Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
If ever there was a breakfast to impress guests or treat your family to something cozy and satisfying, this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is it! It’s that irresistible combo of crisp, golden tater tots, creamy eggs, melty cheddar cheese, and plenty of savory sausage and veggies—all baked together in one bubbly, flavor-packed pan. Whether you’re feeding a hungry weekend crowd or want a make-ahead morning meal, this dish promises warmth, comfort, and a big-time wow factor at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe so dazzling is its short list of classic, colorful ingredients, each playing a unique role in the final symphony of flavor and texture. Every item has a clear purpose—savory depth, gooey cheesiness, or crispy-crunchy finishes—making this casserole an absolute breakfast standout.
- Olive oil: Gives the dish a golden base and prevents sticking, while adding a subtle flavor lift.
- Breakfast sausage or bacon: Packs the casserole with smoky, savory notes—choose your favorite for a personalized touch.
- Diced onion: Offers sweetness and depth, becoming tender and aromatic as it cooks.
- Diced bell pepper: Adds bright color and a gentle crunch to each bite.
- Large eggs: The rich, creamy foundation that binds the casserole together.
- Whole milk: Lends extra richness for a truly custardy texture.
- Garlic powder: Boosts flavor with a mellow garlic warmth that doesn’t overpower.
- Black pepper: Brings in gentle heat and balances the richness.
- Salt: Accentuates all the other flavors just right.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, creating gooey layers of cheesy goodness throughout.
- Frozen tater tots: The crispy, crowd-pleasing topper that everyone can’t resist.
- Chopped green onions (optional): Adds a fresh, bright finish for serving, both flavorful and pretty.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a splash of olive oil or a swipe of nonstick spray. This important prep step ensures your casserole comes out perfectly every time, with easy serving and no sticking headaches.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Veggies
Grab your skillet and set it over medium heat. Add breakfast sausage (or bacon, if you’re in the mood for something smoky and crispy). Brown it until fully cooked, breaking it up into savory crumbles. Drain off any extra fat, then toss in your diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, just until tender and wonderfully fragrant—this is where the magic starts!
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, crack in the eggs and pour in the whole milk. Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then whisk it all together until it’s silky smooth. This is the luscious custard base that holds your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe together.
Step 4: Combine and Layer
Stir the hot sausage and veggie mixture right into the eggs, along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Once everything’s well combined, pour the mixture into your greased baking dish. Top it off with a single, even layer of frozen tater tots, arranging them snugly for the ultimate crispy finish.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs are set, the cheese is bubbling, and those tater tots are gloriously golden and crisp. Pull it out and let it cool for five minutes—just long enough to set, but still piping hot for serving.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Right before you dig in, sprinkle over some fresh chopped green onions if you’re feeling fancy. This punch of color and fresh flavor is the crowning touch on your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe explosion!
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this casserole is all about boosting both looks and flavor. A handful of chopped green onions or fresh herbs wakes everything up with a pop of color and a little brightness. You could also dust the top with a bit of extra cheese, a few dashes of hot sauce, or even a dollop of sour cream for an extra indulgent finish.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole is a meal on its own, but pairing it with a side salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette balances all that rich flavor. Fresh fruit, like orange segments or mixed berries, is also a great way to lighten up and add some sweetness to your brunch spread. And of course, hot coffee or fresh orange juice completes the breakfast table nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful brunch or breakfast-for-dinner, try serving your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or muffin tins for cute, grab-and-go portions. If you’re hosting, cut it into squares and plate them with a mini skewer of grape tomatoes or fresh fruit on the side—it’ll turn heads and invite everyone to dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole holds up beautifully in the fridge. Simply let it cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. It’ll keep for three to four days, making it a breakfast hero in your weekly meal prep routine.
Freezing
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a freezer champion! Slice cooled casserole into portions, then wrap them individually or layer between parchment in a container. For best results, freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To revive that signature crispiness, reheat casserole slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until heated through and the tater tots are crunchy again—about 15 minutes. The microwave also works in a pinch, just know the tots won’t be quite as crisp.
FAQs
Can I assemble this casserole the night before?
Absolutely! Prep everything, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed—no extra fuss, perfect for holidays or busy mornings.
Can I use different veggies or cheese?
Definitely. This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is endlessly flexible—try swapping bell peppers for mushrooms or spinach, or change the cheese to pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a spicy twist.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Just omit the sausage or bacon and amp up the vegetables—think spinach, tomatoes, or even a handful of cooked mushrooms for even more hearty, savory flavor.
Can I use non-dairy milk?
You can! While whole milk gives the richest texture, plant-based alternatives like oat or almond milk work in a pinch—just keep in mind the custard will be slightly less creamy.
Will frozen tater tots get soggy?
Nope! Frozen tots crisp up beautifully in the oven, especially when arranged in a single layer on top. Just make sure not to overcrowd, and your casserole will have the perfect mix of creamy and crispy in every bite.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe and share it with those you love. It’s truly a breakfast that brings people together, combining comfort, flavor, and just a bit of fun in every bite. Trust me—one forkful, and you’ll be looking for any excuse to make it again!
Print
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and satisfying morning meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Packed with eggs, sausage, veggies, and cheese, it’s a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the breakfast table.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound breakfast sausage or bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage (or bacon) until browned. Drain any excess fat, then add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked sausage mixture and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and arrange the tater tots evenly on top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with green onions if desired. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
Notes:
- You can assemble this casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight.
- In the morning, bake as directed.
- Try adding chopped spinach, mushrooms, or swapping the cheese for a pepper jack blend for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
