If you are searching for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast that brings comfort and deliciousness all in one dish, your search ends here with this incredible Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe. Bursting with crispy tater tots, savory turkey sausage, creamy eggs, and melty cheddar cheese, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering morning masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the perfect way to start your day on a cozy, flavorful note, whether for a weekend brunch or holiday gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple, yet each plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your casserole. From the crispy golden tater tots that add irresistible crunch to the seasoned turkey sausage that brings savory depth, every component contributes to a harmonious and colorful dish.
- Turkey breakfast sausage: Cooking and crumbling this adds a lean, savory protein layer that complements the mild eggs beautifully.
- Frozen tater tots: These golden nuggets create the crispy base and satisfying texture that make this dish truly special.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Used in two parts for gooey, melty cheesy goodness layered throughout the casserole.
- Large eggs: Whisked with milk to form the rich, creamy custard that binds everything together.
- Milk: Adds moisture and creaminess to the egg mixture ensuring a smooth, tender finish.
- Seasoned salt: Boosts the overall flavor with a perfect blend of herbs and spices.
- Ground black pepper: Offers a subtle, warming spice to balance the richness.
- Freshly chopped green onions (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh bite when used as a garnish.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. This ensures the casserole bakes evenly when it hits the heat. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so the layers won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze later.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, cook one pound of turkey breakfast sausage until nicely browned and crumbled. The savory aroma that fills your kitchen is an early sign of the deliciousness to come. Once cooked, set it aside to combine with other ingredients.
Step 3: Layer the Base
Place the full 30 ounces of frozen tater tots evenly in your prepared baking dish. Toss in the cooked turkey sausage and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, then stir everything together for even distribution. This creates the casserole’s hearty and cheesy foundation.
Step 4: Mix and Pour the Egg Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1½ teaspoons of seasoned salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper until perfectly combined. This egg mixture creates the rich, creamy custard that holds the casserole together. Pour it evenly over the tater tot mixture, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top to add a golden, bubbly finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes. You’re looking for the eggs to set completely and the top to turn a beautiful golden brown around the edges. The smell will be mouthwatering, and the anticipation will be real!
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the casserole and add a fresh contrast to the rich flavors, sprinkle some freshly chopped green onions on top just before serving. Their mild oniony crunch adds a lovely touch of color and vibrancy that makes the dish pop visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
This casserole holds its own as a filling main dish but pairs wonderfully with a few light, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some fresh fruit salad balances the rich, savory notes for a well-rounded breakfast experience. You could also offer a side of warm toast or flaky biscuits for an extra comforting touch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests or family even more, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini baking dishes for personalized portions. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of salsa for an extra burst of flavor. Layering in sautéed veggies like bell peppers or spinach before baking can add color and nutrition, making this meal as versatile as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this delicious dish, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, so it’s as tasty the next morning as when freshly baked.
Freezing
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe dish or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a quick breakfast fix on a busy morning, simply thaw and reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or heat the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350ºF oven until heated through. Adding a few minutes uncovered at the end will help refresh that crispy top layer.
FAQs
Can I use regular sausage instead of turkey sausage?
Absolutely! Regular pork sausage will work wonderfully and adds a richer flavor, but turkey sausage keeps it a bit lighter while still being delicious.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, swap the sausage for sautéed veggies like mushrooms, peppers, or spinach and consider adding a vegetarian cheese to keep it just as satisfying.
Is it possible to use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
While fresh potatoes can be used, tater tots bring a unique crunchy texture and convenience that fresh potatoes don’t replicate as easily. If you use fresh, be sure to par-cook and season them well.
How long will the casserole keep in the fridge?
This casserole stays fresh for about 3 days refrigerated. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yep! You can assemble everything the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed for a no-fuss breakfast.
Final Thoughts
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and tastes like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a brunch, or just craving comfort food with a little sparkle, give this recipe a try. You’ll find it’s a delicious way to start the day that brings everyone back to the table with smiles.
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Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole combines crispy tater tots, savory turkey sausage, and melted cheddar cheese in a baked egg custard. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing brunch or an easy family breakfast, this dish is flavorful, comforting, and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 30 ounces frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Freshly chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the turkey breakfast sausage until fully browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Combine Tater Tots, Sausage, and Cheese: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in the prepared baking dish. Add the cooked, crumbled sausage on top, then sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Gently stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Pour and Top: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tots, sausage, and cheese layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add diced onions or bell peppers to the sausage while cooking.
- You may substitute turkey sausage with pork sausage if preferred.
- Seasoned salt contains salt and other spices – adjust salt addition accordingly based on taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a dairy-free version, use a suitable milk alternative and dairy-free cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
