There’s something irresistibly comforting about a hot, cheesy breakfast bake that wakes up your senses and fills the whole kitchen with mouthwatering smells. This Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly that kind of meal—loaded with crispy tots, melty cheese, and savory sausage, it’s guaranteed to start your morning with a smile (or a happy dance!).
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe more times than I can count on weekend mornings, and each time it feels like a warm hug served up on a plate. The ease, the flavor, and that unbeatable texture combo make it a total winner for family or brunch guests.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Crispy tater tots combined with ooey-gooey cheese and hearty sausage make this a satisfying breakfast everyone loves.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It’s great for preparing the night before, freeing up your morning while still serving a hot and fresh meal.
- Customizable: You can easily swap meats, cheeses, or veggies to fit your taste or dietary needs without losing the dish’s soul.
- Feeds a Crowd: This casserole is perfect for brunches or family gatherings since it makes plenty and reheats fantastically.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe pulls its weight to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The tater tots bring crispy crispness, the sausage adds savory depth, and the blend of cheddar with pepper jack cheese provides a rich, melty finish.
- Frozen Tater Tots: Using frozen ensures they crisp up nicely during baking; don’t thaw them to keep that perfect texture.
- Hot Bulk Pork Sausage: Adds a juicy, flavorful punch. Turkey sausage works too if you add a pinch of cayenne for kick.
- Onion & Bell Peppers: These veggies bring sweetness and color, softening nicely in the skillet without overpowering.
- Garlic: A small punch of umami and aroma that wakes up the whole dish.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a bold, tangy base flavor that melts beautifully.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: A little spicy and creamy, it pairs perfectly with the cheddar and sausage.
- Eggs & Half-and-Half: This creamy custard binds everything together, giving the casserole that delicate, fluffy texture.
- Diced Green Chilies: Adds subtle heat and brightness, lifting the richness of the eggs and sausage.
- Herbs & Spices (Parsley, Paprika, Mustard, Oregano, Salt, Pepper): These seasonings round out flavors with warmth and earthiness.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I sometimes swap out the bell peppers for mushrooms or toss in some spinach for a green boost. You can tailor it to suit your pantry or what your taste buds crave.
- Variation: Swap the Sausage: I recently tried turkey sausage with a sprinkle of cayenne, which gave it a nice heat and lighter feel—perfect if you want it less rich but still satisfying.
- Vegetarian Twist: Skip the meat and add hearty veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and more bell peppers. Just keep the egg custard ratio the same to hold everything together.
- Cheese Mix-Up: Don’t hesitate to experiment with cheeses that melt well—Gruyere or Fontina give a lovely nutty twist.
- Make It Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce in the egg mixture for a bolder morning wake-up call.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Sausage and Veggies to Flavor Town
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bulk sausage, diced onions, and chopped bell peppers, crumbling the sausage as you go. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned and the onions soften, about 8-10 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and sauté just 30 seconds—watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Drain off excess grease and transfer this delicious mixture to your prepared baking dish to cool slightly.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dreamy Egg Mixture
In a large bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together your eggs, half-and-half, diced green chilies, and all those colorful spices and herbs. Make sure it’s smooth and well mixed—this is the custard that wraps all those tasty ingredients in a creamy blanket.
Step 3: Layer It Up with Tots and Cheese
Add half the frozen tater tots to your sausage and veggie mixture in the baking dish, then mix in half of each cheese (cheddar and pepper jack). Stir everything gently to combine so the first layer will blend well. Then spread it into an even layer across the bottom of your dish.
Step 4: Add the Egg Mixture and Top with Tots
Pour the egg custard evenly over the layered casserole, letting it seep through the tots and sausage below. Now sprinkle the remaining frozen tots on top—don’t thaw these! This top layer will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake and Melt That Cheese
Bake uncovered at 350°F for 70-80 minutes, until the eggs are fully set and the edges bubble up invitingly. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, then return to bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, golden crown. Finish by scattering chopped chives or green onions to add a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor.
Top Tip
After making this casserole so many times, I’ve learned that a few small tweaks can totally elevate your results. Here are some insider tips I wish someone told me the first time I cooked this dish!
