Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that combines crispy, cheesy goodness with savory sausage and bacon, you absolutely must try this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table, with layers of tender cooked veggies, melty cheese, and that iconic crunch of perfectly baked tater tots. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch or a weekend treat, this casserole delivers big flavor with simple ingredients, making mornings something to really look forward to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role — from the crisp bell peppers adding vibrant color and a touch of sweetness, to the hearty sausage bringing savory depth, and of course, the golden tater tots creating that irresistible texture contrast.

• Cooking spray: Ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and makes cleanup easier.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds a fragrant sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked.
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced: Offers a fresh, slightly crunchy bite and a pop of color.
• 1 lb ground breakfast sausage: The star protein that gives the dish its savory, juicy essence.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in herbs that tie all the components together with a subtle herbal fragrance.
• 1 teaspoon fine salt, divided: Balances and enhances the natural flavors throughout.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided: Adds a mild heat and depth without overpowering.
• 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped, divided: Provides smoky richness and crunch both inside and on top.
• 2 cups shredded Colby-Cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese, divided: Melts into a creamy, cheesy layer that makes every bite comforting.
• 6 eggs: Creates the rich, custardy base that binds the casserole.
• 1 ¼ cups milk of choice (we used 2%): Lightens the egg mixture while keeping it silky and smooth.
• 1 (28-ounce or two 16-ounce) package frozen tater tots or crispy crowns: The crispy, golden texture that defines this casserole.
• Optional for serving: sour cream, sliced green onions, hot sauce, additional bacon: Garnishes that elevate each serving to the next level of flavor.

How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly mist a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This sets the stage for your casserole to bake without sticking and develop a beautiful crust.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables and Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium-high, spray with cooking spray, then add diced onion, green bell pepper, and your ground breakfast sausage. Cooking until the veggies are crisp-tender and the sausage is browned brings out layers of flavor that form the heart of the casserole. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to build complexity that’s both warm and inviting.

Step 3: Combine Bacon and Transfer

Stir in four slices of chopped cooked bacon into the sausage mixture for an added punch of smokiness, then spread the entire mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This base packs savory goodness that your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole depends on.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Tater Tots

Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese over the sausage mixture, then scatter the frozen tater tots on top. Toss lightly to integrate everything so the cheese can start melting and the tots are nestled perfectly within the casserole.

Step 5: Whisk and Pour Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until smooth, seasoning with the remaining salt and pepper. Pour this custardy mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, allowing it to seep through and bind all those fantastic flavors together during baking.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and chopped bacon over the top for a tantalizing finish. Bake uncovered for 25-35 minutes until the center is set and the top turns a light golden brown. For an optional crispy top, broil on high for 1-2 minutes at the end — just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!

How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Garnishes

Once your casserole is hot and bubbly, dressing it up with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce adds freshness, creaminess, or a spicy kick that balances the richness perfectly. Extra bacon on top never hurts either.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines as a stand-alone star, but if you want to round out your meal, a simple fresh fruit salad or crisp mixed greens with a light vinaigrette offer lovely contrast. Fresh berries or orange segments bring a zesty sweetness to balance out the savory notes of the casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets so each guest gets a personalized cheesy, crispy portion. You can also layer in other veggies like mushrooms or swap in spicy sausage for variety. Breakfast parties will never be the same!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap tightly and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The casserole actually tastes even better after a day as the flavors have time to meld together beautifully.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully — assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap well with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking for an effortless breakfast ready whenever you want.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake the entire dish at 350°F covered with foil until heated through and bubbly again. For extra crispness, uncover during the last few minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and bacon, and consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini with an extra pinch of seasoning. Using a plant-based sausage is another tasty alternative.

What kind of cheese works best?

Colby-Cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese are great choices because they melt smoothly and have a mild, creamy flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Then let it come to room temperature while the oven preheats before baking. It’s a fantastic time-saver for busy mornings.

How can I tell when the casserole is done?

The casserole is ready when the egg custard is set in the center and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean or with very little moisture.

Can I swap frozen tater tots for something else?

While tater tots are traditional and give the signature texture, you can use frozen hash browns or crispy shredded potatoes as a substitute if needed. Just adjust the quantity to cover the dish evenly.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole a try — it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or for those mornings when you want something easy yet special. Once you dive in, I’m sure this will become a beloved recipe in your breakfast rotation, just like it is in mine!

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