If you are searching for the ultimate comfort breakfast that brings together crispy, golden tater tots with savory sausage and gooey cheese, then look no further than this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect dish to make ahead and share with family or friends on a cozy weekend morning. This casserole combines familiar flavors in a hearty, crowd-pleasing way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Every bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes, making it an all-time favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet indispensable ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a flavorful, rich, and visually inviting casserole that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare.
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage: Provides a spicy, savory base that infuses the casserole with bold flavor and hearty protein.
- 1 (30-32oz) bag frozen tater tots: Adds crispy texture and comfort-food familiarity that everyone loves.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Gives a subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Adds a hint of aromatic warmth and complexity.
- 1/4 tsp onion powder: Brings gentle sweetness and fullness to the seasoning.
- 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp, melty richness that binds everything together.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese: Provides creamy meltiness and gooey texture for extra indulgence.
- 8 eggs: Create the custardy filling that holds the casserole together with a tender bite.
- 2 cups milk: Makes the egg mixture silky and smooth, perfect for baking into the casserole.
How to Make Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Cook the Sausage
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, cook the hot breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink, making sure to drain off the excess fat. This step ensures your casserole will have that irresistible sausage flavor without being greasy.
Step 2: Combine Tater Tots, Sausage, and Cheese
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together the frozen tater tots, cooked sausage, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. The mixture is the hearty heart of this casserole, seamlessly blending textures from crispy tots to melty cheese. Once combined, pour everything into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This base promises pockets of crispy and cheesy goodness throughout.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together 8 eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk until well combined. This creamy egg mixture will soak into the hearty layers below, turning the casserole into a custardy masterpiece once baked. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tot and cheese layer, making sure every corner is covered.
Step 4: Optional Refrigeration and Baking
If you need to prepare this dish ahead of time, cover the casserole and refrigerate it until ready to bake—that flexibility makes it perfect for busy mornings. When you’re set to bake, pop the casserole uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is beautifully golden. The wait is worth it for that perfectly baked Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe!
How to Serve Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving presentation with fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, or a dash of hot sauce. These bright accents not only elevate the visual appeal but add a burst of freshness and a touch of heat to complement the richness of the casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing sides like fresh fruit salad, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette, or even some roasted vegetables. These sides balance out the indulgent, hearty flavors perfectly for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, serve individual portions in ramekins, topped with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices. You can also offer a DIY toppings bar with salsa, shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or sliced jalapeños so guests can customize their servings. Making the Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe your centerpiece will definitely impress everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts or lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, cut it into portions and place them in airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months—just be sure to label it well for easy identification.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge, then warm them in the oven at 350ºF until heated through and the cheese is bubbly once again. For refrigerated leftovers, a quick microwave zap or oven warming works well. The casserole’s texture holds up wonderfully, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers to maintain flavor and texture.
Is it possible to use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
You can, but using frozen tater tots saves time and creates a crispier, more consistent texture. If using fresh potatoes, parboil them first for the best result.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Yes, try using dairy-free cheese alternatives and replace milk with your favorite plant-based milk. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and satisfying.
How spicy is the casserole with hot sausage?
The hot breakfast sausage adds a pleasant mild heat that enhances the dish’s flavor without overwhelming most palates. You can adjust the spice level by choosing mild sausage or adding extra seasonings as preferred.
Can I prepare this the night before?
Definitely! One of the best parts about this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe is that you can assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Then simply bake it the next morning for a stress-free, delicious breakfast.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation for weekends, holidays, or any time you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s easy to prepare, satisfying to eat, and the perfect way to bring everyone together around the breakfast table. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why this dish holds a special place in so many hearts (and stomachs).
Print
Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and delicious Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole perfect for mornings when you want a savory, cheesy, and satisfying meal. This casserole combines crispy tater tots, flavorful sausage, and melty cheeses baked with a savory egg custard, making it an ideal dish for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
Tater Tot Layer
- 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Seasonings & Cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Egg Mixture
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the hot breakfast sausage until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain the excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy.
- Combine Tater Tots, Sausage, and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the frozen tater tots, cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined. Transfer this mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk until fully blended and smooth. This mixture will bind the casserole ingredients together.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tot, sausage, and cheese layer in the baking pan. Gently shake and tilt the pan to ensure the eggs penetrate throughout the casserole.
- Optional Refrigeration: At this point, cover the baking pan with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate if you plan to bake the casserole later. This allows the flavors to meld and is convenient for prepping ahead.
- Bake: Remove the cover if refrigerated, and bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and a golden crust forms on top. You can test doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before cutting into six portions. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty breakfast casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute hot breakfast sausage with mild sausage or turkey sausage according to your preference.
- For a gluten-free option, verify that the sausage and tater tots are gluten-free brands.
- Adding chopped bell peppers or onions to the sausage while cooking can add extra flavor and veggies.
- This casserole can be made a day in advance and refrigerated; just bake it fresh when ready to serve.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
