Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
This hearty and delicious breakfast casserole is the perfect way to start your day. Packed with crispy tater tots, melted cheese, and a flavorful protein of your choice, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that works for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
- Customizable – Use your favorite cheese and protein options.
- Perfect for a Crowd – Feeds the whole family or guests effortlessly.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled (or use turkey sausage, beef, or plant-based alternative)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it into crumbles.
- Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the cooked sausage evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the sausage.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tots, ensuring all ingredients are coated.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as chopped green onions, hot sauce, or sour cream.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Additions
- Meat Options: Try using cooked bacon, diced ham, or chorizo instead of sausage.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with pepper jack, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese for different flavors.
- Vegetable Additions: Mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a kick.
This cheesy tater tot breakfast casserole is a warm, comforting dish that is sure to become a favorite in your home. Perfect for a weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or meal prepping, this easy recipe will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!