I absolutely love how this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe brings together crispy tater tots, savory sausage, melty cheese, and fluffy eggs all in one delicious dish. It’s one of those recipes that instantly feels like a warm hug on a weekend morning, perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings. Whenever I make it, the aroma fills my kitchen and gets everyone excited to dig in.

You’ll find that this casserole is not only comforting but also really practical. It’s super customizable and can be prepped ahead of time, which is a lifesaver when mornings get hectic. Plus, the combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser — if you’re looking for a hearty breakfast that’s easy to make yet impressive, this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe is a winner.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy and Crowd-Friendly: Perfect for feeding a group without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Versatile Ingredients: You can tweak veggies, spices, and proteins to your taste or what you have on hand.
  • Texture Heaven: Crispy tater tots meet soft, custardy eggs and gooey cheese for delicious bites every time.
  • Prep Ahead Friendly: Make it the night before or freeze it for easy breakfasts down the line.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe is that it brings together familiar breakfast staples that mesh effortlessly. Using colorful bell peppers and a bit of jalapeño amps up the flavor, while the mix of spices creates a comforting, savory note throughout.

  • Frozen tater tots: Use good-quality tater tots that crisp nicely when baked or air-fried.
  • Large eggs: The binding agent that creates that rich, custardy texture.
  • Milk: Boosts creaminess in the egg mixture without overpowering flavors.
  • Mild salsa: Adds a subtle tang and moisture to the casserole.
  • Shredded cheese (Mexican blend works great): Melts beautifully for ooey-gooey goodness.
  • Bell peppers (a mix of colors): Adds brightness, sweetness, and a bit of crunch.
  • Diced onions: I love how they soften and blend into the mix.
  • Minced garlic: A little punch of savory aromatics.
  • Minced jalapeño: Adds just enough heat to wake up your taste buds.
  • Sliced breakfast sausages (fried): Provides that satisfying meaty flavor.
  • Oregano, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder: These spices lift the whole dish with warm, cozy notes.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing all the flavors perfectly.
  • Sliced green onions (optional): The fresh garnish that adds a lovely pop on top.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tailoring this casserole depending on who I’m cooking for or whatever is in my fridge. Feel free to swap in veggies and proteins or adjust the spice level—you can’t really go wrong!

  • Vegetarian version: I’ve made this using plant-based sausage and extra veggies, and it still turns out amazing and satisfying.
  • Spicy kick: Adding extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce really amps up the heat if you like bold flavors.
  • Different cheese blends: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or even a little feta for unique twists I’ve enjoyed experimenting with.
  • Add herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley sprinkled on top brightens it up and adds freshness.
  • Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just double-check any sausage brands you use.

How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking pan well so nothing sticks. If you’re like me, lining it with parchment paper works wonders for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Arrange or Pre-Cook Your Tater Tots

I’ve tried making this with frozen tater tots straight from the bag, but here’s what I’ve learned: pre-cooking them by baking, air frying, or pan frying yields a much better texture. The tots get crispy and hold up nicely under the egg mixture. Just spread enough to cover the bottom of your pan in a single layer.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Garlic

Using the same pan you cooked your sausage in (hello, flavor!), sauté your diced bell peppers and onions over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Then pop in the minced garlic and sauté just 20 seconds more — garlic burns fast, so keep an eye on it! Once done, set the veggies aside.

Step 4: Mix the Savory Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, salsa, and all the spices — oregano, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked sausage slices, sautéed veggies, and about a cup of shredded cheese. This mix is where the magic happens, so make sure everything’s well combined!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour this egg and sausage mixture evenly over your crispy tater tots in the baking pan, using a spatula to spread it out if needed. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the eggs are just set. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top and pop it back in the oven until the cheese has melted to your liking—usually just a few more minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, I love to sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for freshness and a pop of color. Then slice it up and serve it hot — you’ll see how easy and satisfying this breakfast casserole is!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe

  • Pre-Cook the Tots: I discovered that crisping them up first saves you from a soggy texture and makes the casserole way more appealing.
  • Use the Sausage Pan: Cooking veggies in the sausage drippings adds layers of flavor I’ve come to love.
  • Don’t Overmix the Eggs: Just combine gently to keep the eggs fluffy and tender after baking.
  • Serve Fresh and Hot: Waiting too long to serve can cause the casserole to lose its crispiness, so plan to eat soon after baking.

