Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

If you love waking up to hearty, crowd-pleasing brunches, this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is about to become your new favorite tradition! Packed with crispy tater tots, cheesy goodness, savory sausage, and smoky bacon, this casserole is a breakfast dream come true—easy enough for any morning, but decadent enough for holiday gatherings or weekend celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole lies in how a handful of classic, satisfying ingredients can deliver such layered flavors and textures. Every component is essential—pillowy eggs, melty cheese, savory meats, and of course, the crispy tater tots everyone loves!

• Breakfast Sausage Links (2 x 9-ounce packages): These bring a flavorful, peppery kick and hearty protein to the casserole. Slicing them into bite-size rounds makes for perfect, meaty bites.
• Bacon (1 pound): For unbeatable smoky crunch! Crumbling bacon through the casserole and over the top kicks up flavor and adds irresistible texture.
• Frozen Tater Tots (1 x 32-ounce package): The secret to that crunchy, golden layer everyone looks forward to—no peeling, chopping, or mashing required.
• Eggs (12 large): These bind everything together and create a fluffy, custardy base that holds the entire casserole.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and ensures your eggs bake up soft and light instead of rubbery.
• Green Onions (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons, thinly sliced): For freshness, color, and a gentle bite that brightens every serving.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon) & Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A simple but crucial balance—these season the eggs and round out all those savory flavors.
• Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup shredded): Melts beautifully and makes the casserole creamy, mild, and so gooey in the center.
• Cheddar Cheese (2 cups shredded, divided): Sharp cheddar brings bite, tang, and that lovely orange color—half goes into the casserole, half becomes a gorgeous, bubbly topping.

Variations

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is like a blank canvas—feel free to put your personal spin on it. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or just using up fridge odds and ends, it’s so easy to adapt without losing the magic.

• Meatless Makeover: Skip the bacon and sausage, and load up the filling with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
• Spicy Southwest: Stir in a can of diced green chiles, use pepper jack cheese, and add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for lively Southwestern flavor.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk and a vegan cheese substitute—tater tots are often dairy-free, so the rest is simple to swap!
• Extra Cheesy: Try a layer of mozzarella or gouda for a gooier, richer casserole, or use up whatever cheese odds-and-ends you have.

How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Meats

Start by browning your sausage links in a large skillet over medium heat until they’re fully cooked. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then slice them into bite-sized rounds. In the same pan—after draining off any leftover grease—crisp up the bacon until it’s deeply golden and fragrant. Drain your bacon on a separate plate and crumble once cool. These meaty morsels are the backbone of your casserole’s flavor!

Step 2: Layer Your Tater Tots

While your oven preheats to 350ºF (177ºC), grab a 9×13 baking dish and arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer. No need to thaw—we want that signature crispy base!

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1/4 cup green onions, salt, and pepper until fully blended and just a bit frothy. Next, stir in all the browned sausage and half your crumble of crispy bacon—it smells amazing already!

Step 4: Add Cheese (the Best Part!)

Fold 1 cup Monterey Jack and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese into your egg mixture, making sure every bit gets a hint of cheese throughout. This is what gives the casserole its irresistibly gooey pockets and rich flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the egg, cheese, and meat mixture evenly over the prepared tater tots. Slide the dish into your preheated oven, baking for 40-45 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s puffed up, fragrant, and there’s no liquid in the center.

Step 6: Top, Melt, and Finish

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the bubbling casserole and return it to the oven for 5-7 minutes until melty and luscious. Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before cutting—it’ll finish setting and slice up neatly. Top with the rest of the bacon and extra green onions for the ultimate finish!

How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Garnishes

I love showering the finished casserole with extra sliced green onions and a final sprinkle of crumbled bacon—this not only adds fresh flavor and a pop of color, but makes every serving look as inviting as it tastes!

Side Dishes

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is filling on its own, but a crisp green salad, some fresh fruit, or a big platter of sliced tomatoes brings freshness and zing to the table. A side of salsa or hot sauce also adds a playful, zesty kick for guests who want to personalize their plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, I’ll serve straight from the casserole dish, but for extra charm, you can bake individual portions in ramekins. Tuck squares into warm buttermilk biscuits for on-the-go breakfast sandwiches, or pair with a mini mimosa bar for a special brunch spread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole keeps beautifully—just cover your baking dish with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and you’ve got quick breakfasts ready all week.

Freezing

This casserole freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven for that just-baked taste and texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices in a 350ºF oven until hot and bubbly—this keeps the tater tot crust crisp. In a pinch, the microwave works too, though the tots may not be quite as crunchy. A quick broil right at the end helps bring back that golden top!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is the sort of dish that’s guaranteed to earn smiles at any table—it’s hearty, inviting, and endlessly adaptable. Whether for a family brunch, holiday meal, or a treat-yourself weekend, I hope it brings a little extra joy to your mornings. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy, utterly comforting bite!

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