Name: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 32-ounce bag frozen Tater Tots®, divided (DON'T THAW); 1 pound hot bulk pork sausage; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese; 1 ½ cups freshly grated pepper Jack cheese; 8 large eggs; 2 cups half-and-half; 4 ounces diced green chilies; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon ground mustard; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper

Nothing beats waking up to the comforting aroma of a hearty, cheesy breakfast baked to golden perfection. This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly that—layers of crispy tater tots, savory sausage, melty cheese, and fluffy eggs all mingling together in one incredible dish that's perfect for busy mornings or special brunches.

A rectangular white ceramic baking dish filled with a layered casserole, where the top layer is covered with golden-brown tater tots scattered evenly across the surface. Beneath the tots, melted white and orange cheese blend together, creating a creamy and slightly bubbly texture. Small bits of dark green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh contrast. The edges of the dish show slight browning from baking, and the dish rests on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth partially visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely can’t get enough of this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe—it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a total lifesaver on weekends when I want something warming without fussing over separate dishes. Plus, everything cooks up in one pan, meaning less cleanup (score!).

Ultimate Comfort Food: Crispy tater tots and cheesy sausage layered with eggs make every bite pure cozy magic.
Hands-Off Cooking: Assemble it easily ahead and bake when you’re ready, perfect for busy mornings or brunch guests.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite meats, cheeses, or veggies to make it truly your own.
Feeds a Crowd: With 12 servings, it’s perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week.

A white rectangular baking dish with a casserole inside, showing a golden-brown top layer of melted cheese melted unevenly over round, crispy tater tots, sprinkled with small green herb flakes. The casserole is cut into square pieces with one corner piece taken out, revealing a bottom layer with a light brown texture mixed with bits of cooked ground meat. The baking dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together simple, approachable ingredients that pack flavor while working harmoniously. Tater tots give a crispy, golden crunch that contrasts beautifully with soft, cheesy eggs and savory sausage. Each element adds texture and taste, making it more than just a casserole—it's a breakfast experience.

Flat lay of a raw pound of fresh hot bulk pork sausage, a medium white onion diced, one chopped red bell pepper, one chopped green bell pepper, three whole garlic cloves peeled, two small white ceramic bowls each with freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese and pepper Jack cheese, eight whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl with creamy half-and-half, a small white bowl with diced green chilies, a small white bowl with dried parsley, a small white bowl with paprika, a small white bowl with ground mustard, a small white bowl with dried oregano, a small white bowl with salt, a small white bowl with black pepper, a simple white ceramic bowl filled evenly with frozen golden Tater Tots, all ingredients arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Tater Tots: Frozen makes it easy, and leftover tots re-crisp beautifully when baked on top.
Bulk Pork Sausage: Adds juicy, savory depth; turkey sausage works too with a pinch of cayenne for kick.
Onions & Bell Peppers: They mellow and sweeten as they cook, bringing brightness and texture.
Garlic: A quick saute infuses warmth and aroma without overpowering.
Sharp Cheddar & Pepper Jack Cheese: Use freshly grated for the best melt and flavor combination—sharp cheddar for tang, pepper jack for a subtle spice.
Eggs & Half-and-Half: This combo ensures a rich, silky custard that holds the casserole together while keeping it light.
Diced Green Chilies and Herbs: Adds a touch of mild heat and color, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Seasonings: Paprika, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper all build complexity without overwhelming the dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what’s in your fridge or what flavors you love. I often switch up the veggies or cheese, and sometimes go for turkey sausage for a lighter touch.

Variation: I once made this with diced mushrooms and spinach instead of bell peppers—deliciously earthy and added some green goodness to start the day.
Dairy-Free Swap: Use a dairy-free cheese blend and almond milk instead of half-and-half for friends who avoid dairy.
Spicy Kick: Amp it up by adding chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne in the egg mixture for extra heat.
Make It Meatless: Skip the sausage and toss in sautéed veggies and plant-based crumbles—you’ll never miss the meat!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Sauté the Sausage and Veggies

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat—this gets things moving quickly and evenly. Add your bulk pork sausage along with diced onions and chopped bell peppers. Crumble the sausage as it cooks, stirring occasionally until the meat is cooked through and veggies have softened nicely. Then toss in minced garlic and sauté just 30 seconds more—it’s enough time to release that wonderful garlic aroma without burning. Drain any excess grease before moving on.

