Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Whenever we have overnight guests, I love making this tater tot breakfast casserole. The combination of spicy sausage, tender eggs, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy tots is always a big hit with the savory breakfast crowd. This simple breakfast casserole is ready to bake in just 10 minutes and easy to prep the night before for a stress-free morning!

I hate waking up after a night of fun and having to make breakfast. It feels like such a bummer when everyone else gets to sleep in. But with this easy tater tot breakfast casserole recipe, I can have breakfast on the table with minimal effort. If I remember to, I can even prep it the night before so all I have to do is pop it in the oven the next morning!

What’s in This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe?

Breakfast Sausage: I used bulk spicy breakfast sausage, but any flavor works. If you can’t find it in bulk, simply remove the casings from links or break up patties.
Onion + Garlic: Create a savory base of flavor for the casserole.
Eggs: Bind the casserole together.
Milk: Makes the casserole moist and tender.
Cheese: I like cheddar cheese best, but feel free to use your favorite.
Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots make this recipe so simple to put together!

partial overhead view of tater tot breakfast casserole in a baking dish.

Tips for Success

Use the tater tots straight from frozen– no need to thaw!
You can assemble and refrigerate the casserole (before baking) for up to 12 hours. I like to prep the night before so all I have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven.
If the casserole is browning too quickly before the eggs have set, tent it with foil for the remainder of the bake time.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover tater tot breakfast casserole tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through.

a partially eaten serving of tater tot breakfast casserole on a speckled plate with a fork.

Serving Suggestions

This crispy, cheesy tater tot breakfast casserole is a hearty meal all on its own. I like to serve mine simply with a drizzle of Buffalo sauce for a little kick and my favorite cucumber onion salad! This easy blender Hollandaise sauce is also delish!

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This cheesy tater tot breakfast casserole is ready to bake in just 10 minutes and easy to prep the night before for a stress-free morning!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Servings

Calories 490kcal

Author Laurel Perry

Equipment

9×13 Baking Pan

Ingredients

1 pound spicy breakfast sausage bulk or casings removed
1 onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
8 large eggs
1 cup milk
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese divided
16 ounces frozen tater tots (1 bag)
Chopped fresh chives optional, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prep a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium. Add in the sausage and onion. Cook, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until the sausage is cooked through and the onion is translucent. Add in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain off the excess grease and transfer the mixture in your prepared baking dish. Spread in an even layer.

1 pound spicy breakfast sausage, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt and pepper until combined.

8 large eggs, 1 cup milk, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheddar cheese over the sausage mixture.

2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese in the pan.
Top the casserole with the tater tots and the remaining cup of cheese. At this point, you can wrap the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 12 hours or bake it right away.

16 ounces frozen tater tots
Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes or until the egg mixture is set in the center. Garnish with chives and enjoy.

Chopped fresh chives

Notes

Storage: Store tater tot breakfast casserole tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Step by Step

Cook the Sausage: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prep a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium. Add in 1 pound of spicy sausage and 1 diced onion. Cook, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until the sausage is cooked through and the onion is translucent. Add in 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain off the excess grease and transfer the mixture in your prepared baking dish. Spread in an even layer.