Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A hearty tater tot breakfast is the ultimate comfort food for mornings when you crave something filling, flavorful, and satisfying. Combining crispy golden tater tots, savory breakfast meats, eggs, and gooey melted cheese, this dish delivers everything you need in one delicious casserole. It’s perfect for weekends, brunch gatherings, or meal-prep mornings when you want to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. Unlike complicated breakfast recipes that require juggling multiple pans, this one is baked in a single dish, making it convenient and stress-free. The textures are irresistible—the crunchy tater tot topping contrasts with the creamy, cheesy layers beneath, while the eggs and protein bring balance and heartiness. It’s a family-friendly recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied. Whether served with fresh fruit, coffee, or juice, this breakfast casserole is guaranteed to start your day on a high note.
Hearty Tater Tot Breakfast: A Comforting Start to Your Day
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This hearty tater tot breakfast casserole is loaded with crispy tater tots, savory sausage, eggs, and cheese, making it the perfect make-ahead breakfast for a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened. Drain excess grease.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread half the tater tots in the prepared dish. Top with sausage mixture and 1 cup of cheese.
- Pour egg mixture evenly over the top. Arrange remaining tater tots on top in a single layer.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until eggs are set and tater tots are golden brown.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, bake an additional 5 minutes until melted.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead by assembling the casserole the night before and refrigerating overnight.
- Swap sausage for bacon or ham for variety.
- Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Tater tots create a crispy golden crust, serving as the hearty base of this dish.
Eggs bind the casserole together, adding protein and a fluffy texture throughout.
Breakfast sausage brings savory richness and a slight spice, complementing the mild tater tots.
Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, offering creamy sharpness and a gooey topping.
Milk is whisked into the eggs for a smooth, custard-like consistency.
Onion adds depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness once sautéed.
Bell peppers provide freshness and a pop of color, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese.
Garlic powder seasons the dish lightly, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Salt and black pepper are used sparingly to season the eggs and meat without overpowering.
Green onions are sprinkled on top as a garnish, adding brightness and freshness.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a skillet, cook breakfast sausage with diced onion and bell peppers until browned and fragrant. Drain excess grease and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the cooked sausage mixture and a handful of shredded cheddar cheese.
Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking dish. Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the top, covering the entire surface. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese for a golden, cheesy crust.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the eggs are set and the tater tots are crisp and golden. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh green onions and serve warm.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 8 servings. Preparation takes 15 minutes, and baking requires 40–45 minutes, making it ready in under an hour.
Storage/reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quicker option. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon version – Swap sausage for crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
Veggie-packed – Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Spicy kick – Use hot sausage or add diced jalapeños for a bolder taste.
Cheese lover’s – Try a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella.
Southwestern style – Top with salsa, avocado, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Make-ahead option – Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Mini casseroles – Prepare in muffin tins for single-serving portions.
Gluten-free – Use certified gluten-free tater tots to adapt for sensitivities.
Lighter version – Substitute turkey sausage and low-fat cheese for a healthier option.
Extra crispy topping – Broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning.
Can I use frozen tater tots directly?
Yes, no need to thaw—the oven will crisp them up perfectly.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but any melting cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack works well.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
How do I know when the eggs are set?
The center should be firm and not jiggle when lightly shaken.
Can I use hash browns instead of tater tots?
Yes, though the texture will be less crispy.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely—kids love the cheesy, crispy tater tots.
Conclusion
This hearty tater tot breakfast casserole is a family favorite that combines comfort, convenience, and bold flavor in every bite. With its crispy topping, cheesy layers, and protein-packed filling, it is ideal for weekend brunches, holidays, or meal prep. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite meats, vegetables, and cheeses, ensuring it never gets boring. Easy to make, satisfying to eat, and perfect for sharing, this recipe is a true breakfast winner.
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