This tater tot breakfast casserole recipe is a one-dish breakfast for a crowd. Savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheddar are topped with rows of crispy golden tater tots. It is hearty, cheesy, and simple enough to assemble the night before.
This is my Christmas morning casserole. I assemble it the night before while the house is quiet, and in the morning it goes straight into the oven while everyone is still in pajamas. My family asks for it by name now, especially the crispy tots on top.
Quick facts: This tater tot breakfast casserole recipe takes 20 minutes of prep, 50 to 55 minutes in the oven, and serves 8 to 10.
For more make-ahead breakfasts, try my overnight french toast casserole recipe and serve it with my pumpkin coffee cake recipe. Save this one to your Christmas Breakfast board on Pinterest.
Why You Will Love This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Complete breakfast in one dish. Protein, potatoes, eggs, and cheese.
- Crispy tater tot topping. The best part of every serving.
- Make ahead friendly. Assemble it the night before.
- Feeds a crowd. One 9×13 dish serves 8 to 10.
- Easy ingredients. A bag of frozen tots and pantry staples.
Ingredients for Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- 3 green onions, sliced, for serving
Ingredient Notes
- Sausage: Mild or spicy bulk sausage both work. Drain it well so the casserole is not greasy.
- Cheese: Shred your own for the best melt.
- Tater tots: Use them straight from the freezer. Thawed tots turn soft.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Cook the sausage
Heat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the sausage and onion in a large skillet over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking the sausage into crumbles, until browned. Drain well.
Step 2: Layer
Spread the sausage mixture in the dish and sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese on top.
Step 3: Whisk the eggs
Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. Pour evenly over the sausage and cheese.
Step 4: Add the tater tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in rows over the egg mixture.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 45 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake 5 to 10 minutes more, until the eggs are set and the tots are golden. Because it contains eggs, check that the center reaches 160°F (71°C). The USDA says quiches, breakfast casseroles, and other egg dishes should reach 160°F, as measured with a food thermometer.
Step 6: Rest and serve
Rest for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with green onions and serve.
Why This Recipe Works
The sausage and cheese layer sits under the eggs, so the casserole is flavorful through the middle. Tots on top stay crisp because they are not buried, and the second sprinkle of cheese at the end melts without burning. Baking at 375°F gives a set custard and golden tots in the same time.
Tips for the Best Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Drain the sausage well, or the casserole turns greasy.
- Keep the tots in a single layer so they all crisp.
- Use a thermometer. The center should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Rest 10 minutes so it slices cleanly.
- Add the last cheese late so it does not brown too much.
Variations
Veggie tater tot casserole
Skip the sausage and add 2 cups sautéed peppers, onions, and spinach.
Bacon and cheddar
Use 12 slices of crumbled cooked bacon instead of sausage.
Spicy version
Use spicy sausage and add ½ teaspoon of chili powder and a diced jalapeño.
What to Serve With Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Serve with fresh fruit, hot coffee, and a sweet side such as my pumpkin coffee cake recipe. For a holiday brunch table, add my overnight french toast casserole recipe. For another hearty brunch option, try this breakfast casserole with biscuits recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in shallow containers and use within 3 to 4 days. Reheat to 165°F (74°C). The microwave is fastest, and the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes brings back some crispness. It freezes for up to 2 months, wrapped well; thaw overnight and reheat until steaming hot.
Make ahead
Assemble everything except the tots and the final cheese, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the tots just before baking and add about 10 minutes to the bake time.
Final Thoughts
A casserole this easy makes a crowded morning feel calm. If this tater tot breakfast casserole recipe becomes your brunch go-to, I would love to hear about it in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this tater tot breakfast casserole recipe the night before?
Yes. Assemble the sausage, cheese, and egg layers, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the tots just before baking.
Do I thaw the tater tots first?
No. Use them frozen so they crisp as they bake.
How do I know it is done?
The eggs should be set and the center should read 160°F (71°C) on a food thermometer.
Why is my casserole watery?
Usually the sausage or vegetables were not drained well. Drain the sausage and cook watery vegetables before adding them.
Can I use hash browns instead of tots?
Yes. Use 4 cups of frozen shredded hash browns, spread evenly. They will not crisp as much as tots.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze baked, cooled portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat until steaming hot.
Can I make it without sausage?
Yes. Use crumbled bacon, diced ham, or sautéed vegetables instead.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the sausage and onion in a large skillet over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking the sausage into crumbles, until browned. Drain well.
- Spread the sausage mixture in the dish and sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese on top.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. Pour evenly over the sausage and cheese.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in rows over the egg mixture.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake 5 to 10 minutes more, until the eggs are set and the tots are golden. Because it contains eggs, check that the center reaches 160°F (71°C). The USDA says quiches, breakfast casseroles, and other egg dishes should reach 160°F, as measured with a food thermometer.
- Rest for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with green onions and serve.
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