Name: Cheesy 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; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon ground mustard; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper

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!).

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 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.

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

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.

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: 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.

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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

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

Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I make this casserole the night before?

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.

Can I use different cheeses?

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.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

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.

How do I prevent the casserole from being soggy?

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!