If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, crowd-pleasing brunch that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish has everything you could hope for: crispy golden tots, savory sausage, creamy cheeses, and fluffy eggs all baked together into one irresistible casserole. It’s the ultimate easy, make-ahead breakfast that transforms your morning into a celebration of flavors and comfort. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers deliciousness with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this casserole plays a starring role in creating a perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color. These simple staples come together effortlessly to build layers of flavor that keep everyone coming back for seconds.
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage: Adds bold, savory heat and juicy richness to the casserole, making it irresistibly satisfying.
- 1 (30-32oz) bag frozen tater tots: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these tots provide that perfectly golden base.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties the ingredients together beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Gives a subtle kick of spice, balancing out the richness of the sausage and cheese.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a gentle aroma that elevates the overall savory profile.
- 1/4 tsp onion powder: Adds depth and a slight sweetness to the egg mixture.
- 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Provides sharp, melty goodness that creates luscious pockets of flavor.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly, adding creamy texture without overpowering the cheddar.
- 8 eggs: The binding agent that firms up the casserole with a fluffy, tender bite.
- 2 cups milk: Makes the egg mixture smooth and creamy, ensuring every bite stays moist.
How to Make Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Sausage
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray so everything slides out easily when it’s done. Then, cook the hot breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat—that keeps the casserole from getting greasy and lets the other flavors shine.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a big bowl, toss together the frozen tater tots, cooked sausage, and both the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This mixture is where that incredible flavor combo comes to life—the crispy tots, spicy sausage, and gooey cheese all mingling in one bowl before taking their place in the pan.
Step 3: Pour and Prepare the Egg Mixture
Whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will soak into the tater tot and sausage mixture, binding everything together and puffing up beautifully as it bakes.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill (Optional)
Pour the tater tot and sausage mixture into your greased baking pan, then evenly pour the egg mixture over the top. Cover the pan with plastic wrap if you want to bake it later or prepare it the night before—this casserole is great for make-ahead meals and will keep in the fridge nicely until you’re ready to bake.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. You’re looking for the eggs to set and the top edges of the tater tots to turn a beautiful golden-brown. Once it’s done, let it rest briefly before serving so it holds together perfectly when you slice into it.
How to Serve Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions or a handful of diced tomatoes can add a lovely pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich casserole. If you like a little heat, a drizzle of hot sauce or a scattering of sliced jalapeños complements the spicy sausage wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables adds a fresh balance. For brunch gatherings, some fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt parfait make delightful lighter sides that complement the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of serving straight from the pan, consider baking this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. You can also layer in extra veggies like sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for a colorful twist that amps up both nutrition and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as they meld overnight, making for an easy next-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. After baking, cool completely and cut into portions, then wrap tightly in foil or place in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy a convenient breakfast or brunch later on. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through, or pop them into a 350ºF oven for about 15-20 minutes to keep the tops crispy and fresh.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the hot breakfast sausage with plant-based or veggie sausage alternatives, or add more veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?
Yes! Cheddar and mozzarella work wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoky gouda for a new flavor twist.
Is it necessary to thaw the tater tots before baking?
No need to thaw them. The frozen tater tots cook directly in the casserole, getting perfectly crispy on top while softening inside during baking.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before and bake it in the morning?
Definitely. This makes the Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe perfect for busy mornings or entertaining—you just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge and bake as directed.
How spicy is this casserole?
The heat level depends mostly on the sausage you use. Hot breakfast sausage gives it a nice kick, but you can swap it for mild sausage to keep things gentler if preferred.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe enough—it’s that perfect mix of comfort, convenience, and crowd-pleasing flavor that’ll have you reaching for seconds and even thirds. Whether you’re making it for a lazy weekend brunch or a festive holiday morning, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes. Give it a try, gather your loved ones, and watch this delicious casserole disappear from the table with smiles all around!
Print
Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a savory and satisfying dish perfect for brunch or a filling breakfast. It combines crispy tater tots, flavorful cooked sausage, melted cheeses, and a fluffy baked egg mixture to create a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
Tater Tot Layer
- 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Egg Mixture
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the hot breakfast sausage until it is fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Drain off any excess fat.
- Mix Tater Tots and Cheese with Sausage: In a large bowl, combine the frozen tater tots, the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly. Transfer this mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk until fully blended and smooth.
- Combine and Refrigerate (Optional): Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tot and sausage layer in the baking dish. If not baking immediately, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate at this point until ready to bake.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is lightly golden. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh in the morning.
- Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a nice balance of flavor and creaminess.
- Make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly to avoid any food safety issues.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute mild sausage for hot sausage.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to make serving easier.
