Looking for a hearty, comforting, and crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch dish? Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is the answer! This dish combines crispy tater tots, savory sausage, cheese, and eggs in one big, flavorful casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a make-ahead meal, or simply craving a filling breakfast, this casserole checks all the boxes for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Tater tots bring a fun twist to this classic breakfast casserole, adding texture and a crispy element that’s loved by kids and adults alike. The sausage provides a rich, savory flavor, while the eggs and cheese create a creamy, comforting base. It’s easy to make, customizable with your favorite ingredients, and can be served on its own or with a side of fresh fruit or salad.
Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and simple Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole!
Why This Casserole Works So Well
Tater Tots: Crispy and Comforting
Tater tots are a classic comfort food, and in this casserole, they serve as the crispy, golden base that holds everything together. They provide a delicious crunch and a satisfying texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy egg and cheese mixture. Tater tots are also easy to work with—they’re pre-cooked and frozen, so you don’t need to spend time prepping or cooking potatoes from scratch.
Sausage: Flavorful and Savory
The sausage in this casserole is the key to its savory richness. You can use breakfast sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage if you prefer. The sausage is crumbled and browned before being added to the casserole, ensuring it’s cooked through and full of flavor. It adds a hearty, meaty element that perfectly complements the crispy tater tots and creamy egg mixture.
Eggs and Cheese: Creamy and Satisfying
The eggs and cheese bind the casserole together and provide a rich, creamy texture. The eggs fluff up as they cook, while the cheese melts and creates pockets of gooey goodness throughout the casserole. You can use any type of cheese you prefer—cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well. The cheese adds saltiness and richness, making every bite feel indulgent.
Easy and Customizable
This casserole is easy to assemble and can be customized to suit your taste. Add your favorite vegetables like onions, peppers, or spinach for an extra nutritional boost, or switch out the sausage for bacon, ham, or even a plant-based protein. It’s versatile and can be tailored to your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients for Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
To make this delicious breakfast casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or plant-based sausage)
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (or any leafy green)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
How to Make Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
1. Cook the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using additional vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms, add them to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened.
Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Casserole Dish
While the sausage is cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Assemble the Casserole
In the prepared baking dish, layer the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of the dish. This will be the crispy base of your casserole.
Next, sprinkle the cooked sausage (and any optional vegetables) evenly over the tater tots. Then, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tots and sausage. Use a spoon to gently press down the tater tots to make sure they’re coated with the egg mixture.
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
4. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and golden. You can check doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center—it should come out clean if the eggs are fully cooked.
If the cheese begins to brown too much before the eggs are set, you can cover the casserole with aluminum foil and continue baking.
5. Let It Cool and Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Cut the casserole into squares and serve hot.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole as a hearty breakfast or brunch dish. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a side of fruit, avocado slices, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Health Benefits of Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Protein-Packed
This casserole is a great source of protein thanks to the eggs, sausage, and cheese. Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body health. The combination of eggs and sausage provides a balanced amount of protein to keep you full and satisfied.
Fiber from Vegetables
Adding vegetables like spinach, onions, and peppers to the casserole provides fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Fiber also helps keep you feeling full for longer, making this casserole a more balanced meal.
Good Source of Healthy Fats
The eggs and cheese provide healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids (if using eggs from omega-3 enriched hens), which are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. The olive oil used to grease the casserole dish also adds healthy monounsaturated fats.
Carb-Friendly
While tater tots are typically high in carbs, they are also a great way to balance the richness of the sausage and eggs. This casserole can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you’re looking to reduce carbs, you can swap out the tater tots for a low-carb potato option or substitute with vegetables like cauliflower florets.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and easy to make. With crispy tater tots, savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melted cheese, it’s the perfect dish for a family breakfast, brunch gathering, or even a meal prep option. The best part is that it’s customizable with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Whether you’re serving it for a holiday breakfast, a weekend brunch, or just a comforting weekday meal, this casserole is sure to please everyone. It’s hearty, flavorful, and the perfect balance of savory goodness, making it a go-to recipe for any breakfast lover.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
2. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use other types of sausage, such as turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even ground beef if you prefer. You can also add bacon or ham for a different twist.
3. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the sausage and replacing it with plant-based sausage, crumbled tofu, or more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this casserole dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese and replacing the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cut it into portions and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to serve.
6. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the eggs are fully set, and the cheese is melted and golden. You can insert a knife or toothpick into the center to check if the eggs are fully cooked—it should come out clean.
7. Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes. Just sauté them before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are cooked through.
8. Can I use frozen tater tots?
Yes, frozen tater tots work perfectly for this recipe, and there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. Simply spread them evenly in the casserole dish, and they’ll cook up crispy and delicious.
9. Can I make this casserole in a smaller baking dish?
Yes, you can adjust the recipe to fit a smaller baking dish. If using a smaller dish, be sure to adjust the cooking time, as it may take less time to cook.
10. Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be easily reheated in the microwave or oven.