Tot Breakfast Casserole

Tot Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate all-in-one breakfast dish that’s comforting, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Packed with crispy golden tater tots, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and two kinds of melted cheese, this casserole is both hearty and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just need a quick bake-and-serve morning meal, this recipe checks all the boxes for flavor and ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tot Breakfast Casserole is a go-to dish for its simplicity and versatility. It can be prepped the night before and baked in the morning, making it perfect for holiday mornings, meal prepping, or serving a hungry crowd. The texture is rich and creamy from the egg mixture and gooey cheese, while the tater tots on top get beautifully crisp in the oven. It’s also a customizable recipe—swap in bacon, add vegetables, or use different cheeses to suit your preference.

Ingredients

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

• Frozen tater tots
• Breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), browned and crumbled
• Large eggs
• Milk
• Sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain the excess grease.
3. Spread the tater tots evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the browned sausage over the tater tots.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
5. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar and ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese into the egg mixture.
6. Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the sausage and tots.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Leave out the sausage and add sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or use hot breakfast sausage for a kick.
• Loaded version: Add cooked bacon or ham, plus green onions and tomatoes.
• Cheese swap: Try mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly or store in airtight containers. It will keep for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe dish or wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

• Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
• For the oven, cover the whole dish with foil and warm at 350°F for 20 minutes.

FAQs

What type of sausage is best for this casserole?

You can use pork, turkey, or plant-based sausage depending on your preference. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before layering.

Can I make this casserole the night before?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it in the morning straight from the fridge, adding 5–10 extra minutes.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?

No, frozen tater tots work perfectly in this recipe and help keep the prep quick and easy.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms are great additions. Sauté them first to remove excess moisture.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is ready when the eggs are set and no longer jiggly in the center. A knife inserted should come out clean.

What kind of cheese works best?

A blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack provides great flavor and melt. Feel free to mix in mozzarella or Colby for variety.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use a dairy-free cheese and milk substitute, and skip the sour cream or replace it with a dairy-free version.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, it freezes very well. Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly and store for up to 2 months.

What toppings go well with this casserole?

Chopped green onions, salsa, avocado slices, or even a dollop of sour cream add extra flavor.

Can I use hash browns instead of tater tots?

Yes, but keep in mind that the texture will differ. Tots provide a crispier topping.

Conclusion

Tot Breakfast Casserole is a reliable, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s both delicious and practical. With its blend of creamy eggs, savory sausage, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots, it offers everything you love about breakfast in one warm dish. Easy to prepare ahead and endlessly customizable, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Print