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 cup 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

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and downright comforting about a good breakfast casserole, especially one loaded with crispy, golden tater tots. This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for busy mornings and cozy weekend brunches—it’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor that makes everyone gather around the table.

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’m telling you, once you bring this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe out of the oven, the smell alone will have you hooked. It’s a perfect blend of crispy potatoes, savory sausage, melty cheese, and fluffy eggs—everything you want in a breakfast that’s easy to prep but feels like a celebration. Plus, it’s flexible enough to become your go-to for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

One-pan comfort: Everything cooks together for less mess and more coziness.
Flavor-packed layers: Sausage, peppers, and spices add complexity you’ll crave.
Cheese for days: Sharp cheddar and pepper jack melt into creamy perfection for that gooey, satisfying bite.
Make-ahead magic: Prep it ahead to save yourself stress on busy mornings—you’ll love how it holds up.

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 casserole comes together beautifully because each ingredient plays a key role—The potatoes bring crunch, the sausage adds powerfully savory notes, and the cheese melts to bind it all in creamy goodness. Plus, fresh veggies brighten things up, and a smart blend of spices rounds it all out. Armed with these, you’re on your way to breakfast bliss.

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

Frozen Tater Tots: Keep these frozen until use for that iconic crispy topping and base texture.
Hot Bulk Pork Sausage: Provides savory richness and spice; swaps well with turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Onion: Adds sweet depth after it softens—don’t skip sautéing it with the sausage.
Red & Green Bell Peppers: Bring freshness and color, plus a subtle sweetness and crunch.
Garlic: Just a quick sauté enhances the whole dish with aromatic warmth.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Offers sharp, tangy flavor that cuts through richness.
Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds a little kick and creamy meltiness.
Eggs & Half-and-Half: The custard base that holds everything deliciously together.
Diced Green Chilies: Sneak in mild heat and a lovely smoky note.
Spices (paprika, mustard, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper): Layer flavor and bring balance—don’t skip these!

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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 the best things about this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how open it is to your favorite tweaks. I love swapping out veggies based on what I have on hand, or making it spicier when friends come over. Feel free to personalize the cheese or meat to suit your taste — it’s all about what makes you happy in the kitchen.

Variation: I’ve tried using turkey sausage with a pinch of cayenne and beef bouillon to deepen the flavor, and it’s fantastic for a slightly lighter version.
Vegetable swaps: Mushrooms or spinach work well, just be mindful of moisture so your casserole doesn’t get soggy.
Cheese alternatives: Mozzarella, Gruyere, or Gouda melt beautifully if you want a different flavor profile.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the sausage and add roasted sweet potatoes or tofu crumbles with extra seasoning.

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

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage and Veggies

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your sausage, diced onions, and bell peppers. Break up the sausage with a wooden spoon and cook until it's no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Then stir in your minced garlic for just 30 seconds to release that wonderful aroma—don’t let it burn! Drain excess grease to keep things tasty without being greasy, then transfer it all to your prepared baking dish to cool slightly.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture

While the sausage mixture cools a touch, whisk together your eggs, half-and-half, diced green chilies, and the spice mix in a large bowl or liquid measuring cup. This custard-like blend is the magic that will bind everything into a luscious casserole, so make sure it’s well combined but not over-beaten.

Step 3: Build Your Layers

It’s time to get everything cozy together. Add half of your frozen tater tots into the baking dish with the sausage mixture. Sprinkle half of both cheeses on top. Give it a gentle stir to evenly distribute everything, then press it into an even layer so the casserole bakes uniformly.

Step 4: Pour and Top

Pour your egg mixture over the layered sausage and tater tots. Then, scatter the remaining tater tots over the top—it’s this crunch-tastic topping that makes this casserole so special!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 70-80 minutes. You’re looking for the eggs to be fully set and no jiggle when you gently shake the pan. Remove from the oven, sprinkle on the rest of your cheese, then pop it back in for another 5-10 minutes to melt that cheesy goodness.

For a bright fresh note, I like to finish off with a scattering of chopped chives or green onions. It’s the simple touch that adds a burst of color and flavor!

Top Tip

From countless mornings making this casserole, I’ve picked up a few tricks that help it turn out just right every time. These will save you from common pitfalls and make prepping a breeze.

Keep your tater tots frozen: Adding them frozen preserves that crispness on top and in the layers below, so don’t thaw before baking.
Don’t overmix your eggs: Whisk until just combined to keep the custard silky rather than tough.
Drain your sausage well: Avoid a watery casserole by removing excess grease before layering.
Let it rest a bit before serving: This helps the casserole hold its shape when slicing and prevents spills!

How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping my slices with fresh chopped chives or green onions right out of the oven—it adds a lovely pop of color and a mild oniony punch. Sometimes, I’ll add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce if I’m feeling bold. You could also throw some chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra flair.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but my favorite sides include a crisp green salad to cut through the richness or some fresh fruit for a sweet contrast. I’ve also paired it with a simple cucumber-dill yogurt dip for something different and refreshing alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I love serving individual portions in cute ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—it makes each person feel special and keeps the crispy top intact. I’ve even made a layered version in clear glass baking dishes, so guests can see all the beautiful layers of sausage, cheese, and golden tots before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftovers cool completely, then cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it keeps nicely for up to 5 days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts throughout the week.

Freezing

Freezing works well with this casserole. I freeze it either before baking or after cooling leftovers. Just wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For me, reheating individual slices in the microwave works great—just cut the slice in half first so it warms evenly. Or if you have more time, I pop the whole casserole back in the oven at 325°F covered with foil for about 20 minutes until warmed through. That crunch on top stays intact and everything tastes just like fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well as a lighter alternative. I recommend adding a pinch of cayenne pepper and a teaspoon of beef bouillon to keep the flavor rich and balanced.

Do I have to thaw the tater tots before baking?

Nope! Keep your tater tots frozen right up until you layer them in the casserole. This helps them crisp up nicely and hold their texture during baking.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole without the top layer of tater tots, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, add the frozen tater tots on top and bake, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

What are the best cheeses to use in this casserole?

Freshly grated sharp cheddar and pepper jack are ideal for the perfect melt and flavor balance. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses, as they often have anti-caking agents that can interfere with melting.

Final Thoughts

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is near and dear to me because it brings people together and makes mornings feel a little more special—whether it’s a busy weekday or a leisurely weekend. I hope you find as much joy in making it as I do sharing it. Give it a try, tweak it to your heart’s content, and enjoy the cheers when it lands on your breakfast table!