Can I use hash browns instead of tater tots?

Absolutely! Shredded hash browns make a great substitute for tater tots in this recipe. You'll get a different texture—more of a cohesive top layer rather than distinct crispy pieces—but the flavor will be just as delicious. No need to adjust the cooking time.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the eggs are completely set (not jiggly) in the center, the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Insert a knife in the center—if it comes out clean without raw egg mixture, you're good to go.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. You could also use a plant-based sausage substitute if you want to maintain that hearty texture and flavor profile.

My family doesn't like spicy food. Can I adjust the recipe?

Definitely! Use regular breakfast sausage instead of spicy, and you can add extra flavor with herbs like thyme or sage if you like. The casserole will still be delicious without the heat.

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Name: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound spicy breakfast sausage (bulk or casings removed); 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 large eggs; 1 cup milk; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 16 ounces frozen tater tots (1 bag); Chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)

This hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate morning crowd-pleaser that combines crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs into one delicious dish. It’s incredibly satisfying, wonderfully versatile, and perfect for both lazy weekend brunches and make-ahead weekday breakfasts. The combination of textures and flavors creates a comfort food masterpiece that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: This generous casserole easily feeds 8 people, making it ideal for family gatherings or weekend brunches with friends.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prep it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning – breakfast couldn’t be easier!
Customizable Comfort Food: The basic recipe is fantastic as-is, but you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this casserole – the crispy tater tots on top seal the deal for little ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spicy Breakfast Sausage: Provides a flavorful, protein-rich base that adds wonderful depth to the casserole. Use mild sausage if you prefer less heat.
Onion: Adds essential savory flavor and sweetness that balances the rich ingredients. Dice it finely if serving to picky eaters.
Garlic: Brings aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish. Fresh is best, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
Eggs: The binding element that brings everything together with fluffy, protein-rich goodness.
Milk: Creates the perfect custardy texture for the eggs. Whole milk makes it richer, but any milk works well.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Don’t skimp here!
Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, melty goodness throughout and creates that irresistible golden top. Freshly shredded melts much better than pre-packaged.
Frozen Tater Tots: The star of the show! They create a crispy, golden crown that’s impossible to resist.
Fresh Chives: Optional but highly recommended for a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Meat Lovers’ Version

Add cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham along with the sausage for an extra protein boost that’ll satisfy serious appetites.

Veggie Delight

Incorporate sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for added nutrition and a colorful presentation.

Southwest Style

Add a can of drained green chiles, swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro instead of chives. Serve with salsa and avocado on the side.

Breakfast-for-Dinner Edition

Add a layer of sautéed kale or broccoli beneath the egg mixture for a more substantial evening meal that still feels fun.

How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray your 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage and onion together, breaking up the meat as it browns. When the sausage is cooked through and the onion is translucent, add your garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Drain off excess grease and spread this flavorful mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.

Step 2: Create the Egg Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and uniform in color.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Sprinkle half of your cheddar cheese (1 cup) evenly over the sausage mixture. Pour the egg mixture over the cheese and sausage, making sure it gets distributed evenly throughout the dish.

Step 4: Add the Crowning Glory

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the egg mixture. You can be methodical about this or just scatter them—either way works! Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the tater tots.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes, or until the eggs are completely set in the center and the tater tots are golden and crispy. The casserole should be slightly puffed and the cheese beautifully melted. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving, then sprinkle with fresh chives if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip Draining the Sausage: Excess grease can make your casserole soggy, so take a moment to drain the sausage mixture well.
Cold Tots Work Best: Keep your tater tots frozen until ready to use—they’ll get crispier during baking than if they were thawed.
Check for Doneness Properly: Insert a knife into the center of the casserole—if it comes out clean with no runny egg mixture, you’re good to go.
Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set up perfectly for serving.

How to Serve

A slice of this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate your breakfast experience!

Breakfast Companions

Serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded morning meal.

Condiment Heaven

Set out bottles of hot sauce, salsa, sour cream, or ketchup so everyone can customize their portion.

Brunch Spread

Pair with mimosas, Bloody Marys, coffee, and orange juice for an impressive brunch spread that feels special but requires minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead Instructions

This casserole is a meal prep dream! Assemble everything up to the point of baking, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight (or up to 12 hours). When you’re ready to bake, simply remove from the refrigerator while your oven preheats and then add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! You can freeze it either before or after baking:

Unbaked: Assemble, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Baked: Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes).

FAQs

Can I use hash browns instead of tater tots?

Absolutely! Shredded hash browns make a great substitute for tater tots in this recipe. You’ll get a different texture—more of a cohesive top layer rather than distinct crispy pieces—but the flavor will be just as delicious. No need to adjust the cooking time.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the eggs are completely set (not jiggly) in the center, the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Insert a knife in the center—if it comes out clean without raw egg mixture, you’re good to go.
Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. You could also use a plant-based sausage substitute if you want to maintain that hearty texture and flavor profile.
My family doesn’t like spicy food. Can I adjust the recipe?

Definitely! Use regular breakfast sausage instead of spicy, and you can add extra flavor with herbs like thyme or sage if you like. The casserole will still be delicious without the heat.

Final Thoughts

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole combines everything we love about breakfast into one deliciously satisfying dish. It’s the perfect solution for busy mornings, weekend gatherings, or anytime you need to feed a hungry crowd with minimal effort. The contrast of crispy tots with the savory, cheesy egg mixture underneath is simply irresistible. Give it a try – I guarantee it’ll become a regular in your breakfast rotation!