I absolutely love sharing this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that truly brings the best parts of breakfast and comfort food together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for brunch or just craving something hearty and easy on a weekend morning, this casserole hits all the right spots. It’s cheesy, packed with savory sausage, and those crispy tater tots on the bottom add the perfect crunchy texture that makes every bite so satisfying.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it is to put together yet how impressive it tastes. You’ll find that it holds up beautifully for leftovers too, making your mornings less hectic when you’re running low on time. This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe is definitely a keeper in my recipe box—it combines convenience with irresistible flavor in the most comforting way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Busy Mornings: You can prep this casserole in advance and bake it when you need a filling breakfast that’s ready fast.
- Crispy & Cheesy Delight: The crispy tater tots paired with gooey cheddar and savory sausage make every bite a crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable Flavors: You can switch up the veggies or spice level to suit your family’s tastes without losing that comforting vibe.
- Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making your mornings less stressful and more delicious throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe is straightforward, and the combination is what really makes the flavors shine. I like using a mix of colorful bell peppers because it adds brightness and a little sweetness that balances out the savory sausage and cheese.
- Frozen tater tots: These are the base of the casserole—make sure to use a good quality brand for the best texture.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and provide that rich breakfast flavor.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture for a tender, custardy bake.
- Mild salsa: I love how it adds subtle zest and moisture without overpowering the dish.
- Shredded cheese: Mexican blend works beautifully here, but sharp cheddar or a mix of cheeses can also be delicious.
- Bell peppers: Using red, green, yellow, and orange peppers gives the dish color and freshness.
- Diced onions: They add savory depth once sautéed before mixing in.
- Minced garlic: Garlic always amps up the flavor—just a brief sauté is perfect to keep it fragrant.
- Minced jalapeno: Optional, but I recommend it for a gentle kick that wakes up the other ingredients.
- Sliced breakfast sausages: Fried first to bring out their full flavor and texture.
- Seasonings (oregano, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper): These create a subtle southwestern flavor that pairs perfectly with the ingredients.
- Sliced green onions (optional): A fresh garnish that adds a little pop of color and mild onion flavor.
Variations
I love playing around with this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe to fit whatever mood or dietary need I have on hand. Feel encouraged to swap things out—you might discover your new favorite version!
- Meat-free version: Try substituting the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist—I found the mushrooms add a great umami punch.
- Spice it up: If you enjoy heat like I do, double the jalapeno or add a dash of cayenne powder for an extra kick.
- Cheese swap: I’ve had great success using pepper jack for a little zing or mozzarella for a milder, creamier melt.
- Veggie additions: Sometimes I throw in chopped spinach or diced tomatoes for extra freshness and color.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Get those tater tots ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish. I strongly recommend pre-baking or air frying the tater tots to get them crispy before layering. When I first skipped this step, the casserole turned out soggier than I liked. Just arrange cooked tater tots evenly in the pan for a satisfyingly crispy bottom.
Step 2: Sauté your veggies and sausage
Using the same pan you cooked your sausage in (hello, extra flavor!), sauté the diced bell peppers and onions over medium heat for about 5 minutes until soft. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant—this wet napkin moment makes a big difference. Once fragrant, set the veggies aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the custard and combine
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salsa, and your spices (oregano, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper). Stir in the cooked sausage slices, sautéed veggies, and one cup of shredded cheese. This blend creates that savory, cheesy custard that brings everything together perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble and bake
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bed of crispy tater tots in your pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the eggs are set. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly to your liking. Garnish with sliced green onions and slice up this casserole masterpiece to serve.
If you want to skip pre-cooking the tater tots, no worries! Just bake the assembled casserole for about 40 minutes or until the eggs are set, then add the cheese and finish baking. Keep in mind the texture of the tots won’t be quite as crispy but still tasty.
Pro Tips for Making Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
- Pre-cook Your Tots: I found that air frying or baking tater tots first prevents sogginess and creates a wonderful crispy bottom layer every time.
- Use the Sausage Pan: Sautéing your vegetables in the pan where the sausage cooked adds extra flavor and cuts down on cleaning.
