Craving a hearty breakfast that’s easy to throw together? This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is the perfect blend of crispy tater tots, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey melted cheese. It’s great for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or serving at brunch. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole

• Easy to Assemble: Just layer everything in a dish, bake, and enjoy.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for brunch, holidays, or weekend gatherings.
• Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
• Crispy Tater Tot Goodness: Every bite has that irresistible crunch!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 4 cups (600g / 1.3 lb) frozen tater tots
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) milk (or half-and-half)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 ½ cups (170g / 0.37 lb) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend)
• ½ cup (75g) diced bell peppers (optional)
• ½ cup (75g) diced onions (optional)
• Optional: Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the Sausage:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies (Optional):
   In the same skillet, sauté the diced bell peppers and onions for 3-4 minutes until softened. Set aside.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
   Spread the cooked sausage evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add the sautéed veggies (if using) on top.
5. Add the Cheese and Tater Tots:
   Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the sausage and veggies. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
6. Make the Egg Mixture:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
7. Assemble the Casserole:
   Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tots and sausage. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese.
8. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
9. Garnish and Serve:
   Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

• Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing Instructions: Freeze the baked casserole in portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.
• Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack, Swiss, or gouda for a different flavor twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use turkey or plant-based sausage?
Yes! Swap in any sausage variety to suit your dietary needs.

How do I make the tater tots extra crispy?
Place the tater tots on top in a single layer, and bake uncovered for the full time.

Can I use hash browns instead of tater tots?
Absolutely! Just layer them evenly at the bottom of the dish instead of the tater tots.

Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini would be great additions.

Can I use egg whites only?
Sure! Use 8-10 egg whites in place of whole eggs for a lighter version.

Tips and Notes

• My Tip: For a spicier kick, use spicy sausage and sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the egg mixture.
• Pro Trick: Cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Remove the foil for the remainder of the baking time.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with fresh fruit or a side of avocado slices for a complete breakfast.

Variations

• Southwest Casserole: Add black beans, salsa, and pepper jack cheese for a Tex-Mex spin.
• Cheesy Bacon Casserole: Swap sausage for bacon, and add extra cheese on top.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and load up on your favorite veggies.
• Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower tots instead of tater tots for a lower-carb alternative.
• Mini Casseroles: Bake in individual ramekins for personal-sized servings.