Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole (Hearty, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing)

I made this casserole the first Christmas my in-laws stayed over. We were juggling presents, kids, and coffee — but when this came out of the oven, everything paused. The smell of crispy tater tots and spicy sausage brought everyone to the table, slippers and all. Since then, it’s become our go-to for cozy mornings when we need something hearty and hands-off.

Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole

Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is everything you want in a breakfast dish: warm, cheesy, crispy, and comforting. This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is packed with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and golden tater tots that hold their crunch under gooey cheese.

Even better? It’s a total time-saver. You can prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning. It feeds a crowd, reheats like a dream, and works just as well for brunch or “brinner.”

This casserole is perfect for holidays, weekend guests, or a meal-prep win during busy school weeks. Just one dish, no fuss, and it disappears fast.

Essential Tools You’ll Need

10-Inch Skillet

Use this to brown the sausage evenly and lock in flavor.

Meat Masher or Spatula

A meat masher helps crumble the sausage quickly. A spatula works too — just keep it moving.

Rotary Cheese Grater

Grate cheddar and mozzarella fresh for the best melt and flavor.

9×13-Inch Baking Dish

This dish fits the full recipe perfectly and gives you those golden, crispy casserole edges.

Ingredients at a Glance

• 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
• 1 (30–32 oz) bag frozen tater tots (no need to thaw)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk

Tip: Feel free to swap in mild sausage or add chopped peppers or spinach for a twist.

How to Make Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole from Scratch

Step 1 – Cook the Sausage

Preheat your oven to 350ºF so it’s ready by the time you’re done prepping. Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and begin breaking it up with a meat masher or sturdy spatula. As it cooks, continue stirring occasionally to ensure even browning and no large clumps. You want the sausage to be fully cooked through — no pink left anywhere. This adds flavor and ensures your Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole bakes evenly. Once the sausage is browned and crumbly, turn off the heat. Carefully drain off any excess fat, then set the cooked sausage aside to cool slightly before assembling the casserole.

Step 2 – Mix Tater Tots, Sausage, and Cheeses

In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen tater tots and the cooked sausage while they’re still warm — this helps the flavors mingle right away. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and gently toss everything together until the cheese is evenly distributed and starting to melt slightly from the heat of the sausage. This step gives the filling a cheesy, savory base that holds together beautifully once baked. Now, take your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Spread the Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole mixture evenly into the dish, pressing it down gently to create a flat, even layer across the bottom.

Step 3 – Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until everything is fully combined and the mixture looks smooth and pale yellow. This creamy egg base is what gives the Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole its fluffy, custard-like texture that holds everything together. Be sure to whisk thoroughly so the seasoning is evenly distributed. Once the mixture is ready, slowly pour it over the tater tot, sausage, and cheese layer already in your baking dish. Pour from corner to corner to make sure every bit gets coated. The egg mixture will settle into the gaps, helping the Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole bake up perfectly golden and delicious.

Step 4 – Assemble and Bake

Make sure everything is evenly distributed in the dish so each bite of this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is balanced and flavorful. Spread the mixture out with a spatula if needed to reach all corners. Then, place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 60 to 70 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, crispy top and a center that’s fully set — give the pan a gentle shake, and if it doesn’t jiggle, it’s ready. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the eggs settle and makes slicing your Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole clean and easy.

Optional – Make Ahead or Freeze

Want to prep this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole the night before? Absolutely — just assemble it as directed, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats. You may need to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time since it’s starting cold, but the results are just as delicious.

Prefer to freeze it? You can freeze the unbaked Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole for up to two months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before baking as usual. See the freezing and reheating section below for all the step-by-step tips.

Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

Making Ahead

You can fully prep this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole the night before, which makes mornings so much easier. After assembling the sausage, tater tots, cheese, and egg mixture in your baking dish, simply cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This helps all the flavors soak in beautifully while saving you time the next day. When you’re ready to bake, just take it out while the oven preheats. You’ll want to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes of bake time to ensure the eggs cook all the way through. This make-ahead method turns Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole into a stress-free, crowd-pleasing breakfast.

Freezing Instructions

Assemble the Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole in your baking dish just as you normally would, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to bake it, transfer the dish to the refrigerator and let it thaw completely overnight. This step is important to ensure even baking and the best texture. Once it’s thawed, remove the coverings and place the Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole in a preheated oven. Bake as directed in the original recipe until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbly.

Reheating Directions

To reheat leftovers of your Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole, simply cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and prevent the top from over-browning. Preheat your oven to 350ºF, then place the casserole in the center rack and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is fully melted again. If you’re reheating just a single portion, you can also use a microwave — cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat in 60-second intervals until warmed through. Either method brings this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole back to life with all its cheesy, savory goodness intact.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use sharp cheddar for the most flavor.
• Bake your Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole uncovered so the tots get crispy and golden on top.
• If you’re short on time, use pre-shredded cheese, but freshly grated melts better.
• Want a smaller batch? Halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8-inch pan.
• Ovens vary, so check the center with a knife — it should come out clean when done.

Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe Card

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Explore Similar Recipes

If you’re into warm, satisfying breakfasts, check out our Sausage and Egg Casserole for a Hearty Morning Meal — it’s another simple bake-ahead winner.

Looking for something more indulgent? You’ll love our Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole You’ll Crave.

If mornings are hectic, try these Egg and Cheese Breakfast Roll-Ups for On-the-Go Mornings.

Or go savory with Ground Beef Breakfast Casseroles for Savory Lovers. There’s a flavor for every kind of morning.

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