Introduction
Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead favorite that’s perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or feeding a hungry family. This comfort food classic features crispy tater tots layered with eggs, cheese, sausage (or bacon), and often a creamy binding that brings it all together. It’s warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying — everything a great breakfast should be.
Ingredients
1 lb breakfast sausage (or bacon), cooked and crumbled
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
8 large eggs
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped green onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños for added flavor
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Cook Sausage or Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage or bacon until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
Layer Ingredients:
Spread the cooked sausage (or bacon) evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle any optional veggies here. Layer the shredded cheese over the meat.
Add Tater Tots:
Place tater tots in a single layer over the top. You can line them up neatly or scatter them.
Mix Egg Mixture:
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until eggs are set and the top is golden and crispy. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil in the last 10 minutes.
Cool & Serve:
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Description
This casserole is the ultimate breakfast comfort food — crispy tater tots on top, savory meat and gooey cheese in the middle, and fluffy eggs binding everything together. It’s easily customizable and can be prepped ahead of time, making it ideal for holidays, potlucks, or meal prepping your week.
Tips
Make Ahead: Assemble the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
Double Cheese: Add an extra sprinkle of cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey top.
Veg it up: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers for more nutrients and flavor.
Spice it up: Use pepper jack cheese or add diced jalapeños for a kick.
Variations
Southwestern Style: Add black beans, corn, and salsa, then top with avocado after baking.
Meatless Option: Skip the meat and use sautéed veggies or plant-based crumbles.
Mini Casseroles: Make in muffin tins for single-serving breakfast bites.
Creamy Version: Add ½ cup sour cream or cream of mushroom soup to the egg mixture for a richer texture.
Correction (Common Mistakes)
Soggy bottom: Be sure to drain grease well from sausage or bacon before layering.
Undercooked center: Check with a knife in the center — if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Tater tots too soft: For extra crispiness, bake the tater tots for 10–15 minutes before adding to the casserole.
Enjoy
Slice it up, serve with coffee or fresh fruit, and enjoy a warm, filling breakfast with all the best parts of a morning meal in one dish. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just fueling your day, this casserole is always a hit. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!