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Start your day right with a hearty, comforting breakfast casserole! This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead dish, perfect for busy mornings or feeding a crowd. It’s incredibly easy to assemble and bakes up into a golden, cheesy, and savory delight. Whether you’re serving breakfast, brunch, or even “brinner,” this versatile casserole will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
You’ll adore this recipe for so many reasons! Here’s why this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortlessly Easy: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning.
- Freezer Friendly: It freezes beautifully, both baked and unbaked, making meal prep a breeze.
- Comforting & Savory: Layers of crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and melty cheese deliver pure comfort.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holidays, special guests, or feeding hungry kids before school.
- Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love the familiar flavors of tater tots and sausage.
Evidence suggests that meal prepping can lead to numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole. Most are likely already in your pantry or can be easily found at any grocery store.
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
- 1 (30-32oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize this breakfast casserole with these simple swaps and additions. For the sausage, try mild or spicy varieties, or use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option. Mix up the cheese with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Any milk (whole, 2%, or even unsweetened almond milk) works well. Add finely diced onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the sausage for extra nutrition. Cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham also makes a fantastic addition. Remember to use frozen tater tots directly from the freezer for the best texture.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this easy tater tot and sausage breakfast casserole.
- A 9×13-inch baking dish
- A large skillet for cooking the sausage
- A large mixing bowl
- A whisk
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to assemble your incredible Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole. Get ready for a delicious, comforting meal that comes together quickly!
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is completely browned and no longer pink. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once done, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is crucial for a great-tasting breakfast casserole.
- Combine Solids: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the frozen tater tots, the cooked and drained sausage, and both the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Ensure everything is well distributed.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the tater tot, sausage, and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread it out so there’s an even layer.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Over Casserole: Carefully pour the whisked egg and milk mixture evenly over the tater tot and sausage base in the baking pan. Make sure the egg mixture seeps down into all the gaps.
- Refrigerate (Optional): If you are preparing this in advance, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight.
- Bake Casserole: Place the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the eggs are completely set in the center and the top is golden brown and bubbly. The tater tots should also look crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the casserole to set further and makes for cleaner cuts.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the perfect Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole every time with these helpful hints. Always ensure your sausage is fully cooked and well-drained before adding it to the casserole to avoid grease. For the crispiest tater tots, do not thaw them; use them straight from the freezer. If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the remaining bake time. To check for doneness, insert a knife or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Prevent soggy tater tots by draining excess liquid from the sausage and ensuring your egg mixture is well-distributed. Adjust seasonings like salt and pepper to your personal taste.
The USDA recommends cooking ground pork sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure food safety.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole pairs wonderfully with many sides. Serve it alongside your favorite hot sauce, a dollop of ketchup, or fresh salsa for an extra kick. A vibrant fruit salad or a side of avocado slices complements the savory flavors beautifully. It’s perfect for a substantial breakfast, an impressive brunch centerpiece, or even a fun “brinner” (breakfast for dinner).
Storage Instructions
Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely before storing. Transfer cooled portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this breakfast casserole with tater tots and sausage is incredibly freezer-friendly. You can freeze individual slices for easy grab-and-go meals, reheating in the microwave or oven.
Variations
Get creative with your breakfast bake! Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sausage mixture for extra veggies. Swap out the breakfast sausage for cooked diced ham, crumbled bacon, or even smoked sausage. Experiment with different cheese blends like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a Mexican blend. For a fun twist, bake the mixture in muffin tins for individual Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole cups. To make it gluten-free, simply ensure your sausage and tater tots are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition
This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole offers a satisfying and energy-rich meal. Each serving typically contains a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to keep you feeling full.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Fat | 30-40g |
| Carbohydrates | 25-35g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Consult a professional for exact dietary information tailored to your needs.
FAQ
Q: Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed in the morning.
Q: Can I freeze this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole?
A: Yes, you can! You can freeze it unbaked or baked. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking or reheating for best results.
Q: Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?
A: No, use them frozen directly from the bag. This helps them crisp up beautifully during baking.
Q: Can I add other ingredients like bacon or vegetables?
A: Definitely! This recipe is very customizable. Feel yourself free to add cooked crumbled bacon, diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach.
Q: How do I know when the casserole is cooked through?
A: The eggs should be completely set in the center, not jiggly, and the top will be golden brown and bubbly. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Conclusion
This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a true winner for any meal, delivering hearty flavors with minimal effort. Its ease of preparation, make-ahead flexibility, and delicious combination of savory sausage, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheese make it an instant classic. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your new go-to for simple, satisfying breakfasts or brunches. Don’t forget to save this recipe and share your creations with Sweet Emily!
Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13-inch pan
- Large skillet
- Large bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
- 1 (30-32oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
Cooking Sausage
- In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage until it is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
Assemble Casserole
- In a large bowl, combine the frozen tater tots, cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Pour this mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch pan.
Add Egg Mixture
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk until well combined. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the tater tot and sausage mixture in the pan.
Bake
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown.
Notes
A 40-year-old chef from Mexico City, has dedicated his life to perfecting the art of Mexican cuisine. Raised in a family with a deep passion for cooking, Carlos drew inspiration from the traditional recipes passed down by his grandmother. After studying culinary arts and gaining experience in top Mexican restaurants, he pursued his dream of opening his own restaurant, Sabor de Tradición. Here, he combines authentic Mexican flavors with modern culinary techniques. Carlos is renowned for his creativity and unwavering commitment to honoring his heritage while also pushing the boundaries of Mexican cuisine
