Irresistible Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole for 8

Oh my gosh, you guys – I have to tell you about my absolute favorite lazy Sunday morning tradition! Nothing beats waking up to the smell of this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole baking in the oven. It’s become my go-to whenever we have overnight guests or just need a hearty weekend breakfast that practically makes itself. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to throw together – just layer some tater tots, brown some sausage, whisk up eggs, and let the oven do the rest. Even my picky nephew goes back for seconds (and thirds!) of this crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your breakfast MVP too!

Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole

This recipe is my breakfast secret weapon for so many reasons:

• Effortless prep: Just 15 minutes of hands-on time – perfect for sleepy mornings!
• Feeds a crowd: One pan serves 8 hungry people (or leaves delicious leftovers).
• Totally customizable: Swap in your favorite sausage, cheese, or add veggies.
• Meal prep dream: Make it ahead and reheat slices all week long.
• Kid-approved magic: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist those crispy tater tots.

Seriously, this casserole checks all the boxes for the perfect breakfast dish!

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Ingredients for Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this glorious breakfast masterpiece – I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have in your fridge or pantry!

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (I use Jimmy Dean regular, but any brand works – just make sure to brown and crumble it first)
• 1 (32 oz) package frozen tater tots (no need to thaw – straight from freezer to pan!)
• 6 large eggs (about 50g each out of shell – this matters for the perfect custardy texture)
• 1 cup whole milk (2% works in a pinch, but whole gives the richest results)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I prefer sharp for more flavor, but mild works too)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (I use kosher – if using table salt, reduce slightly)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (trust me, this little bit makes a big difference)
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (the secret flavor booster!)

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

Don’t stress if you need to swap things! Try turkey sausage for a lighter version (just add a splash of oil when browning). Dairy-free? Use your favorite plant-based cheese and milk. Want more veggies? Toss in some diced bell peppers or onions with the sausage. Just remember – too many add-ins might make the casserole watery, so pat veggies dry first!

How to Make Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe is so simple, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll have a golden, bubbly breakfast masterpiece in no time.

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1. Preheat that oven! Crank it to 375°F (190°C) – this gives your casserole that perfect crispy-on-top, tender-in-the-middle texture we all love.
2. Brown your sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into little crumbles as it cooks. Don’t skip draining the fat – I learned the hard way that leaving it makes the casserole greasy!
3. Layer those tots! Spread the frozen tater tots in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. No need to thaw – they’ll crisp up beautifully in the oven.
4. Sprinkle the sausage evenly over the tater tots. Try to distribute it well so every bite gets some meaty goodness.
5. Whisk the magic sauce: In a big bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and all those tasty seasonings until completely combined. Pro tip: I like to whisk for a full minute to get lots of air in there!
6. Pour it all over the sausage and tots. Take your time so the egg mixture seeps into all the nooks and crannies.
7. Cheese it up! Sprinkle that shredded cheddar evenly across the top – this creates the most gorgeous golden crust.
8. Bake to perfection: 35-40 minutes is usually perfect in my oven. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbly and the center doesn’t jiggle when you shake the pan.
9. Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting – this helps everything set so you get clean slices instead of a scrambled mess!

Pro Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole

After making this dozens of times (seriously, my family requests it weekly!), here are my hard-earned secrets:

• Fat is flavor… but not too much! Drain your sausage well, but leave just a tiny bit of fat for extra taste.
• Egg distribution matters: Gently press down the tots before pouring the egg mixture to help it soak in evenly.
• Resting is non-negotiable: Those 5 minutes after baking make all the difference for perfect slices that hold their shape.

Serving Suggestions for Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Now for the best part – loading up your plate with this golden, cheesy goodness! I’ve served this casserole every which way, and here are my absolute favorite ways to enjoy it:

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For a crowd-pleasing brunch: Slice into big squares and serve with fresh fruit salad on the side. The bright, juicy fruit cuts through the richness perfectly. A dollop of sour cream and some chopped chives make it look extra fancy with zero effort!

Spice lovers: Keep a bottle of hot sauce at the table – my husband douses his with Cholula, while I’m partial to a few dashes of Tabasco. The heat plays so nicely with the creamy eggs and crispy tots.

Meal prep magic: Cut into individual portions (about 2″ squares) and store in containers. I love reheating a piece with half an avocado smashed on top – the creaminess takes it to another level! A handful of baby spinach on the side makes it feel balanced.

Portion pro tip: For a big family breakfast, plan on 2-3 pieces per person (it’s that good!). If it’s just you meal prepping, one generous slice is plenty filling with sides. Leftovers keep beautifully for 3 days in the fridge – if they last that long!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

One of the best things about this tater tot casserole? It keeps like a dream! Here’s how I store and reheat it to keep that perfect crispy texture:

Fridge storage: Let the casserole cool completely (about 30 minutes), then cover tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge – though in my house, it never lasts that long!

Freezer magic: For longer storage, wrap individual portions in foil, then place in freezer bags. They’ll keep for 1 month without losing flavor. Pro tip: Write the date on the bag so you don’t forget when you made it!

Reheating like a pro: The oven is hands-down the best way to bring back that crispy goodness. For fridge leftovers, bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Frozen? No need to thaw – just add an extra 5-10 minutes. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works (about 1-2 minutes per slice), but the tots won’t stay as crispy.

My secret weapon? A quick minute under the broiler after microwaving to bring back that golden crust. Works like a charm every time!

Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole FAQs

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Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I know you guys like to have the numbers – so here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious serving of this tater tot casserole! Just remember, these are estimates based on the exact ingredients I use. Your numbers might vary a bit depending on your sausage brand or cheese choices.

• Serving Size: 1 generous slice (about 1/8 of the casserole)
• Calories: 320 (perfect for a hearty breakfast!)
• Protein: 16g (thanks to all those eggs and sausage)
• Carbohydrates: 18g (mostly from those glorious tater tots)
• Fiber: 2g (add some veggies to bump this up!)
• Sugar: 2g (naturally occurring in the milk and eggs)
• Fat: 22g (hey, flavor comes from somewhere!)
• Saturated Fat: 8g (I use real cheese – no regrets!)
• Sodium: 680mg (go easy on the salt if you’re watching this)

Remember, these values are just guidelines – your exact numbers will depend on the specific brands and amounts you use. But honestly? When that cheesy, sausage-y goodness hits your tastebuds, I bet you won’t be thinking about numbers at all!

Share Your Tater Tot Casserole Experience

Okay, I’ve spilled all my tater tot casserole secrets – now I want to hear from YOU! Did your family go crazy for it like mine does? Maybe you put your own spin on it with extra veggies or a different cheese? Snap a pic of your golden, bubbly masterpiece and tag me on Instagram – I live for seeing your kitchen creations!

Leave a comment below telling me your favorite way to enjoy this casserole. Morning fuel before a big day? Midnight snack straight from the fridge? (No judgment here – I’ve definitely done that!) Your tips and tweaks might just become someone else’s new favorite version.

And if this recipe becomes your new breakfast go-to like it is for me, I’d be over the moon if you’d give it a 5-star rating. It helps other hungry home cooks find this gem too. Now get baking – I can’t wait to see what you create!