Name: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 32-ounce bag frozen Tater Tots®, divided (DON'T THAW); 1 pound hot bulk pork sausage; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese; 1 ½ cups freshly grated pepper Jack cheese; 8 large eggs; 2 cups half-and-half; 4 ounces diced green chilies; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper

The comforting crunch of crispy tots layered with savory sausage, peppers, and melty cheese is a flavor combo that always hits the spot. This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is one I turn to when I want an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that fills the kitchen with cozy, irresistible aromas.

This image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered casserole on a white marbled surface. The dish has a blue handle labeled

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe so many times because it’s the perfect mix of simple ingredients coming together to create something spectacular and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a brunch party, it never disappoints.

Effortless Prep: A one-dish casserole means fewer pans and quick assembly, perfect for busy mornings.
Customizable Flavor: Easily swap out ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs without losing that cozy vibe.
Perfect for Company: It stretches to feed a crowd, so it’s great for gatherings or meal prepping.
Crispy & Creamy Contrast: The tater tots stay crisp on top while the cheesy egg mixture underneath stays silky and rich.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a golden-brown tater tot casserole, cut into squares. The top layer is made of crispy, browned tater tots with melted yellow and white cheese sprinkled over them, and small flecks of green herbs scattered across. The inside layers show a mix of ground meat and creamy sauce peeking through the edges where one square is missing. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This casserole balances hearty meat, fresh veggies, and a cheesy custard that envelopes crispy tater tots. Each ingredient pairs so well, making every bite flavorful and satisfying. Here’s a little insight into what makes the magic happen:

Flat lay of fresh whole pork sausage links, a medium yellow onion diced, one red bell pepper chopped, one green bell pepper chopped, three peeled garlic cloves minced, two small piles of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese, eight whole uncracked brown eggs, small white ceramic bowl of half-and-half, small white ceramic bowl with diced green chilies, small white ceramic bowl with mixed dried herbs and spices including parsley, paprika, ground mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper, and a pile of frozen golden tater tots, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic plate and separate white ceramic bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen Tater Tots: They bring that iconic crispy topping and tender potato texture inside without any thawing fuss.
Hot Bulk Pork Sausage: Adds bold, seasoned richness—feel free to swap with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Onion & Bell Peppers: These soften and add natural sweetness plus a colorful crunch that brightens the dish.
Garlic: Just a hint to deepen savory flavors, never overpowering.
Sharp Cheddar & Pepper Jack Cheese: Freshly grated for perfect meltiness, these cheeses balance sharpness with a little spicy kick.
Eggs & Half-and-Half: Create the creamy, custardy base that holds everything together beautifully.
Diced Green Chilies & Spices: They add subtle heat and complexity without overwhelming the familiar breakfast taste.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep the base ingredients consistent because that balance is just right, but feel free to get creative! This casserole adapts beautifully to your preferences or what’s in your fridge.

Variation: Once, I swapped the peppers for sautéed mushrooms and spinach, and it added a lovely earthy twist without losing the classic feel.
Dietary swaps: Use turkey sausage with a dash of cayenne pepper and beef bouillon to keep that savory kick but lower fat.
Cheese swaps: Don’t be afraid to try Gruyere or Gouda—just keep the cheese freshly grated for the best melt and texture.
Seasonal picks: Toss in some roasted butternut squash or zucchini in warmer months to keep it fresh and vibrant.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Veggies

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high. Add the sausage, diced onion, and chopped bell peppers together. I like to break up the sausage as it cooks so it browns evenly and mixes well with the softened veggies. After about 7-8 minutes, when the sausage is fully cooked and the onions are translucent, stir in the minced garlic just for 30 seconds—don’t let it burn! Drain off the grease before transferring this flavorful mixture into your prepared baking dish to cool slightly.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture

While the stovetop work cools, whisk together your eggs, half-and-half, diced green chilies, and spices in a large bowl or liquid measuring cup. The smooth custard that forms here will soak into all the layers, making every bite creamy and delicious. Give it a good whisk to blend everything well — no lumps!

Step 3: Layer It Up

Now for the fun part! Add half of the frozen tater tots to the sausage and veggies in the baking dish, then sprinkle half of both shredded sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese over the top. Stir gently to combine everything, and then spread it out evenly in the pan. Pour your egg mixture over this base, allowing it to seep between the tots and ingredients. Finish by layering the rest of the frozen tots on top — no need to thaw. This layering gives you that golden crunchy topping after baking.

Step 4: Bake and Finish with Cheese

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 70 to 80 minutes until the eggs are set and the tots turn crispy and golden. I usually check at 70 minutes by gently shaking the pan to see if the center jiggles — if it’s firm, you’re good. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the top, then pop it back in for an extra 5 to 10 minutes to melt that cheesy goodness. When done, a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions adds a fresh pop of flavor and color.

Top Tip

From my kitchen adventures, a few little tips can make all the difference between a good casserole and a memorable one. Here are the nuggets I’ve picked up to help you nail this every time:

Keep Tots Frozen: Don’t thaw them! Using frozen tater tots directly layered ensures they crisp up beautifully in the oven rather than turning soggy.
Freshly Grated Cheese: I learned early on that freshly grated cheese melts so much better—store-bought pre-shredded often has additives that change the texture.
Drain Grease Thoroughly: Removing excess sausage grease prevents your casserole from becoming too oily and helps keep flavors balanced.
Let It Rest: After baking, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing—it firms up and makes serving much easier.

How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh chives or green onions over the top just before serving—it adds a lovely fresh, mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes I’ll add a dollop of sour cream or even a spoonful of salsa on the side for a bit of tang and texture contrast.

Side Dishes

To round out breakfast or brunch, I like pairing this casserole with simple fruit salad or a crisp green salad. On special occasions, some buttery toast or warm biscuits work wonders to scoop up all the cheesy goodness left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches or a fun weekend gathering, I’ve served the casserole in mini muffin tins for easy grab-and-go servings that look adorable. Another trick is to sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme across the top and place the whole pan on a wooden board surrounded by small condiment bowls, inviting everyone to customize their slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I tightly cover leftover casserole with foil or transfer pieces to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. It reheats wonderfully and often tastes even better the next day when all the flavors meld together.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well if you want to prep ahead in bulk. I recommend freezing individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For individual slices, the microwave works great—just heat for about a minute, and I like to cut slices in half first to ensure everything warms evenly. For larger portions or the whole dish, cover with foil and heat in the oven at 325°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe the night before?

Yes! You can assemble everything except the top layer of tater tots and refrigerate it overnight. Just add the frozen tots on top right before baking, and bake as directed, adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes if needed. This is great when you want to wake up to a nearly ready casserole.

Can I use other types of cheese in this casserole?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and pepper jack are the classic mix for this recipe, feel free to swap the pepper jack for other melty cheeses like Mozzarella, Gruyere, Swiss, Monterrey Jack, Colby Jack, Fontina, or Gouda. The key is to use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and texture.

Is it necessary to thaw the tater tots before baking?

No need to thaw! The recipe is designed so that the frozen tater tots go into the casserole straight from the bag. This helps achieve that crispy golden topping you want without sogginess.

What can I serve alongside this breakfast casserole?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad, a light green salad, buttery toast, or warm biscuits. The fresh elements and carbs balance the richness of the casserole perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s such a comforting, fuss-free way to feed those I love with minimal stress and tons of flavor. It’s perfect for busy mornings or celebratory brunches alike. Give it a try—it’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a favorite, and I promise, you’ll enjoy every satisfying bite.