Hearty Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Hearty Morning Magic: Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Wake up to a mouthwatering morning with this hearty tater tot sausage breakfast casserole that promises to kick-start your day with pure comfort.

Layers of golden crispy tater tots nestled between savory sausage create a breakfast sensation that’ll have everyone rushing to the table.

Packed with cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, this casserole brings warmth and satisfaction to your morning routine.

The robust flavors blend perfectly, offering a delightful balance of crispy potatoes and rich, seasoned sausage.

Each bite promises a delectable combination of textures and tastes that transform an ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary.

breakfast has never looked this tempting or felt this satisfying.

Let’s find out this crowd-pleasing dish that turns simple ingredients into a memorable morning feast.

Store and Reheat This Hearty Morning Bake

  • Fridge Fresh Technique: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal taste and safety, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer Friendly Strategy: Slice casserole into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze up to 1 month for quick future breakfasts.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes or in oven at 350ºF for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165ºF for safe consumption.
  • Smart Prep Approach: Assemble casserole night before and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and saving morning cooking time for busy families or weekend gatherings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 70 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 487 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients That Make Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole

For Protein And Flavor Base:
  • Hot Breakfast Sausage: Provides rich, spicy foundation with deep meaty taste; choose high-quality ground sausage with good fat content for maximum flavor depth.
  • Eggs: Crucial binding ingredient that creates creamy texture and adds substantial protein; select fresh, large eggs for best results.
For Cheesy Layers:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers melty, gooey goodness with sharp and mild cheese combinations; opt for freshly grated cheese for superior melting and richer taste.
For Seasonings And Enhancers:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor boosters that balance and elevate overall dish profile; use freshly ground black pepper for more intense taste.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Introduces subtle aromatic undertones that complement sausage and cheese; choose high-quality, fresh ground spices for maximum impact.
For Crispy Potato Base:
  • Frozen Tater Tots: Creates delightful crunchy foundation with golden, crispy exterior; select premium brand for best texture and consistent size.
For Creamy Liquid Base:
  • Milk: Provides smooth, rich liquid that helps bind ingredients and creates luscious custard-like consistency; whole milk recommended for richest result.

Tools to Prep This Breakfast Favorite

  • 9×13-inch baking pan: Essential for assembling and baking the casserole.
  • Large skillet: Perfect for browning and cooking the sausage.
  • Mixing bowl: Great for combining tater tots, sausage, and cheeses.
  • Whisk: Crucial for blending eggs, milk, and seasonings smoothly.
  • Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Spatula: Useful for transferring and spreading the mixture evenly.

How to Make Tater Tot Sausage Casserole at Home

  • Morning Comfort Foundation

Prepare your baking space by setting the oven temperature to a cozy 350 degrees and lightly coating a rectangular pan with non-stick spray.

  • Savory Meat Preparation

Brown crumbled sausage in a skillet, ensuring it’s fully cooked and free from excess grease by draining away any accumulated fat.

  • Layered Ingredient Arrangement

Create a delightful mixture by combining crispy tater tots, seasoned sausage, and a blend of melty cheeses, then spread evenly across the prepared pan.

  • Creamy Liquid Infusion

Craft a smooth base by whisking together farm-fresh eggs with complementary seasonings and rich milk, then gently pour over the tot and meat layer.

  • Baking Transformation

Allow the casserole to bake uncovered, letting the ingredients meld and transform for approximately one hour, until the egg mixture sets perfectly and the top achieves a golden, appetizing finish.

Tips to Customize Your Morning Casserole

  • Prepare this casserole ahead of time and freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
  • Experiment with different sausage varieties like spicy chorizo, Italian, or turkey sausage to change the flavor profile and add exciting twists to the classic recipe.
  • Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the mixture. Sauté vegetables briefly before mixing to enhance their flavor and prevent excess moisture.
  • Swap out the standard cheese blend with sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a combination of your favorite cheeses. Grated or shredded works perfectly and adds depth to the dish.
  • Assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven and enjoy a stress-free breakfast that feeds a crowd with minimal morning effort.

Best Ways to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

  • Brunch Party Centerpiece: Serve this hearty casserole as the star attraction at a weekend gathering, letting guests scoop out generous portions with a spatula and enjoy the crispy tater tot edges.
  • Morning Meal Companion: Pair the casserole with fresh fruit salad or a light green salad to balance the richness and add a refreshing contrast to the savory dish.
  • Leftover Love: Slice cold or reheated portions for a quick breakfast-on-the-go, wrapping individual servings in foil for an easy meal that travels well to work or school.
  • Flavor Booster: Top with chopped fresh chives, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of deliciousness to each bite.
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Hearty Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Hearty Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Hearty Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole combines classic morning flavors in one comforting dish. Layers of sausage, cheese, and crispy tater tots promise a satisfying start to your breakfast adventure.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) hot breakfast sausage
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots (3032 oz / 850907 g)
  • 8 eggs
  • 2 cups (473 ml) milk
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (57 g) mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and generously spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Sausage Preparation: Brown ground sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, crumbling into small pieces. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
  3. Ingredient Blending: In a large mixing bowl, combine tater tots, cooked sausage crumbles, cheddar cheese, and monterey jack cheese. Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Initial Assembly: Spread the tater tot, sausage, and cheese mixture uniformly across the prepared baking dish.
  5. Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and dried onion powder in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
  6. Final Assembly: Pour the egg mixture over the tater tot layer, ensuring complete and consistent coverage across the casserole.
  7. Baking Process: Place casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 55-65 minutes, or until eggs are fully set and the top develops a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
  8. Serving Preparation: Allow casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven, enabling easier cutting and optimal serving consistency.

Notes

  • Drain Sausage Carefully: Remove excess grease completely to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure crispy texture.
  • Layer Distribution Matters: Spread ingredients evenly for consistent flavor and perfect bite in every serving.
  • Egg Mixture Coverage: Pour eggs slowly and gently to guarantee complete coverage of tater tots and prevent dry spots.
  • Resting Time is Crucial: Let casserole sit 5-10 minutes after baking to allow eggs to set and make slicing cleaner and easier.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 487
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 952 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 186 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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