Get ready for an incredibly hearty, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd! This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole combines savory breakfast sausage, vibrant bell peppers, fluffy eggs, and plenty of melty cheese, all layered with crispy tater tots and baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate fuss-free breakfast or brunch solution, guaranteeing smiles around the table with minimal effort.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a true hero for weekend mornings and holiday brunches, and I absolutely adore it for its unbeatable simplicity and incredible comfort factor! What I love most is how it brings together so many breakfast favorites into one glorious, baked dish. The combination of savory ground breakfast sausage with sweet, tender onions and bell peppers creates a wonderfully flavorful base. Then, the genius of using frozen tater tots means a built-in crispy base and topping, while the rich cheddar and pepper jack cheeses melt into gooey perfection. The fluffy egg and milk mixture binds everything together into a cohesive, satisfying bake. It’s quick to assemble, looks impressive, and is always a huge hit with both kids and adults, making it my go-to for effortless entertaining.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole:
- 1 lb. bulk ground breakfast sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 lbs. frozen tater tots
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Breakfast Sausage: Use your favorite brand, mild or spicy. Ensure it’s fully cooked and drained.
- Bell Peppers & Onion: A mix of red and green bell peppers adds color and sweetness. Finely diced vegetables integrate well into the casserole.
- Frozen Tater Tots: No need to thaw! They bake up perfectly crisp. You can use crowns or other potato shapes, but tater tots are classic.
- Cheese: The combination of sharp cheddar and pepper jack offers both robust flavor and a hint of spice. Feel free to use all cheddar, a Mexican blend, or even Monterey Jack. Freshly shredded cheese melts best, but pre-shredded works for convenience.
- Eggs & Milk: Large eggs and whole milk create a rich, fluffy binder for the casserole.
- Seasoning: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential. You can add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the sausage mixture for extra flavor.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole baking!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the Sausage Mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the 1 lb. bulk ground breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. When the sausage is about halfway through browning (still some pink showing), add the diced 1 medium yellow onion, 1 red bell pepper, and 1 green bell pepper. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully browned and the vegetables are soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease thoroughly from the skillet and set the pan aside.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Place a single layer of about half of the 2 lbs. frozen tater tots evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and half of the 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese evenly over the tater tots.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 10 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper until well combined. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the shredded cheese layer.
- Spoon the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the egg mixture.
- Top with any remaining frozen tater tots, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
- Finally, sprinkle with the rest of the shredded sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is set and cooked through (a knife inserted into the center should come out clean). The tater tots on top should be golden and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before slicing to help it set and make for cleaner portions. Enjoy this hearty breakfast casserole!
Tips for Success
- Drain Sausage Well: This is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole.
- Don’t Thaw Tater Tots: Use them straight from the freezer for the best crispy texture.
- Cover for Initial Bake: Covering with foil during the first part of baking helps steam the tater tots and cook the eggs evenly without browning the top too quickly. Removing the foil allows for golden browning.
- Even Layers: Distribute ingredients evenly for a balanced bite in every serving.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for 10 minutes helps the egg and cheese set, making for cleaner slices and preventing it from being too loose.
- Customization: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture for extra heat, or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Hot Sauce or Ketchup: For those who like a little extra kick with their breakfast.
- Sour Cream or Salsa: For optional garnishes that add freshness and tang.
- Coffee or Orange Juice: Classic breakfast beverages.
- For other quick and easy breakfast or brunch ideas, consider our This One-Pan Breakfast Bake Will Make You Skipor our The Viral Cottage Cheese Pancake Everyone’s.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This casserole makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The casserole will firm up considerably as it cools.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For best results (to re-crisp the tater tots), reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350-400°F (175-200°C) until bubbly and hot.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Once completely cooled, slice into individual portions. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or place in freezer-safe bags/containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of this breakfast casserole, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free morning recipes:
- For another incredibly easy and satisfying breakfast, try our This 3-Ingredient Egg Wrap Is Taking Over Busy.
- If you’re looking for a quick and wholesome start to your day, our These 3-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies Are My Morning Time Saver are perfect.
- And for a classic comfort bake that’s great for breakfast or brunch, don’t miss This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way To Use Up Overripe Bananas.
Final Thoughts
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table with ease. It’s perfect for a cozy weekend brunch, promising a pan full of rich, cheesy, and hearty goodness that will make everyone happy!
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite breakfast casserole combination? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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