- Don’t Overmix the Eggs: Whisk gently to combine ingredients for a tender casserole instead of a dense one.
- Avoid Cold Ingredients in the Oven: Let your egg mixture come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking and prevent watery spots.
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping mine with freshly sliced green onions for that fresh snap of flavor and a pop of color. Sometimes, I add a dollop of sour cream or a light drizzle of hot sauce if we’re feeling adventurous. These simple touches make the casserole feel a little extra special.
Side Dishes
I usually pair this casserole with fresh fruit salad or a side of crispy bacon if I’m making brunch. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also works well to balance out the richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Another fun idea is to layer the casserole in a clear glass dish so the colorful veggies and tater tots show through—such a great way to impress guests without extra work!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually pack my leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I’ve learned it’s best to warm them up covered loosely in the microwave or oven to prevent drying out while keeping the flavors intact.
Freezing
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe freezes wonderfully if you want to prep in bulk. I tightly cover the unbaked casserole with plastic wrap and foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—perfect for busy weekend mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or heat the whole dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying, until warmed through. I like reheating in the oven best because it brings back some of that crispy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
Absolutely! You can dice and par-cook fresh potatoes until they’re crispy before layering them in the casserole. Just make sure they’re cooked through enough so they don’t become soggy during baking.
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Is it necessary to pre-cook the tater tots?
Pre-cooking tater tots isn’t mandatory, but I highly recommend it. Pre-baking or air frying makes them crispy rather than mushy and significantly improves the casserole’s texture.
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Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the sausage for your favorite vegetarian protein like sautéed mushrooms, plant-based sausage, or even extra veggies for a meat-free version that’s still packed with flavor.
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How long can leftovers be stored?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, leftovers will stay good for about 3 days. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something that feels indulgent but is easy to throw together. I love how it brings everyone to the table happy and full, whether it’s a casual weekend morning or a special brunch with friends. If you’re looking for a recipe that balances simplicity with crowd-pleasing flavor, give this one a try—I promise you won’t regret it!
Print
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage is a perfect blend of crispy tater tots, savory breakfast sausage, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a rich mixture of eggs and cheese. Baked to perfection, it makes a delicious, comforting breakfast or brunch dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Base
- 32 oz frozen tater tots
Egg Mixture
- 12 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup mild salsa
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 2 pinches chili powder
- 3 pinches onion powder
- 3 pinches garlic powder
- Salt and pepper for taste
Vegetables
- 2 2/3 cups bell peppers (red, green, yellow, and orange), diced
- 2/3 cup diced onions
- 2 tsp finely minced garlic
- 1 minced jalapeno
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Other
- 3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend recommended)
- 12 oz fried breakfast sausages, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Tater Tots: Lay out the frozen or cooked tater tots evenly across the greased baking pan to form the base layer of the casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same pan you cooked the sausage in, heat over medium heat and sauté the diced bell peppers and onions for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mild salsa, and seasonings: oregano, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sliced breakfast sausages, sautéed vegetables, jalapeno, and one cup of shredded cheese. Mix gently to combine all ingredients.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg and sausage mixture evenly over the tater tots in the baking pan. Spread it out to cover the tots completely.
- Bake Initial Layer: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the eggs have set.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Final Bake: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top, then return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 to 10 minutes, according to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, garnish with sliced green onions if desired, slice into portions, and serve warm.
- Alternative Method for Uncooked Tater Tots: If you choose not to pre-cook the tater tots, assemble the casserole as described and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until eggs are fully set. Then sprinkle the cheese on top and bake until melted.
Notes
- Pre-cooking tater tots by baking, air frying, or frying results in a crispier texture and better overall texture in the casserole. If using fried tots, drain well on paper towels.
- Tater tots can be used straight from the freezer without precooking, but this may result in a softer, more mushy texture in the casserole.
- For best results, pour the egg mixture over hot, crispy tater tots; this cuts down baking time and enhances texture.
- You can freeze the assembled casserole tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Prepare the casserole in advance by assembling and refrigerating before baking. If the egg mixture is cold, baking time may be longer.
