Hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe: Morning Magic

Mornings call for hearty, comforting dishes that spark joy at the breakfast table, and this tater tot breakfast casserole recipe delivers pure satisfaction.

Layers of crispy golden tater tots nestle perfectly with savory sausage and melted cheese for an irresistible morning meal.

Packed with protein and flavor, this crowd-pleasing dish brings warmth and comfort to any breakfast spread.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will make everyone at the table smile.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a memorable breakfast that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Weekend brunches or lazy morning gatherings will never be the same once you serve this mouthwatering casserole.

Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate breakfast comfort food that feeds both body and soul.

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Favorites

• Packed with classic breakfast favorites like sausage, eggs, and crispy tater tots, this casserole delivers pure morning satisfaction that'll make everyone at the table happy.
• Super simple assembly means you can throw this together in minutes, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunches when you need a delicious meal fast.
• Equally awesome for weekend family breakfasts, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd – this one-pan wonder works for multiple occasions and always gets rave reviews.
• Swap sausage for bacon, add different cheeses, or toss in some veggies to make this recipe totally your own without changing the basic delicious framework.

Tater Tot Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Sausage: A savory meat that adds rich flavor and hearty texture to the breakfast casserole.

• Tater Tots: Crispy potato nuggets that create a delicious bottom layer and provide a satisfying crunch.

• Eggs, Heavy Cream: Eggs and cream work together to create a smooth, custardy base that holds the casserole together.
• Shredded Cheese: A melty ingredient that adds creamy richness and extra flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that boost the overall taste of the breakfast casserole.

• Cooking Spray or Butter: Used to grease the baking pan and prevent sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover the casserole during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Equipment for Tater Tot Casserole

• 9×13 inch baking dish: Essential for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning and crumbling sausage.
• Whisk: Needed to blend eggs, cream, and seasonings smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading layers and removing casserole from pan.
• Aluminum foil: Used to cover casserole during initial baking.

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your trusty 9×13 baking dish and give it a generous spray or butter coating to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage

Toss your favorite breakfast sausage into a hot skillet.

Break it into delicious crumbly bits while cooking.

Once it’s beautifully browned, drain away any extra grease to keep things light and tasty.

Step 3: Whip the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, crack open some fresh eggs and pour in some smooth cream.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Dried herbs

Whisk everything together until it’s silky and well combined.

Step 4: Create Delicious Layers

• First, spread a single layer of crispy tater tots across the bottom
• Scatter the cooked sausage evenly over the tots
• Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese on top
• Gently pour the egg mixture over everything, making sure it covers all the ingredients

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes.

You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown top and a set center.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and cool slightly.

Tater Tot Casserole Tips

• Remove excess grease completely to prevent a greasy, soggy casserole texture.
• Mix different cheese varieties like cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack for extra flavor complexity.
• Assemble casserole night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld overnight for richer taste.
• Incorporate diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and color variation.
• Slightly thaw tater tots before layering to ensure crispier, golden-brown top layer during baking.

Tater Tot Casserole Variations

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace sausage with sautéed bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms for a plant-based protein-packed breakfast casserole.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tater tots and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute tater tots with roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a crispy texture.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced green chiles, pepper jack cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder to give the casserole a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Serving Tater Tot Casserole

• Hearty Morning Feast: Serve this casserole as a complete breakfast spread with fresh orange slices and hot coffee for a satisfying morning meal.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Pair with crispy bacon strips, sliced avocado, and a light mixed green salad to create a restaurant-style brunch experience at home.
• Potluck Champion: Transport this dish to family gatherings or morning potlucks, keeping it warm in a portable insulated carrier to maintain its delicious temperature and texture.
• Game Day Starter: Cut into smaller squares and serve as a protein-packed appetizer during morning sports events or tailgate parties, accompanied by fresh salsa or hot sauce.

Storing Tater Tot Casserole

• Store covered in airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping casserole whole or portioned. Seal tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Package in freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Stays fresh for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway. Add splash of milk to prevent dryness.
• Warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy tater tot top. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen tater tots directly in the casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen tater tots without thawing. Just arrange them directly from the package into the greased baking pan.

• What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Ground breakfast sausage is ideal. Pork sausage with a bit of spice adds great flavor, but you can also use turkey sausage for a leaner option.

• How can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Assemble the casserole the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking and add an extra 5-10 minutes to cooking time.

• Is this breakfast casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! After baking and cooling completely, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months.

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole brings together crispy potatoes, savory meats, and melted cheese in a comforting morning dish. Breakfast enthusiasts will adore this easy-to-prepare, crowd-pleasing casserole that satisfies morning hunger with simple, delicious ingredients.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 8 eggs

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or milk

Seasonings and Tater Tots:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) frozen tater tots
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat using a paper towel.
3. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine eggs with heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs for enhanced flavor.
4. Arrange a uniform layer of frozen tater tots across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a complete base coverage.
5. Distribute the cooked sausage evenly over the tater tot layer, ensuring consistent coverage.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the sausage, creating a rich, melty topping.
7. Carefully pour the seasoned egg mixture over the entire casserole, allowing it to seep between the tater tots and other ingredients.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes to ensure thorough cooking.
9. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the eggs are completely set.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to settle and cool slightly.

Notes

• Swap sausage with turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter, healthier version that still packs incredible flavor and protein.
• Customize seasonings by adding smoked paprika, garlic powder, or chopped fresh herbs like chives for an extra flavor boost that elevates the classic breakfast casserole.
• Prepare components ahead of time by cooking sausage and whisking egg mixture the night before, then assemble and bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that impresses everyone.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, reheating in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy tater tot texture and prevent sogginess.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg