Name: Tot Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots; 8 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage (or bacon or ham); 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional); 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional); Cooking spray

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Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines golden tater tots, creamy eggs, savory sausage, and melted cheese into a satisfying breakfast bake. Perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead, this casserole is a comfort food favorite for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or holiday breakfasts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the epitome of convenience and comfort. It’s simple to assemble, uses everyday ingredients, and is endlessly customizable. The tater tots form a crispy, golden crust while the cheesy egg mixture adds creaminess and richness. You can prepare it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and serve a warm, filling meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Frozen tater tots
Breakfast sausage (crumbled and cooked)
Eggs
Milk
Shredded cheddar cheese
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder (optional)
Green onions or chives (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, cook and crumble the sausage over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly layer the frozen tater tots on the bottom.
Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the tots.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and tater tots.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbling.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: Serves 8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45–50 minutes
Total time: 55–60 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
Spicy Version: Use spicy sausage or add jalapeños for a kick.
Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for added flavor.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning.

storage/reheating

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble it the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?

No, use the tater tots straight from the freezer for best results.

Can I use bacon instead of sausage?

Absolutely. Cooked, crumbled bacon works perfectly as a substitution.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar cheese is most common, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, bake it first, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

How do I know when it’s fully cooked?

The center should be firm, not jiggly, and a knife inserted should come out clean.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the sausage and tater tots are gluten-free, this dish is naturally gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk to make the dish dairy-free.

Can I use egg whites only?

Yes, substitute 2 egg whites for every whole egg, though the texture will be slightly different.

Conclusion

Tot Breakfast Casserole is a satisfying and versatile dish that brings together the best of breakfast in one easy-to-make casserole. With crispy tots, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese, it’s a family favorite that can be customized to your preferences. Whether you prepare it fresh or ahead of time, this breakfast bake is a guaranteed hit for any morning gathering or weekday meal prep.

Tot Breakfast Casserole

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This Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish made with tater tots, eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats or vegetables. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for a stress-free morning meal.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the cooked sausage (or meat of choice), bell peppers, and green onions evenly over the tots.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole ingredients.
Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge overnight before baking.
Customize with your favorite vegetables or meat substitutes for a vegetarian option.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.