free.
Can I bake this in a smaller dish?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly—smaller dishes may require a slightly longer bake to ensure the eggs are cooked through.
Conclusion
Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Bake is the perfect make-ahead or fresh-out-of-the-oven breakfast that pleases a crowd and keeps everyone coming back for more. With crispy tots, cheesy layers, and savory sausage in every bite, it’s a deliciously comforting dish that’s ideal for any morning occasion. Try it once, and it just might become your new breakfast favorite.
