Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and can be made ahead of time. It combines all your favorite breakfast flavors into one dish — crispy potatoes, melted cheese, and savory sausage — baked together until golden and delicious. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins like veggies, bacon, or different cheeses.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Spread the cooked sausage evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add a layer of tater tots over the sausage.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and tater tots.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 8 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Use spicy breakfast sausage and add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
- Vegetable Loaded: Add diced bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Bacon Lover’s: Replace or mix in crispy bacon bits with the sausage.
- Southwestern Twist: Add salsa, black beans, and Monterey Jack cheese for a Tex-Mex flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning as directed.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
To freeze, wrap the fully cooked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it in the morning as directed.
Can I use different meats?
Absolutely. Try bacon, ham, turkey sausage, or even a combination for variety.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?
No, use them frozen — they’ll cook perfectly in the oven.
Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?
Yes, substitute 2 egg whites for each whole egg if you prefer a lighter version.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach all work beautifully.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but you can use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix for extra flavor.
How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the eggs are set in the center and the top is golden and bubbling.
Can I freeze it before baking?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight before baking.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.
What sides go well with this casserole?
It pairs perfectly with fresh fruit, a green salad, or toast for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make, hearty, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re hosting brunch or prepping breakfast for the week, this satisfying casserole brings comfort and flavor to every bite. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
PrintTater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