Step 2: Assemble the Base Layer

Spray your 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick spray so nothing sticks later—trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze. Spread half of the frozen tater tots into the dish, then layer the sausage and veggie mix on top. Sprinkle half of the sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese over everything and give it a gentle stir to combine, creating a hearty, even layer.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl (or a big measuring cup if you want less mess), whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, diced green chilies, and all your dried seasonings—parsley, paprika, ground mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. This mixture binds everything together with that custardy richness I love.

Step 4: Combine and Top Off

Pour the egg mixture evenly over your layered casserole, letting it soak into the tater tots and sausage. Then, scatter the remaining frozen tater tots on top—they’ll bake to a perfect crispy crust that everyone adores.

Step 5: Bake and Melt the Cheese

Bake your casserole uncovered at 350°F for about 70-80 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set. Halfway through, you might want to check that the tater tots on top aren’t browning too fast—if they are, tent with foil. When it’s done baking, remove from the oven and sprinkle the last bit of cheddar and pepper jack cheese over the top, then pop it back in for 5–10 minutes to melt that glorious layer perfectly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, I love adding freshly chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and mild oniony freshness that cuts through the richness just right.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe a dozen times, and a few tricks really helped me nail it every time. Here’s what I’ve learned so you won’t have to guess.

Don’t Thaw Tater Tots: Using frozen tots allows them to crisp nicely during baking without turning mushy.
Drain the Sausage Grease: Removing excess fat keeps the casserole from being greasy and lets other flavors shine.
Freshly Grate Cheese: Skip pre-shredded cheese to ensure a better melt and creamier texture.
Serve Fresh: This casserole is best enjoyed fresh from the oven for the perfect contrast of crispy and fluffy textures.

How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Tater Tot Breakfast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My go-to garnish for this casserole is a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or green onions—they add a fresh crunch and bright flavor that balances the richness. Sometimes I mix in a dash of hot sauce for a little extra heat, especially if we’re having a big weekend brunch.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like mixed fruit salad or a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness. For a heartier brunch, crispy bacon or a side of fresh avocado slices complement the dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special gatherings, I’ve served this casserole in individual mini cast iron skillets—everyone loves that personalized touch and it keeps the crispy edges intact. Another fun idea is to create a layered “breakfast bar” allowing guests to add extra toppings like salsa, sour cream, or fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I tightly cover leftover casserole with foil or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen nicely overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions successfully by wrapping slices tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in freezer bags. When thawed, the casserole reheats well without losing too much of its texture. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually microwave individual servings for about a minute on a microwave-safe plate, cutting the slice in half so it heats evenly. For larger portions, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F for 20 minutes or until warmed through, which keeps everything nice and moist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe the night before?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it unbaked. Just keep the final half of the tater tots frozen and add them right before baking. Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before popping it in the oven for best results.

Can I substitute turkey sausage for pork sausage?

Yes, turkey sausage is a great swap to lighten things up. I recommend adding ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper and about a teaspoon of beef bouillon to keep the flavor rich and balanced.

What cheeses work best in this casserole?

I love using sharp cheddar and pepper jack for their flavor and meltability. If you want to swap out pepper jack, try mozzarella, Gruyere, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Fontina, or Gouda. Just be sure to use freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture.

How do I avoid soggy tater tots on top?

Don't thaw the tater tots before baking — frozen tots crisp up much better. Also, if you notice the top browning too quickly, tent the casserole with foil to prevent burning while ensuring the tots cook through.

Final Thoughts

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s the kind of dish that turns any morning into a cozy event, no matter how busy life gets. Once you try it, I’m confident it’ll become one of your go-to meals for feeding family and friends that crave something warm, filling, and utterly delicious. Give it a whirl—you’ll love sharing it as much as I do!