How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, savory breakfast casserole, easy morning breakfast ideas, family brunch recipes, hearty breakfast casserole A square piece of breakfast casserole sits on a white plate, layered with a golden crispy base, a middle layer of soft, creamy potatoes, and a top layer rich with browned sausage pieces, melted yellow and orange cheese, and scattered bits of red and green peppers. Small chopped green onions are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch. A fork with a wooden handle rests by the casserole, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth in the background.

Garnishes

I always add sliced green onions because they add a fresh, slightly sharp flavor that balances the richness of the casserole. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a little fresh cilantro or chopped parsley for a bit of brightness and color too. And don’t forget extra salsa or a dollop of sour cream—my family can’t resist!

Side Dishes

Since the casserole is already hearty, I like to serve it with a simple fruit salad to cut through the richness. Fresh berries or sliced melons work beautifully. You could also serve with toasted English muffins or warm biscuits if you want to round out the meal a bit more.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual portions in small ramekins—everyone gets their own mini casserole. It’s festive and looks so pretty on a brunch table. I’ve also tried layering extra veggies or swapping sausage for chorizo to make it a Mexican-inspired brunch centerpiece that gets rave reviews.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping it well-sealed helps maintain moisture and flavor without letting the tater tots get too soggy.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this casserole! I like to cover it tightly first with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, I reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty again—usually about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the tater tots crispy enough and prevents the eggs from drying out, which can happen in the microwave.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe vegetarian?

    Absolutely! Swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative or extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. The casserole’s texture and flavor remain fantastic without meat.

  2. Do I have to pre-cook the tater tots?

    Pre-cooking isn’t mandatory, but I highly recommend it. Crispy tater tots make all the difference in texture and flavor. If you skip it, expect a softer, more potato-y casserole. Your call, but I love the crisp!

  3. Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

    Yes, you can assemble it the night before. I recommend refrigerating the sausage and vegetable mixture and the pre-cooked tater tots separately, then combining and baking it in the morning for the freshest finish.

  4. How long does this casserole keep in the fridge?

    It stays good for up to 3 days in a covered container. If you think you won’t finish it in time, freezing is a great option that keeps it fresh much longer.

Final Thoughts

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe truly holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s reliable, flexible, and downright delicious. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a lazy Sunday brunch, it’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone smile around the table. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and I promise your family will be asking for seconds!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 65 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American with Mexican influences

Description

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. Crispy tater tots are layered with sautéed bell peppers, onions, garlic, spicy jalapeño, savory sausage, and a cheesy egg mixture seasoned with Mexican spices. Baked until golden and bubbly, this casserole offers a delicious combination of textures and bold flavors that will delight both family and guests.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Base

  • 32 oz frozen tater tots

Egg Mixture

  • 12 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup mild salsa
  • 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/4 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 2 pinches chili powder
  • 3 pinches onion powder
  • 3 pinches garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables & Sausage

  • 2 2/3 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, yellow, and orange)
  • 2/3 cup diced onions
  • 2 tsp finely minced garlic
  • 1 minced jalapeño
  • 12 oz fried breakfast sausages, sliced
  • Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Line the pan with cooked or frozen tater tots to create an even layer as the base.
  2. Sauté vegetables: Using the pan that was used to cook the sausage, sauté the diced bell peppers and onions over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño and cook for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Mix egg base: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salsa, oregano, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sautéed vegetables, sliced sausage, and 1 cup of shredded cheese until everything is combined.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tots in the prepared baking pan, making sure to cover them completely.
  5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the eggs are set. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes more.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
  7. Alternative method (no pre-cooking tater tots): If you choose not to pre-cook the tater tots, assemble the casserole as directed and bake for about 40 minutes or until the eggs are set. Then add cheese and bake until melted to your preference.

Notes

  • Pre-cooking the tater tots by baking or air frying before assembling the casserole helps achieve a crispier texture and reduces overall bake time.
  • You can also fry tater tots in oil for extra crispiness—just drain them well on paper towels before layering.
  • Using frozen tater tots straight from the freezer without pre-cooking may result in a softer, more potatoey texture, which some may prefer.
  • The casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. For best results, prepare the egg mixture and cooked tater tots separately and combine right before baking.
  • To freeze the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
  • The seasoning blend adds a Mexican flair, but feel free to adjust spices to your preference.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star