If you’ve ever dreamed of a breakfast that’s warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor, then this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine crispy tater tots as the comforting base, layered with savory sausage, crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese—a combination that comes together into the ultimate weekend brunch or special occasion treat. Simple ingredients transform into a golden, cheesy masterpiece that’s perfect to share with family or friends, and it’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the magic behind this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe: it relies on a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the crispy texture of the tater tots to the rich, creamy eggs and the smoky goodness of the meats, every component builds layers of flavor and irresistible comfort.
- Breakfast sausage links (2 packages, 9-ounce each): Adds hearty, savory notes that pair perfectly with eggs and cheese.
- Bacon (1 pound): Brings a crispy, smoky crunch that elevates the whole dish.
- Tater tots (1 32-ounce package): The crispy potato base that makes this casserole uniquely delicious.
- Large eggs (12): The binder that holds everything together with a light, fluffy texture.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess to the egg mixture and helps create a tender bite.
- Green onions (1/4 cup thinly sliced plus 2 tablespoons for garnish): Introduces a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant green color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a gentle warmth that balances the richness.
- Monterey jack cheese (1 cup shredded): Melts beautifully, adding smooth, mild undertones.
- Cheddar cheese (2 cups shredded, divided): A sharp kick of flavor, with half mixed in and half sprinkled on top.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the oven and meats
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). While it’s warming up, cook the breakfast sausage links in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked through. Once done, slice the sausage into half-inch pieces for easy eating. Using the same skillet, cook the bacon until it’s brown and crispy, then crumble it up. This dual use of the skillet helps soak up all that delicious flavor.
Step 2: Arrange the tater tots
Grab a 9×13 baking dish and carefully arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer. This will become your crispy base, so spacing them evenly helps ensure every bite has that perfect crunch.
Step 3: Whisk the egg mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the 12 large eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, thinly sliced green onions, salt, and black pepper. The eggs will create that creamy custard texture that’s essential for any great casserole. Fold in the freshly cooked sausage pieces and half of the crumbled bacon, then gently mix in the shredded Monterey jack cheese and half of the shredded cheddar. This combination guarantees melty, cheesy goodness throughout.
Step 4: Bake the casserole
Pour the rich egg mixture evenly over the tater tots in your baking dish. This is where the magic happens—into the oven it goes for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is fully set and the edges begin to turn golden brown.
Step 5: Add cheese topping
Once the casserole is firm and mostly cooked, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top. Pop it back in the oven for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer that looks as irresistible as it tastes.
Step 6: Rest and garnish
Allow the casserole to stand for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting time helps it set further, making it easier to cut and serve. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining bacon and sliced green onions over the top to add a burst of crunch and fresh flavor that brightens every bite.
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this dish from delicious to unforgettable. Try adding chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a subtle bite. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce also complements the richness beautifully. These little touches make every serving feel special.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. A crisp fruit salad with citrusy notes or a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette can balance the richness perfectly. If you want to keep it cozy, a side of buttered toast or warm biscuits are ideal for scooping up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing brunch, serve the casserole directly in the baking dish at the center of the table and let everyone help themselves. You can also portion out individual servings in ramekins for a charming presentation. For a fun twist, top each slice with an extra fried egg or some avocado slices to make your breakfast truly Instagram-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it just as delicious, if not better, the next day. Just cover it tightly to keep that cheesy topping from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save this for a later date, the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to two months—perfect for busy mornings where you crave comfort food without the fuss.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm it in a 350ºF oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For a quicker option, you can also microwave individual slices, but reheating in the oven maintains the crispy top and overall texture better.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and bacon, and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and texture. Using vegetarian sausage substitutes works wonderfully too.
Can I use frozen tater tots straight from the bag?
Yes, using frozen tater tots straight from the bag is best as it maintains their crunch after baking. No need to thaw them; just arrange them evenly in the dish as directed.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s straight from the fridge.
What types of cheese work best in this recipe?
This recipe shines with a mix of Monterey jack and cheddar, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a milder melt or pepper jack for a bit of spice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check the sausage and bacon labels for any hidden gluten ingredients. Using certified gluten-free products makes this a safe and tasty option.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe, it’s hard to go back to plain breakfasts. Every bite is a warm hug of crispy potatoes, melty cheese, and savory sausage and bacon, all wrapped in fluffy eggs. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a comforting morning meal, this casserole is your reliable go-to that never fails to impress. Gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and get ready to make a beloved new staple in your breakfast rotation—you absolutely won’t regret it!
Print
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole combines crispy tater tots, savory sausage and bacon, and a rich cheesy egg mixture baked to perfection. Perfect for a family brunch or make-ahead breakfast, it’s easy to prepare and delivers comforting flavors everyone will love.
Ingredients
Meats
- 2 (9-ounce) packages breakfast sausage links
- 1 pound bacon
Main Ingredients
- 1 (32-ounce) package tater tots
- 12 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
Vegetables
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Cheese
- 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) to ensure it’s ready once your casserole is assembled.
- Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage links until they are fully cooked through. Once done, slice them into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Cook the bacon: In the same skillet, cook the bacon until it is brown and crispy. Remove it and crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Arrange tater tots: Spread the tater tots evenly in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish to create a crispy base.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1/4 cup green onions, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the cooked sausage and half of the crumbled bacon. Fold in the Monterey jack cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the egg and meat mixture evenly over the tater tots in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set and cooked through.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Allow the casserole to stand for 10 minutes to set before cutting. Sprinkle with the remaining crumbled bacon and 2 tablespoons of green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- You can substitute turkey sausage and turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
