If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast that’s both easy to make and crowd-pleasing, this Crispy Sausage Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is exactly what you need. Packed with eggs, cheese, and sausage, it’s a one-dish meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. The tater tots on top bake to a golden crisp, creating the perfect combination of textures and flavors for a weekend brunch or special breakfast.
The best part? You don’t have to precook the tater tots—they crisp up beautifully right in the oven while the eggs and cheese cook underneath. And with plenty of gooey cheese both inside and on top, this casserole is pure comfort food.
Why This Breakfast Casserole is So Simple
The secret to this recipe’s convenience is using pre-cooked breakfast sausage. Whether you choose links or patties, pre-cooked sausage makes assembling this casserole almost effortless. Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces, add it to the egg mixture, layer your tater tots on top, and bake.
For mornings when time is tight, pre-cooked sausage is a game-changer. You can whip up a delicious breakfast casserole in under an hour, or serve the sausage alongside scrambled eggs for a quick weekday meal. And if you want to switch things up, uncooked ground sausage works just as well—you’ll just need to cook it first before mixing it with the eggs and cheese.
How to Make the Tater Tot Casserole
Step 1: Mix the Eggs
Start by whisking together your eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and a touch of onion powder. This combination gives the casserole a creamy base and a subtle savory flavor that complements the cheese and sausage perfectly.
Step 2: Add the Sausage and Cheese
Slice your pre-cooked sausage into pieces about half an inch thick and fold them into the egg mixture. Then stir in half of your shredded cheese—using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack provides both sharpness and creaminess.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the egg and sausage mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the tater tots on top, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. The tater tots form a golden, crispy layer as the casserole bakes.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in a 350°F oven and bake for 40–50 minutes. Afterward, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and gets slightly golden.
Tips for a Perfect Breakfast Casserole
- Use Mini Tater Tots: Mini tots cook faster and cover the surface more evenly. Regular tots work too but may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
- Make It Spicy: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture for a subtle kick.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the egg and sausage mixture a day in advance. Add the tater tots just before baking to prevent sogginess.
- No Thawing Needed: Frozen tater tots go straight from the bag to the casserole—it’s that easy.
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! This casserole is versatile. Pre-cooked sausage links or patties are easiest, but uncooked sausage—whether ground or in links—works as long as it’s cooked first. The flavor is just as delicious, and you can even mix in some spicy sausage for an extra flavor boost.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for best results; microwaving can make the tater tots soggy.
You can also freeze this breakfast casserole. Freeze before baking (without tater tots) or after baking. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking. Individual slices can also be wrapped and frozen for quick breakfasts later in the week.
This Crispy Sausage Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is not only quick and easy but also perfect for feeding a crowd. Its combination of fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and crisp tater tots makes it a hit for both kids and adults alike.
Crispy Sausage Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 50 min
Ingredients
8 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 packages pre-cooked breakfast sausage (links or patties)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 package frozen mini tater tots
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Whisk Eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and onion powder until fully combined.
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Prepare Sausage: Slice pre-cooked sausage into 1/2-inch pieces and fold into the egg mixture.
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Add Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded cheese into the egg and sausage mixture.
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Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread frozen tater tots evenly on top and season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Bake: Bake for 40–50 minutes until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
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Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
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Serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Tater Tot Size: Mini tater tots work best for even coverage. Regular tots may require extra baking time.
- Sausage Options: Pre-cooked sausage is easiest, but raw sausage can be used if fully cooked first.
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the egg mixture for a kick.
- Prep Ahead: Assemble egg and sausage mixture a day before, add tater tots just before baking.
- Freezing: Freeze before baking (without tater tots) or after baking. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
I’m a passionate home cook sharing easy, flavorful recipes inspired by my roots and travels — bringing a splash of joy and global taste to every family meal.
