Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This irresistible Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a bona fide brunch superstar, marrying crispy tater tots, smoky bacon, savory sausage, gooey cheese, and fluffy eggs into one crowd-pleasing bake. Whether you’re planning a holiday breakfast, hosting family, or craving an easy make-ahead weekend treat, this casserole brings everyone to the table with a smile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need any chef-level skills to turn out an irresistible Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole—but each ingredient truly brings its own special magic to the show. These classic comfort staples create the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, crispy, and savory in every glorious forkful.

• Breakfast sausage links (2 packages): Rich and savory, cooked sausage packs the casserole with cozy, meaty flavor.
• Bacon (1 pound): For irresistible crunch and deep smoky notes in every bite!
• Frozen tater tots (32-ounce package): The crown jewel—crispy on the outside, pillowy inside, and the ultimate base for our casserole.
• Large eggs (12): The binding hero, giving structure and rich, creamy texture.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Makes the eggs fluffy and tender—use whole milk for extra richness.
• Green onions (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons, thinly sliced): Adds fresh, mellow zing and a pop of color throughout the casserole and on top.
• Salt and black pepper: Key seasonings that bring everything into balance.
• Monterey jack cheese (1 cup, shredded): Lush meltiness for a rich, creamy bite.
• Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded—divided): That classic sharp flavor and gorgeous golden topping everyone loves.

Variations

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is endlessly flexible—think of it as the ultimate canvas for your breakfast cravings! Whether you want to swap out the meats, go vegetarian, or sneak in some greens, you can make it all your own with just a few tweaks.

• Veggie Power: Substitute the sausage and bacon for sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for a colorful meatless twist.
• Spice It Up: Fold in diced jalapeños or swap in spicy pepper jack cheese to give the casserole a zippy kick.
• Different Cheeses: Try fontina, Swiss, or mozzarella in place of some of the cheddar/Monterey jack for a new flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Most tater tots are gluten-free, so just double-check your brand and you’re set for a gluten-friendly feast!

How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) to start warming up while you get everything ready. Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick, generous spray with non-stick spray for easy serving later—no sticking, no fuss!

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Bacon

In a large skillet, brown the breakfast sausage over medium heat until completely cooked through and no longer pink. Transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, wipe out any excess grease, then cook the bacon in the same skillet until golden and irresistibly crispy. Crumble both and set them aside.

Step 3: Layer Those Tater Tots

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer across the bottom of your baking dish. No need to thaw—keeping them frozen helps them crisp up beautifully as the casserole bakes.

Step 4: Whisk & Stir the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and a scoop of those bright green onions. Then gently stir in the sliced, cooked sausage, plus half of that crispy bacon. This mixture makes the casserole rich, fluffy, and packed with savory flavor.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness and Assemble

Fold the Monterey jack cheese and half of the cheddar into the egg mixture. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tots, making sure everything gets a little cheesy love. This is where the casserole starts to look irresistible—even before it bakes!

Step 6: Bake, Then Top with More Cheese

Transfer the casserole to your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the eggs are set and the top is starting to turn golden. Sprinkle on the remaining cheddar, then pop the casserole back in for another 5-7 minutes—just until that extra layer of cheese melts to bubbly perfection.

Step 7: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Let the casserole stand for about 10 minutes so it slices up nicely and holds its shape. Right before serving, sprinkle with the reserved crumbled bacon and extra green onions for bright color and texture. Dig in while it’s warm and gooey!

How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Garnishes

This casserole absolutely shines with a finishing pop of bright green onions and extra bacon on top. For something a little different, try a spoonful of salsa, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, or even a dollop of sour cream. Each adds a fresh, tangy lift and makes every slice even more inviting!

Side Dishes

Serve your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole alongside a simple fruit salad, sliced avocado, or a fresh green salad. Buttery toast or warm biscuits round out the meal—and if it’s brunch-o’clock, don’t forget the coffee or a fun mimosa!

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, cut the casserole into squares and stack them on a large platter garnished with extra green onions and bacon crumbles. Or, serve individual portions in ramekins for a personalized, elegant breakfast. For a holiday brunch, surround the dish with bright berries or citrus slices for a cheerful, colorful table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container—super handy for making mornings easier all week long!

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly. Simply let it cool completely, wrap tightly with plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350ºF oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. For a speedy option, individual slices can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes—perfect for busy mornings!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new breakfast tradition or an easy crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. I hope you’ll give this crave-worthy dish a try and make it part of your own cozy mornings and special gatherings—there’s simply nothing better than sharing comfort food with the ones you love!

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