This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is an all-in-one breakfast that layers golden tater tots, smoky bacon, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and piles of melty cheese. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect when you need something filling that everyone will love.
If you enjoy big-batch morning recipes like a hearty breakfast bake or a buttery crescent roll casserole, this one’s going to become a staple. And for potato lovers? It’s a must. Let’s dig in.
🧡 Why This Recipe Works
- Bakes all in one dish—easy and satisfying
- Flexible ingredients—you can swap the meats, cheeses, or add veggies
- Great for holiday brunches, weekend spreads, or meal prep
- Kids and adults alike can’t resist it
✨ Before You Begin
- Eggs: Let them come to room temperature for fluffier results.
- Tater tots: No need to thaw—use them frozen.
- Cheese: Shred your own for creamier melting.
- Rest time: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before slicing so it firms up nicely.
- Make-ahead: You can assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
📋 Ingredients (Quick Overview)
- Breakfast sausage (cooked and sliced)
- Bacon (crispy, then crumbled)
- Frozen tater tots
- Eggs
- Milk
- Cheddar + Monterey Jack cheese
- Green onions
- Salt & pepper
(Refer to the full recipe for exact amounts.)
👩🍳 How to Make It — Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Cook the meats:
- Brown the sausage, drain, and slice.
- Cook the bacon until crisp, drain, and crumble.
- Layer the base: Spread a single layer of tater tots in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Mix egg base: Whisk together eggs, milk, green onions, salt, and pepper. Stir in cooked sausage and half the bacon.
- Add cheese: Fold in part of the cheese (cheddar + Monterey Jack) into the egg mixture.
- Assemble & bake: Pour the egg-meat-cheese mixture over the tater tots. Bake about 40–45 minutes, until the eggs are set.
- Top & finish: Sprinkle remaining cheddar over the top and bake another 5–7 minutes until melted.
- Rest & serve: Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with reserved bacon and green onions.
🔁 Variations & Tips
- Add flavor: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.
- Swap meats: Try ham, turkey bacon, or chicken sausage instead.
- Go veggie: Add bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, or broccoli.
- Lighten it up: Use egg whites and low-fat cheese.
- Different cheeses: Pepper jack, Swiss, or mozzarella also work.
- Overnight prep: Assemble ahead (don’t bake), cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
🧊 Storage, Reheating & Freezing
- Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. For single servings, microwave works fine.
- Freezing: Let cool fully, slice, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
❓ FAQs
Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?
Nope, use them frozen—they’ll crisp up in the oven.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead?
Not reliably—for this version, tater tots are key to getting that golden, crispy layer.
Can I prepare this ahead for Christmas morning?
Absolutely—assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake when you wake up.
Can I double it?
Yes—use two 9×13 pans or a bigger baking dish.
Can I use different cheeses or meats?
Yes, experiment with your favorites!
🍽 What to Serve With It
- Fresh sides: a fruit salad or green salad adds brightness
- Cozy breads: crescent rolls, biscuits, or garlic bread
- Sweet finish: coffee cake, pancakes, or sweet muffins make a perfect ending