Hearty Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe to Love

Breakfast just got a delightful upgrade with this mouthwatering tater tot sausage breakfast casserole that combines crispy potatoes and savory sausage in one irresistible dish.

Hearty layers of golden tater tots nestle between perfectly seasoned breakfast sausage, creating a breakfast dream.

Melted cheese cascades through every bite, adding rich, gooey goodness to this morning masterpiece.

The aroma alone will draw sleepy family members to the kitchen, eager to dig into this comforting morning feast.

Simple ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies even the most demanding breakfast crowds.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and meaty flavors that will kickstart your day with pure deliciousness.

This breakfast casserole is about to become your new weekend morning obsession.

How to Store and Reheat Tater Tot Casserole Easily

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before reheating. Cover with foil to prevent drying, then warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Cut individual portions and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Check temperature before serving to guarantee food safety.

What to Pair With a Tater Tot Breakfast Dish

• Brew Breakfast Beverages: Pair this hearty breakfast casserole with robust coffee like Colombian or French roast to complement the rich, savory flavors of sausage and cheese.
• Craft Fresh Morning Sides: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness and add refreshing contrast to the dense, cheesy dish.
• Select Tangy Condiments: Enhance the meal with zesty salsa, spicy hot sauce, or creamy ranch dressing to add an extra layer of excitement and cut through the casserole's richness.
• Elevate with Wine Pairing: Choose a light, fruity white wine like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to provide a bright, acidic counterpoint to the casserole's robust meat and potato elements.

Tasty Mix-and-Match Options for Breakfast Casserole

• Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of milk to enhance flavor and keep it dairy-free.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute tater tots with cauliflower florets or riced cauliflower. Maintain the egg and cheese mixture while reducing carbohydrate content for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Select gluten-free tater tots and verify all seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch as a potential thickening agent if needed.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and incorporate pepper jack cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra kick of southwestern flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of sausage in this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with breakfast sausage, chorizo, or even turkey sausage for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the sausage is fully cooked before adding to the casserole.

• Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

You can replace the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to create a vegetarian version of the dish.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the eggs are set (no longer runny) and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean, indicating the eggs are fully cooked.

• Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Why This Tater Tot Breakfast Bake Is a Crowd Favorite

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients together quickly without complicated chopping or complex techniques, making breakfast a breeze for busy families and beginner cooks.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients like different cheeses, meats, or vegetables to match your taste preferences and pantry supplies, creating a personalized breakfast experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crowd-Feeder: Perfect for large family gatherings, weekend brunches, or potluck events where you need a hearty, filling dish that satisfies multiple hungry people simultaneously.
• Make-Ahead Meal Master: Prepare the entire casserole in advance, refrigerate overnight, and pop it in the oven for a stress-free morning meal that looks and tastes freshly made.

What You’ll Need for a Tater Tot Sausage Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Sausage Links: Hearty meat that brings a savory punch to the breakfast dish.
• Eggs: Creamy and protein-packed base for the casserole.

• Frozen Tater Tots: Crispy potato bites that add texture and comfort.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty dairy goodness that binds the casserole together.

Vegetable and Flavor Enhancers:

• Bell Peppers, Onions: Colorful and flavorful vegetable mix.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Spice mix that elevates the overall flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Sweet touch that balances savory elements.

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• Milk: Smooth liquid that helps create a creamy texture.
• Olive Oil: Cooking oil for sautéing vegetables.
• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Saucy ingredients that add moisture and tang.

How to Assemble a Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Give the dish a quick spray of non-stick magic to prevent any stubborn sticking.

Step 2: Bring the Sausage to Life

Grab a large skillet and drizzle some olive oil.

Toss in the sausage links and cook them until they’re beautifully browned and fully done.

Once cooked, let them cool for a moment, then slice into bite-sized pieces that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Veggie Dance Party

• Bell peppers
• Onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté these until they’re tender and fragrant.

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Salt
• Italian seasoning
• Onion powder
• Brown sugar

Let everything simmer and get to know each other for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Casserole Base

• Frozen tater tots
• Cooked sausage slices
• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Mix everything until it looks like a delicious party.

Step 5: Egg Mixture Magic

• Eggs
• Milk
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Until smooth and well-blended.

Step 6: Layer and Prepare

Pour the tater tot mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly like a cozy blanket.

Then pour the egg mixture over the top, making sure it covers everything.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes.

You’re looking for golden brown perfection with set eggs.

If the top starts browning too quickly, just tent it with aluminum foil.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to settle down.

Serve hot and enjoy with optional sides like hoagie buns, provolone cheese, or a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Tips for Golden Tots and Savory Sausage Layers

• Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate to save morning cooking time and enhance flavor melding.
• Select mild, medium, or hot sausage based on your preferred heat intensity for a personalized breakfast experience.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, swiss, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
• Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase nutritional value and introduce extra vegetables into your breakfast casserole.
• Use gluten-free tater tots and confirm all seasoning ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty “tater tot sausage breakfast casserole” brings comfort and flavor to weekend mornings with its satisfying blend of crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and melted cheese. Each forkful promises a delicious start that will energize you through the day.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) sweet Italian sausage links

Vegetables:

• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 2 onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Sauce Components:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 14.5-ounce (411 grams) can diced tomatoes with juice

Topping and Base:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 32-ounce (907 grams) package frozen tater tots
• 2 cups (226 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (113 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a large skillet, brown the sausage links over medium heat until fully cooked, approximately 10-12 minutes.
3. Remove sausage from skillet, allow to cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
4. Using the same skillet, sauté bell peppers, onions, and garlic until vegetables become tender and fragrant.
5. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and brown sugar to the vegetable mixture, stirring thoroughly and simmering for 15 minutes.
6. Combine frozen tater tots, sliced sausage, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
7. Transfer the mixed ingredients to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
8. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a separate bowl until ingredients are well incorporated.
9. Gently pour the egg mixture over the tater tot and sausage layer, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 60-70 minutes, monitoring to prevent excessive browning.
11. If the top becomes too dark, cover with aluminum foil during the last portion of cooking.
12. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.
13. Plate and garnish with optional accompaniments like hoagie buns, provolone cheese, or Parmesan cheese sprinkles.

Notes

• Prep Ahead Wisely: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate to save morning cooking time, allowing flavors to meld together perfectly.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap sausage with turkey sausage, bacon bits, or vegetarian crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
• Control Moisture Balance: Pat tater tots dry before mixing to prevent excess liquid and ensure a crispy, golden-brown top layer that maintains ideal texture.
• Cheese Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, Swiss, or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1000 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg