Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This easy, cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is packed with seasoned eggs, browned sausage and melted cheddar, finished with a crispy layer of tater tots and extra cheese on top. It’s flavorful, family-friendly, and can be assembled the night before or prepared in about 20 minutes the morning you plan to bake it.

If you enjoyed the Buffalo Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole, you’ll love this breakfast twist on the classic comfort-dish idea.

This post was created in partnership with a cheese brand and highlights the flavor a sharp cheddar brings to this recipe.

For busy mornings, holiday brunches, or weekend gatherings, this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole delivers hearty satisfaction with minimal fuss. It brings together browned breakfast sausage, sautéed onions, a silky egg custard, shredded sharp cheddar and a top layer of frozen tater tots that crisp in the oven. The combination is savory, comforting and easy to customize to your taste.

This casserole is ideal for making ahead: assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake the next morning so you can focus on guests or other preparations. It also scales up or down easily for larger groups by using a larger baking dish and adjusting the timing slightly.

Instructions

1. Preheat and brown.
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add 1 pound breakfast sausage, crumble it into the pan and cook until browned throughout, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Mix the custard and filling.
   • In a large bowl whisk together 6 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper and 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional).
   • Stir in a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar.
   • Fold the cooked sausage and onions into the egg mixture until evenly combined.
3. Assemble and bake.
   • Spray an 8″ x 10″ (20 x 25 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or lightly grease it with butter.
   • Pour the egg, cheese and sausage mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
   • Arrange frozen tater tots in a single even layer over the filling.
   • Bake uncovered at 375°F for 50 minutes, then remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar over the top.
   • Return to the oven for 10 more minutes, until the cheese melts and the tater tots are crisp.
   • Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm.

Serve slices with salsa, sour cream, or your favorite hot sauce on the side. This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or fresh fruit to lighten the plate.

For the best flavor, use a sharp, well-aged cheddar for the shredded cheese in both the filling and the topping; it adds bright savory notes and good meltability. If you’re serving a crowd, double the recipe and bake in a 9″ x 13″ pan; you may need to increase the bake time by 10–15 minutes and check for doneness.