This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is one of those recipes that’s always a hit at the table.
It’s cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor in every bite. You get crispy tater tots on top, creamy eggs and cheese inside, and savory sausage running through it.
It’s the kind of dish you can throw together in the evening and bake in the morning. It’s also perfect for holidays or lazy weekends when you want to feed a crowd without much effort.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 32 oz frozen tater tots (one full bag)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
- Non-stick spray
Why I Love This Recipe
This casserole is a go-to in my kitchen because it’s easy, satisfying, and works for everything from brunch parties to Sunday mornings.
- You can prep it the night before—zero stress in the morning
- It’s filling and covers all the bases: protein, carbs, and cheese
- You only need one baking dish, which means less cleanup
- Everyone always asks for the recipe!
The first time I made this was for a family gathering, and we had zero leftovers. It’s now a regular request anytime someone’s staying the night or we’re doing a brunch potluck.
Servings and Time
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Eggs set the structure with proteins that firm up during baking. The cream and milk create a custardy base that keeps things soft, while the cheese melts into everything for flavor and texture. Tater tots crisp up on top from the oven heat, giving that perfect crunch to contrast the soft, cheesy inside. The sausage adds fat and seasoning that flavors the entire dish.
Common Mistakes
- Not browning the sausage enough: You want a deep golden brown for flavor.
- Skipping the grease drain: Too much fat will make the casserole greasy.
- Using cold tots: Let them sit out for a few minutes before layering, so they bake evenly.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye near the end—dry eggs are not what we’re going for.
What to Serve With
- Fresh fruit or a fruit salad
- A green side salad with light vinaigrette
- Yogurt parfaits
- Warm biscuits or croissants
- Fresh orange juice or coffee
FAQ
Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes! Turkey sausage works great and is a bit lighter.
Can I make it in advance?
Absolutely—prep the night before and bake in the morning.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots?
Nope! Just toss them on straight from the freezer.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in individual portions and reheat in the microwave or oven.
Is this spicy?
Not unless you use spicy sausage. You can add red pepper flakes if you want heat.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or a cheese blend
- Use diced bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the sausage and adding mushrooms or black beans
- Use egg whites or a liquid egg substitute to lighten it up
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 baking dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooking spray
Make Ahead Tips
- Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning as directed.
- You can cook the sausage and dice the onion a day or two ahead and keep them in the fridge.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the sausage and onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of breakfast sausage and 1 small diced onion until the sausage is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Break up the meat as it cooks. Drain the grease when done.
2. Whisk the eggs and seasonings
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder until fully blended.
3. Add cooked sausage and cheese
To the egg mixture, stir in the cooked sausage and onions and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly combined.
4. Pour into greased baking dish
Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray, then pour the sausage, cheese, and egg mixture evenly into the dish.
5. Layer tater tots on top
Arrange 32 oz frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the egg mixture. Don’t press them in—just gently set them on top.
6. Bake
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Cool and garnish
Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Top with sliced green onions if using.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
This tater tot casserole is one of those meals you can count on. It’s cozy, filling, and packed with flavor in every bite. It works whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just want something comforting that’ll last a few days. Give it a try and come back to let me know how it turned out—or if you have any fun twists on it!