- Keep Tots Frozen: Resist the urge to thaw the tater tots before layering—they crisp up so much better straight from the freezer.
- Drain the Grease: After cooking the sausage and veggies, draining the grease keeps the casserole from getting soggy and overly greasy.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: Use freshly grated sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese for that perfect melt and flavor; pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole cool 10 minutes after baking so it sets better and slices cleanly—plus, it’s easier to serve without it falling apart.
How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my casserole with fresh chopped chives or green onions—they add a subtle sharpness and a beautiful color contrast. Sometimes I also sprinkle on a little hot sauce or drizzle salsa for extra warmth and flavor.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with lighter sides like fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette. For bigger gatherings, add some toasted English muffins or warm biscuits to mop up every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, I like to bake this casserole in individual ramekins or muffin tins—portion size makes it easy for guests to grab and go. Another fun idea is to add colorful layers of veggies for a more eye-catching presentation that’s just as tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, I cool the casserole completely, then cover it tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it perfect for a breakfast on the fly during busy mornings.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! I like to bake it fully, cool it, then cut into portions and freeze wrapped individually or in containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for fast breakfasts any day of the week without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
For single servings, the microwave works great—cut your slice in half to warm it evenly in about a minute. To reheat the whole pan, cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 20 minutes or until warmed through, which keeps the crispy tops perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can assemble everything except the top frozen tater tots the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add the frozen tots on top and bake as directed, allowing a little extra time to accommodate the cold tots.
Yes! While sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses are great for flavor and meltability, you can swap pepper jack for other melting cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyere, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Fontina, or Gouda to suit your preference.
Definitely! Simply omit the sausage and add your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or extra peppers. Just make sure you keep the egg and half-and-half mixture the same so the casserole sets properly.
Draining the grease after cooking the sausage and vegetables is key to avoiding sogginess. Also, keeping the tater tots frozen until it's time to bake helps them crisp up nicely, preventing a mushy texture. Lastly, avoid overpouring the egg mixture—stick to the recipe ratios for best results.
Final Thoughts
I have a soft spot for this Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe because it’s more than just a meal—it’s a little celebration of cozy mornings with loved ones. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself on a quiet weekend, it’s easy to make, customizable, and downright delicious. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become one of your go-to breakfast comforts too!
Print
Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole featuring layers of crispy tater tots, savory sausage, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy egg mixture topped with melted sharp cheddar and pepper Jack cheeses. Perfect for a satisfying morning meal or brunch.
Ingredients
Main 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
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 4 ounces diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cook Sausage and Veggies: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, onions, and bell peppers. Cook while crumbling the sausage until fully cooked and the onions are softened. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Drain excess grease, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Let it cool slightly.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, diced green chilies, dried parsley, paprika, ground mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Assemble Casserole: Add half of the tater tots to the baking dish with the sausage mixture along with half of both cheeses (¾ cup sharp cheddar and ¾ cup pepper Jack). Stir gently to combine, then spread into an even layer.
- Add Egg Mixture and Top: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and tater tot mixture. Sprinkle the remaining tater tots over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 70 to 80 minutes or until the eggs are set and the casserole is cooked through.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top. Return to the oven and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and optionally sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions before serving.
Notes
- Turkey Option: Substitute with turkey sausage adding ⅛-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon beef bouillon for flavor.
- Cheese Substitutions: Use sharp cheddar and pepper Jack or swap pepper Jack for mozzarella, Gruyere, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Fontina, or Gouda. Use freshly grated cheese for best melting.
- Variations: Swap meat and vegetables for your favorites but keep proportions to ensure the egg mixture envelops the filling.
- Storage: Cover tightly or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Microwave individual servings for about 1 minute until warm or reheat the whole pan covered with foil at 325 degrees F for 20 minutes until heated through.
- Overnight Casserole: Assemble but do not add the top layer of tater tots. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Before baking allow to sit 30 minutes at room temperature, then add remaining frozen tater tots on top and bake as directed with an added 10-15 minutes cook time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 260 mg

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