If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly the comfort food you need. It brings together the crispy golden goodness of tater tots, the savory kick of hot breakfast sausage, and the creamy richness of softened cream cheese, all baked into a fluffy, cheesy egg custard that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a brunch, this casserole balances textures and flavors beautifully, making every bite simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to nailing this dish. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding a punch of flavor, creating a luscious texture, or contributing a vibrant color to your breakfast masterpiece.
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage: Provides a spicy, savory foundation that’s full of flavor and protein.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened: Adds a luscious creaminess that binds the sausage and tots perfectly.
- 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen tater tots: Crispy, golden delights that bring irresistible crunch and heartiness.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors harmoniously without overpowering.
- ½ tsp pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, aromatic warmth that awakens the palate.
- ¼ tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic with a sweet, savory touch.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to give rich, gooey cheesiness with a bit of sharpness.
- 8 eggs: The egg custard base that holds everything together with fluffy texture.
- 2 cups milk: Makes the egg mixture silky and tender for a perfect bake.
How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and clean-up will be a breeze—an important tip when you’re excited to dive into breakfast!
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Combine with Cream Cheese
In a large skillet, cook the hot breakfast sausage over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Then, add the softened cream cheese directly into the skillet, stirring it into the warm sausage until melted and creamy. This step is where the creamy magic begins, binding the bold sausage flavors with smooth richness.
Step 3: Mix the Tater Tots with Sausage-Cream Cheese and Cheese
In a big mixing bowl, toss together the frozen tater tots, your sausage and cream cheese mixture, and shredded cheddar cheese. This combination creates a beautiful medley of crispy, meaty, creamy, and cheesy textures that will make everyone’s mouth water.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture and Pour Over
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk until fully combined. Pour this savory custard evenly over the tater tot mixture in your prepared baking pan. The eggs soak into the tots and sausage, setting up a perfectly tender, sliceable casserole after baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Set
Bake the casserole uncovered for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the eggs are completely set and the top is golden and bubbly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, indicating your sausage cream cheese tater tot breakfast casserole is ready to wow your taste buds.
How to Serve Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To take your casserole to the next level, sprinkle fresh chopped chives or green onions on top right after baking for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can also add a cool tang or spicy kick that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing this casserole with crisp, fresh fruit like sliced oranges or berries balances the savory heft with bright, refreshing sweetness. For those wanting more, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted veggies can round out the meal without overpowering the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at brunch parties, or make it a family-style meal by placing the whole pan on the table and letting everyone help themselves. You can also top portions with avocado slices or a sprinkle of crispy bacon for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This breakfast casserole stores beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep it moist and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. It’s ready to reheat whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this ahead of time, freeze the casserole before baking by covering the unbaked dish tightly with a double layer of foil and a plastic wrap. Label it well, and it can last in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole slices in the oven at 350ºF for about 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through. Using the oven helps maintain the crispy texture of the tater tots better than microwaving, but if you’re in a hurry, the microwave will do — just expect softer tots.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While hot breakfast sausage brings a spicy kick, you can substitute mild sausage or even turkey sausage to suit your taste or dietary preference without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative or sautéed veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers to keep it hearty and flavorful while staying vegetarian.
Is it possible to use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
You could, but tater tots give this casserole its signature crispy texture and convenience. If using fresh potatoes, par-cook them until tender and lightly crisp before assembling to get a similar effect.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely. Assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, simply bake it the next morning. This makes morning prep incredibly easy, especially for busy households or special occasions.
What’s the best way to make sure the casserole sets properly?
Use fresh eggs and don’t overbeat the egg mixture. Bake at 350ºF until the eggs are fully set but still tender, around 60-70 minutes, and avoid opening the oven door too often, which can cause temperature fluctuations.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly delightful about sinking your fork into a perfectly baked sausage cream cheese tater tot breakfast casserole. It’s a dish that not only fills you up but lifts your spirits with every cheesy, crispy, and savory bite. If you want to bring smiles to your breakfast table, this recipe is a must-try—easy to make, comforting, and utterly delicious. Give this Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe a go, and you’ll wonder why it’s not a breakfast staple in every home!
Print
Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and savory dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Featuring crispy tater tots layered with flavorful hot breakfast sausage, creamy softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and a well-seasoned egg custard, it bakes to a golden perfection with a creamy and cheesy interior. Ideal for a weekend brunch or holiday breakfast, this casserole is comforting, filling, and easy to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
Main Casserole
- 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage and Mix with Cream Cheese: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the hot breakfast sausage until it is completely browned and no longer pink inside. Drain excess fat from the skillet. Add the softened cream cheese to the sausage in the skillet and stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy sausage mixture.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the frozen tater tots, the cooked sausage and cream cheese mixture, and the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly combined. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch pan.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.
- Pour Egg Mixture and Bake: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tot and sausage layer in the baking dish. Place the casserole on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the casserole to set further and makes serving easier.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, substitute hot breakfast sausage with mild or sweet sausage.
- You can swap cheddar cheese with a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a different cheesy flavor.
- Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it firm up for easier slicing.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time if chilled.
- Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sausage mixture for extra veggies.
