Easy Tator Tot Breakfast Casserole

You’ll love this Easy Tator Tot Breakfast Casserole recipe made with tator tots. sausage, eggs, and cheese. This recipe is perfect for holiday brunches or weekend breakfasts with the family.

I really wanted to make a full-on big breakfast this past weekend but did not want the dishes from it.  I remembered reading a simple breakfast dish made in the oven in our local newspaper family section not too long ago. Without having the recipe handy to remember exact measurements, I winged it and it turned out so delicious!

Breakfast casseroles are really simple to make using your favorite ingredients or what you have.

This took 10 minutes to prep and while the sausage was doing its thing in the skillet, the rest of the dish was prepped and ready to go.  You only need a few minutes to prep this easy casserole and the fact that the tots don’t need to be defrosted first makes it even easier! This dish would be perfect for taking to a brunch or having ready for your guests at a holiday breakfast gathering.  

Easy Tator Tot Breakfast Casserole

There are many reasons to make this breakfast casserole and I really need to make this more often. It’s bursting with spicy breakfast sausage, eggs, cheese, and topped with crispy tator tots. It’s not only delicious, but it’s a hearty way to start your day.

Because it’s a hearty meal, it’s also great to enjoy for dinner. Simply add a side salad and you’ve got a warm and filling meal that will delight everyone at the table. I mean, tator tots, who don’t love them?!

It’s so easy to prepare this breakfast casserole and because the recipe is so versatile, the substitutions or additions can have you making this twice in one week. Yes, I did that.

Tater tot casserole is even great to make ahead the night before and pop into the oven in the morning. It’s even a fantastic freezer meal as well! I’ll share the how-to on both of those ideas later in the post.

Ingredients

• 1 pound spicy breakfast pork sausage
• 8 large eggs
• 3⁄4 cup half and half
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 pound bag frozen tater tots

How to Make This Easy Tator Tot Breakfast Casserole

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9′ x 13′ baking dish with no stick cooking spray. (Glass works best.)

Step 2

In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat while breaking into small pieces until no longer pink. Remove skillet from heat, drain grease from sausage and set aside. Pro Tip: I like to line a plate with paper towels and spoon the sausage onto the plate. The paper towel will absorb the grease and then you can continue with your recipe.

Step 3

Spread the crumbled sausage in an even layer over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 4

In a medium bowl whisk eggs, half and half, garlic powder, salt and pepper until well combined.

Step 5

Pour egg mixture over the sausage into the baking dish. Top with 1 cup shredded cheese.

Step 6

Place frozen tater tots evenly over the top of the sausage, egg, and cheese mixture. Do not submerge tater tots. Top with remaining 1 cup shredded cheese.

Step 7

Bake for about 50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. If you want crispier tator tots, turn on the broiler for the last 5 or 6 minutes of baking time to crisp up the tops of the tots. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Make Ahead of Time

• Assemble the breakfast casserole according to recipe instructions but DON’T add the tater tops on top. 
• Tightly cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Refrigerate the unbaked casserole for up to 24 hours.
• When ready to bake, remove the covering and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
• Add the frozen tater tots and bake according to recipe directions, adding an additional 10-15 minutes, if needed.

How to Freeze

You can freeze this Tator Tot Breakfast Casserole either before baking or once it’s baked and cooled.

To Freeze before baking:

• Assemble the breakfast casserole according to recipe instructions but DON’T add the tater tops on top.  If you add the tots now, they will not bake up crispy.
• Cover the casserole with two layers of aluminum foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
• The night before you want to serve this for breakfast, take the casserole out of the freezer and allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. 
• When ready to bake, remove the foil and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. 
• Add the frozen tater tots and bake according to recipe directions, adding an additional 10-15 minutes, if needed.

To Freeze after baking:

• Let the casserole cool completely.  I found it best to chill the casserole overnight in the refrigerator before freezing. It sets up better.
• Freeze the entire baking dish by covering the casserole with two layers of aluminum foil. For individual servings, cut into serving sizes and place in individual freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.  

To reheat:

• Freezing the casserole after it’s baked will result in the tots not being as crispy upon reheating but it will stay yummy,
• Reheat individual servings straight from frozen in the microwave.
• To reheat the entire casserole, allow it to thaw completely overnight in the refrigerator.
• Cover and bake at 350 degrees until heated through, approximately 30 minutes.

Tips, Tricks, and FAQs

• If you prefer, use a regular ground sausage, turkey sausage, or try the Impossible brand of breakfast sausage. Or, substitute diced ham for the sausage (a great way to use up leftover ham from the holidays.)
• Substitute the cheddar cheese for your favorite. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack is excellent in this dish. Swiss or even Mozzarella will be so good with this.
• Be sure the tator tots are frozen when you top the casserole.
• Add sauteed diced onion and bell peppers to the egg mixture.
• If you add green onions, no need to saute first.
• For more spice, add chopped jalapenos or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Serve with salsa, sliced green onion, or even a dollop of sour cream.
• Storing leftovers – Cool completely, then place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Meal prep this recipe by assembling everything but the frozen tator tots. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Add frozen tots before baking.

This Tator Tot Breakfast Casserole is always a hit when I make it or bring it to any brunch gathering.

You may also enjoy these breakfast dishes

• Western Omelet Quiche
• Sausage Biscuit Dippers with White Gravy
• Delicious Sweet Potato Oven Baked Frittata
• Easy Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Printable Easy Tator Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

More Brunch Recipes

• Banana Bread Pancakes by Our Good Life
• Crescia al Formaggio (Italian Easter Bread) by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole by Making Miracles
• Sheet Pan Pancakes by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs by Art of Natural Living
• Yeasted Waffles by That Recipe

We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you’re at it, join our Pinterest board, too!

Enjoy!