If you are craving a hearty, comforting start to your day that will truly impress everyone at the breakfast table, the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe is an absolute winner. This casserole brings together crispy tater tots, savory sausage, smoky bacon, and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese all baked into one irresistible dish. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd on lazy weekend mornings or special occasions, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this casserole right is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish. From the crispy tater tots that form the golden base to the mix of cheeses that add creamy richness, every item plays an essential role in making this breakfast classic shine.
- Breakfast sausage links: Cooked and sliced, they add a savory, meaty punch.
- Bacon: Crisply browned and crumbled to infuse smoky goodness.
- Tater tots: The crispy, tender foundation that everyone loves.
- Large eggs: The binder that holds the casserole together with a fluffy texture.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a creamy egg mixture.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced for fresh, subtle onion flavor and color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors alive.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Shredded for a mild, melty texture.
- Cheddar cheese: Divided for sharp flavor both inside and on top.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Bacon
Start by heating a skillet and cooking the breakfast sausage links until they are browned and cooked through. Slice them into half-inch pieces for perfect bite sizes. In the same skillet, cook the bacon until it’s crispy and golden, then crumble it into flavorful bits that will add a satisfying crunch in the casserole.
Step 2: Arrange the Tater Tots
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer. These will form the hearty and crispy base of your casserole, providing that delightful potato bite in every forkful.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, thinly sliced green onions, salt, and pepper. This mixture will soak into the tater tots and keep things nice and tender. Fold in the cooked sausage, half of the crumbled bacon, Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to evenly distribute the savory, cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Bake Until Set
Pour the egg and meat mixture evenly over the arranged tater tots. Place the casserole in your preheated oven at 350ºF and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes until the eggs are fully set and the top begins to look golden and firm to the touch.
Step 5: Add the Cheddar Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. This last step melts the cheese perfectly, creating a luscious, bubbly cheesy crust that’s impossible to resist.
Step 6: Let it Rest and Finish
Once baked, allow the casserole to stand for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This resting period helps everything settle so the slices hold their shape beautifully. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining bacon pieces and green onions on top for a fresh, crispy finish.
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes lift this rich dish and add lovely pops of color. Sprinkle chopped green onions or chives for a bit of brightness. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa for some extra zest. Crispy bacon crumbs scattered on top add a final layer of flavor that makes this dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands strong as a star, but pairing it with a fresh fruit salad or simple mixed greens can bring a nice balance to the meal. Some tangy yogurt or a light citrus-based smoothie on the side would also complement the rich, cheesy flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make this breakfast casserole feel festive? Serve it in mini muffin tins for individual portions that everyone can grab and enjoy. Or, add some diced bell peppers or tomatoes right into the egg mixture for colorful bursts of flavor inside each slice. Using a cast-iron skillet instead of a baking dish can give you crispy edges all around and boost its rustic charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can easily refrigerate any leftover Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe for up to 3 days. Keep it covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap to preserve moisture and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or freeze individual portions in airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, place them in a preheated 350ºF oven until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too, but the oven will keep the casserole’s texture crispier and more delicious.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage links add great flavor, you can swap in spicy Italian sausage, chorizo, or even turkey sausage for a different taste. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before mixing into the casserole.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the sausage and bacon and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach instead. Using vegetarian meat substitutes can also work well to keep that hearty, savory feel.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What cheese works best in this casserole?
The combination of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese creates the perfect creamy melt and bold flavor. However, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites.
How can I make the tater tots extra crispy?
For crispier tater tots, you can bake them separately on a foil-lined baking sheet before layering them in the casserole dish. This extra step helps boost that golden crispiness everyone loves without losing tenderness inside.
Final Thoughts
There is something magical about the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe that makes every morning feel like a celebration. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this dish brings rich, comforting flavors and ease to your breakfast table. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how this perfect combination of ingredients creates a mouthwatering breakfast favorite that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Print
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and satisfying Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole featuring layers of crispy bacon, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheeses baked to perfection. Ideal for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast gathering, this casserole combines classic breakfast flavors in a comfort food favorite.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 (9-ounce) packages breakfast sausage links
- 1 pound bacon
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 (32-ounce) package tater tots
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Dairy & Eggs
- 12 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) to ensure it is ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage links until they are fully cooked through and no longer pink. Once cooked, slice the sausage links into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Cook Bacon: Using the same skillet, cook the bacon until it becomes brown and crispy. Remove from skillet and crumble into small pieces.
- Arrange Tater Tots: Spread the tater tots evenly in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish, forming the base for the casserole.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1/4 cup of thinly sliced green onions, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the cooked sausage pieces and half of the crumbled bacon. Then fold in the shredded Monterey jack cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the egg and meat mixture evenly over the layer of tater tots in the baking dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake until the casserole is set, about 40-45 minutes.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for about 10 minutes to set before cutting. Garnish with the remaining crumbled bacon and sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious breakfast casserole.
Notes
- For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the egg mixture.
- You can substitute turkey sausage and turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Make sure the tater tots are arranged in a single even layer for uniform baking.
- Allowing the casserole to rest before cutting helps it hold together better when served.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
