Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

I can’t think of a better way to feed a hungry crowd than to make something easy, shareable, and satisfying. This tater tot breakfast casserole is one of my favorite make-ahead breakfast recipes similar to a long-standing favorite make-ahead breakfast casserole. It checks all of those boxes and then some! 

This casserole is similar to easy tater tot casserole, but for breakfast instead of dinner! It’s fully loaded with savory breakfast items like taters, seasoned breakfast sausage, cheese, onions, bell peppers, and eggs! It’s an all-in-one breakfast or brunch dish that is the ultimate in comfort food.  

You’ll have people running to the table when this flavor-loaded dish is on the menu. Think about making 2 because you know people will be asking for more! Or, better yet freeze one for later!

What Are Tater Tots?

If you’ve ever had a hash brown you’ll know exactly what tater tots taste like. They start as grated potatoes formed into little cylinders, then deep fried until golden and crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

They are found in the freezer section of your grocery store. Although they are originally fried, you can also bake them, heat them in a skillet, or pop them in the air fryer to warm through and crisp up.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Customizable. It can be customized to suit your tastes by using different meat, cheese, or vegetables, and it doesn’t have to just be for breakfast either. 
2. Versatile. A satisfying meaty, cheesy, potato puff casserole can be enjoyed for dinner in the same way! Who says we can’t have it for lunch either?! 
3. Easy. Other than a bit of prep work like cooking the sausage and chopping veggies, there’s nothing to it. Layer it, bake it, then eat it! 
4. Make ahead. Much like my easy sausage crescent roll breakfast casserole, I love that it can be assembled the day before and baked just before serving. Easy entertaining at its finest!

Recipe Variations

• Meat: Use turkey sausage, Italian sausage, bacon, or diced baked ham instead.  
• Veggies: Mushrooms, asparagus, red bell pepper, broccoli, or spinach.
• Cheese: Instead of sharp cheddar cheese, you could use pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend.
• A little heat: I like to serve mine with a drizzle of hot sauce on top, but if you want to add heat to the casserole itself, add diced chiles or jalapenos in there!

How to Make a Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole

1. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat. Break it down into crumbles as it cooks through. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease and in the meantime, cook onions and bell peppers in some butter until tender, and add the sausage back into the pan. 
2. Transfer the meat mixture to a casserole dish and transfer it to the fridge to cool slightly. This helps to avoid the eggs from cooking too soon if they were to be added to the hot sausage mixture.
3. Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together and pour that egg mixture over the sausage. 
4. Sprinkle that with cheese and place an even layer of frozen tater tots on top. Bake for 40 minutes and allow it to stand and set for 5 minutes before serving.

For Sunday morning brunch I like to include a few extra traditional breakfast items like freshly made waffles, pancakes, or even a honey lime fruit salad.

If it’s a quick breakfast or lunch I’ll sprinkle some fresh chives or green onions and a bit of hot sauce and I’m good to go! Although, a basket of fresh homemade biscuits is a nice pairing.

For dinner serve it with a side of salsa, sour cream, or a simple chopped salad.