Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole combines classic breakfast ingredients like sausage, eggs, and cheese, all baked into a delicious, hearty casserole. The crispy tater tots form the perfect base while the creamy egg mixture and melted cheese create a satisfying and filling meal. It's incredibly easy to prepare, and the best part is that it can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy mornings. Plus, you can freeze it for later use, so you'll always have a comforting breakfast ready when you need it.

Ingredients

• 2 lb hot breakfast sausage

• 1 (30-32oz) bag frozen tater tots

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• 1-½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese

• 8 eggs

• 2 cups milk

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.

2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

3. In a large bowl, toss together the tater tots, cooked sausage, and shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

4. Pour the mixture into the greased 9×13-inch pan.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Pour this mixture evenly over the tater tot and sausage mixture.

6. (Optional) Cover and refrigerate if you're making it in advance.

7. Bake uncovered for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the casserole is golden and bubbly.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 60-70 minutes

• Total time: 75-85 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Replace the sausage with your favorite plant-based breakfast sausage or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a vegetarian option.

• Spicy kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sausage mixture to give the casserole a spicy edge.

• Cheese variation: Swap out the cheddar and mozzarella for other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy flavor or Swiss for a mild taste.

• Meat alternatives: Ground turkey or chicken sausage can be used instead of traditional pork sausage for a leaner option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: You can store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

• Freezing: To freeze, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.

• Reheating: To reheat after refrigerating, simply microwave individual portions or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350ºF for about 20 minutes. If reheating from frozen, make sure to thaw it completely before baking, and then cover with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it the next day. This is perfect for busy mornings or for meal prepping.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Absolutely! After assembling, cover the casserole tightly and freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even bacon for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this casserole without eggs?

If you're looking to make an egg-free version, you could try using a combination of silken tofu and a bit of nutritional yeast for a similar texture. However, the flavor and consistency may vary.

How do I make this casserole spicier?

You can add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sausage mixture for a bit of heat. Pepper jack cheese also works well to bring some spice.

Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?

Frozen tater tots work best for this recipe since they hold their shape well during baking. Fresh tater tots may not give the same crispy texture.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the eggs are set and no longer jiggle in the center. You can also use a toothpick to check for doneness—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Can I make this casserole in a smaller or larger dish?

Yes, if you want to make a smaller or larger version of this casserole, you can adjust the size of the baking dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! You can add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrients. Just sauté them beforehand to reduce moisture.

Conclusion

This Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole is a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of day. With its rich combination of savory sausage, crispy tater tots, creamy eggs, and melted cheese, it's guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, it's perfect for meal prep, so you can make it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. Whether you're feeding a crowd or simply looking for a tasty breakfast or dinner, this casserole is the way to go!