Tater Tot Casserole Breakfast: A Hearty Morning Classic

There’s nothing like waking up to a golden, bubbling casserole that brings together all your favorite breakfast flavors in one pan. This Tater Tot Casserole combines spicy breakfast sausage, crispy tater tots, melty cheeses, and a savory egg custard for an all-in-one dish that’s perfect for weekend brunches or fueling a busy weekday morning. With minimal prep and just one casserole dish, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in about an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it bakes everything together—no juggling multiple skillets or side dishes. The hot sausage adds a touch of heat, while the tater tots create a golden, crispy crust. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella provides richness and stringy melt, and the egg-milk mixture binds it all into a fluffy, custardy base. Plus, you can assemble it the night before and simply bake in the morning, making it ideal for easy entertaining or stress-free weekday breakfasts.

Ingredients

You’ll need the following:

• Two pounds of hot breakfast sausage
• One 30- to 32-ounce bag of frozen tater tots
• One teaspoon of salt
• Half a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• A quarter teaspoon of garlic powder
• A quarter teaspoon of onion powder
• One and a half cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
• Half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• Eight large eggs
• Two cups of milk

Feel free to swap in mild sausage if you prefer less heat, or use half turkey sausage for a lighter version. Reduced-fat cheeses also work well here.

Equipment

• A 9×13-inch baking dish
• A large skillet for browning sausage
• Two mixing bowls (one for the sausage layer, one for the egg mixture)
• A whisk or fork for beating eggs
• Nonstick cooking spray

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray the baking dish lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble in the hot breakfast sausage. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is crumbly. Drain off any excess fat, then spread the sausage evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.

3. Season and Layer Tots
Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over the sausage. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the sausage, ensuring full coverage so each bite has that crispy potato texture.

4. Add the Cheeses
Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar across the tater tots, then sprinkle on the mozzarella. The dual cheeses provide both sharp flavor and gooey melt.

5. Whisk the Custard
In a separate bowl, crack in eight eggs and pour in two cups of milk. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.

6. Combine and Bake
Carefully pour the egg-milk mixture over the layered sausage, tots, and cheese. Give the dish a gentle shake on the counter to help the custard settle. Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown. When you insert a slim knife into the center, it should emerge without any wet batter clinging to it.

7. Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for five to ten minutes on the countertop. This brief cool-down firms the custard slightly, making it easier to slice. Serve warm, either directly from the dish or plated individually.

Make-Ahead and Storage

You can assemble everything up to the point of adding eggs, cover the dish, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pour on the custard and bake, adding an extra five minutes if the casserole is cold. Leftovers keep for up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat well in the microwave or a warm oven. For longer storage, cut cooled squares, wrap them individually, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

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Variations

• Add a cup of diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms with the sausage for extra veggie power.
• Mix in black beans and top with avocado and cilantro for a Southwest twist.
• Use Italian sausage and swap mozzarella for provolone; finish with fresh basil for an Italian-style bake.
• Stir chopped jalapeños into the egg mixture and sprinkle red-pepper flakes on top for extra spice.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Offer hot sauce, salsa, or ketchup on the side so everyone can customize their flavor profile. Serve alongside bottomless coffee or a mimosa bar for a festive brunch gathering.

This Tater Tot Casserole Breakfast is the ultimate comfort-food wake-up call—no fuss, big flavor, and enough leftovers to fuel you all week. Enjoy!