Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for starting the day with a smile. It combines crispy tater tots, flavorful sausage, eggs, and melted cheese all baked together in one pan. The mix of crunchy tots and savory sausage makes every bite so satisfying and full of texture.
I love making this casserole for weekend mornings when I want something easy but special enough to share with family or friends. The best part is how simple it is to put together, but it feels like such a treat when it’s hot and fresh from the oven. Sometimes I add a little extra cheese on top because who can say no to gooey cheese?
Serving this casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a glass of fresh orange juice makes it a complete breakfast that keeps me going for hours. It’s also great for brunches or when you want to feed a crowd without spending all morning in the kitchen. I always get happy comments about the crispy tater tots—something about them just makes breakfast feel a little more fun.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This adds lots of flavor and a bit of spice. I like mild sausage for a gentler taste, but spicy works great too. You can swap with turkey sausage for a leaner option, or use plant-based sausage to keep it vegetarian.
Tater Tots: They give the casserole a crispy, golden top and a soft inside. Frozen tots work best for convenience. If you don’t have tots, diced hash browns or shredded potatoes can be a good substitute.
Eggs & Milk: Eggs bind everything together, making it fluffy and filling. Whole milk makes it creamy, but you can use any milk you prefer—even plant-based milk if you want a dairy-free version.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a cozy, cheesy flavor. Feel free to mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder melt. Vegan cheese works as well if you’re dairy-free.
Green Onions: These brighten the dish with a mild onion flavor and color. If you don’t have green onions, use chives or finely diced yellow onions.
How Do You Get Crispy Tater Tots on Top Without Burning the Rest of the Casserole?
Getting crispy tater tots on top while cooking the eggs all the way through can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- Layer carefully: Place half the tots on bottom and half on top. The top layer crisps best.
- Cover for most of the baking: Cover the dish with foil while the eggs cook to keep moisture in and avoid burning.
- Uncover at the end: Remove the foil during the last 15-20 minutes to let the tots brown and crisp up nicely without drying out the casserole.
- Watch the oven: Keep an eye on the top so the cheese melts and tots brown without getting too dark.
If your tots aren’t crispy enough, you can always pop the casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the very end—just don’t walk away!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – I like this size because it holds everything evenly and fits straight into the oven.
- Large skillet – essential for cooking the sausage evenly without drying it out.
- Whisk – a quick way to beat the eggs and milk together smoothly.
- Mixing bowls – for preparing the egg mixture and mixing ingredients.
- Aluminum foil – keeps the casserole moist while baking and helps with even cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked bacon or ham instead of sausage for a different smoky, savory flavor.
- Mix in cooked vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to add more nutrients.
- Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or Monterey Jack to change the flavor profile.
- Sprinkle a little hot sauce or taco seasoning for a spicy kick that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ¼ cup diced green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: cooked and crumbled bacon for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble. Then, it needs about 50-55 minutes to bake: 35 minutes covered and 15-20 minutes uncovered to get the crispy top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. So in total, plan for around 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sausage and Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to keep the casserole from sticking. Next, cook your breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. Once cooked, drain away any extra grease and set the sausage aside.
2. Layer the Ingredients:
Spread half of the frozen tater tots evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage over the tater tots. Then add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and half the diced green onions, spreading them evenly.
3. Add the Egg Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Pour half of this egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the dish.
4. Repeat Layers and Final Assembly:
Repeat the layering with the remaining tater tots, sausage, cheese, and green onions. Pour the remaining egg mixture over the top to cover everything. Press down gently with a spatula to compact the casserole slightly.
5. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes to let everything set and cook through. After that, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the top layer of tater tots become golden and crispy while the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once done baking, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to cut and helps the flavors settle. Garnish with extra diced green onions and crispy crumbled bacon if you like. Enjoy your warm, hearty breakfast casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Sausage Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the frozen sausage completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Cooking thawed sausage ensures it browns evenly and cooks through safely.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it a few extra minutes (about 10-15) to ensure it’s heated through and the eggs are fully set.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a little splash of milk or water before microwaving can help keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! This casserole is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free sausage and make sure your tater tots don’t contain any wheat ingredients. Always double-check labels to be safe.