Last Updated on November 4, 2025 by Chef Josie
Golden, crispy tater tots layered with fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and savory sausage, this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is what brunch dreams are made of. It’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for holidays, or planning a weekend brunch, this all-in-one breakfast bake delivers every time.
The best part? You can assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate overnight, and simply bake it fresh in the morning. With just a few pantry staples and a bag of tater tots, you’ll have the best tater tot casserole that’s equal parts crispy, creamy, and satisfying.
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Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A hearty breakfast bake layered with crispy tater tots, fluffy eggs, sausage, and melted cheese. The perfect easy brunch or make-ahead meal.
Ingredients
-
1 lb sausage
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8 eggs
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1 cup milk
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½ cup diced onion
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½ cup diced bell pepper
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook sausage until browned; drain.
- Layer sausage, onion, pepper, and half cheese in dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, and seasonings; pour over.
- Arrange tater tots on top; bake 40–45 minutes.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese and serve warm.
Notes
Assemble ahead and bake next morning.
Add bacon or jalapeños for a loaded version.
Bake uncovered for crispier tater tots.
Freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 375 kcal
Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Crispy and cheesy: The tater tots bake up golden and crunchy on top.
- Easy to make: Just layer, whisk, and bake; no special equipment needed.
- Feeds a crowd: Perfect for potlucks, brunches, or busy mornings.
- Customizable: Add veggies, bacon, or even sausage gravy for extra flavor.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the night before for stress-free mornings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (or bacon, cooked and crumbled)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup onion, diced
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: chopped chives or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook sausage: In a skillet, cook sausage until browned. Drain any grease.
- Layer: Spread cooked sausage in bottom of dish. Add onion, pepper, and half the cheese.
- Whisk eggs: In a bowl, mix eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour evenly over layers.
- Top with tots: Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the mixture.
- Bake: 40–45 minutes until eggs are set and tater tots are crisp and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top; let melt before serving.
Notes and Top Tips
- For a loaded tater tot casserole, add crumbled bacon, jalapeños, or green onions.
- Swap sausage for ham or turkey for a lighter option.
- Use spicy sausage or pepper jack cheese for a kick.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serve this tater tot breakfast casserole hot with a drizzle of hot sauce, sour cream, or ketchup. Pair it with fresh fruit or orange juice for a complete breakfast.
Variations:
- Tator Tot Breakfast Egg Bake: Add more eggs for a fluffier, egg-forward dish.
- Sausage Gravy Tater Tot Casserole: Pour sausage gravy over the base layer for extra creaminess.
- Loaded Tater Tot Casserole: Top with green onions, bacon bits, and a sprinkle of cheese before baking.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and load it with mushrooms, spinach, and peppers.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Cool completely, slice into portions, wrap, and freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave individual slices for 1 minute or bake at 325°F until warm.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Why You’ll Make It Again
This tater tot breakfast casserole checks every box: simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. The crispy potato topping contrasts perfectly with the creamy, cheesy filling below, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, feeding your family, or meal prepping for the week, this dish will always deliver big flavor with little effort.
If you enjoyed this recipe, leave a comment and explore more easy breakfast casseroles and egg bake with tater tots ideas on the blog!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes. Grate fresh potatoes, squeeze out moisture, and bake slightly before layering.
2. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, use non-dairy milk and plant-based cheese alternatives.
3. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Layer ingredients and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or until eggs set.
4. Why are my tater tots soggy?
Make sure to bake uncovered and don’t overcrowd the tots so they crisp evenly.
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