I grew up on anything that combined crispy potatoes and melty cheese, and this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole hits that nostalgia sweet spot every time. It’s a one-pan, crowd-pleasing bake loaded with hot breakfast sausage, frozen tater tots, and two kinds of cheese, all held together by a simple egg-and-milk custard. Make it for busy holiday mornings, potlucks, or a no-fuss weekend brunch when you want something hearty without hovering over the stove.

Why you’ll love this dish

This casserole delivers crisp-tender tater tots, savory spicy sausage, and a custardy egg base — all baked together so every bite has texture and a little gooeyness from the cheeses. It’s the sort of recipe that travels well, feeds a crowd, and keeps picky eaters (and hungry teens) happy. It’s also low-effort: you can brown the sausage and assemble it in minutes, then bake or chill until you’re ready.

“Made this for Christmas morning and everyone went back for seconds — the tots get golden along the edges and the center is like breakfast comfort food in a pan.”

If you like casserole-style breakfasts, you might also enjoy other family-friendly bakes like this creamy French onion beef casserole, which uses similar make-ahead convenience for busy mornings.

Step-by-step overview

You’ll brown the sausage, mix it with frozen tater tots and cheese, and press that mixture into a greased 9×13 pan. Whisk eggs with milk and seasonings and pour the custard over the tater tot mix so it soaks in. Bake uncovered until the eggs are set and the edges of the tots are golden (about 60–70 minutes). Optionally assemble and refrigerate until baking time to save prep time in the morning.

What you’ll need

• 2 lb hot breakfast sausage (substitute mild or turkey sausage if preferred)
• 1 (30–32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar for more flavor)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (whole milk gives the richest custard; 2% works fine)

Ingredient notes: Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicier kick, or use a dairy-free cheese to make it lactose-free. If you prefer less heat, use mild sausage and increase the black pepper to taste.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the hot breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it up, until no pink remains.
3. Drain excess fat from the cooked sausage and return the meat to the pan briefly to crisp the edges if you like.
4. In a large bowl, toss together the frozen tater tots, cooked sausage, 1 1/2 cups cheddar, and 1/2 cup mozzarella.
5. Spread the tater tot mixture evenly in the prepared 9×13 pan.
6. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
7. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tot layer so the tots absorb the custard.
8. Cover and refrigerate at this point if baking later.
9. Bake uncovered for 60–70 minutes, or until the eggs are set in the center and the edges of the tots are golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
10. Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes before slicing to firm up.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve slices warm straight from the pan. A simple serving plan:

• Top with chopped chives or green onions and a dollop of sour cream for brightness.
• Offer hot sauce, ketchup, or salsa on the side so guests can dial the heat.
• Pair with a light fruit salad and coffee for brunch or with steamed green beans and rolls for a heartier dinner. For a classic holiday table, this casserole plays well alongside a green bean casserole like this one: green bean casserole.

Storage and reheating tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of baking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated 350ºF oven until warmed through (about 10–15 minutes), or microwave individual portions until hot, stirring halfway for even heating. Freeze cooled, wrapped pieces in foil or freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165ºF for food safety.

Helpful cooking tips

• Don’t thaw the tots first. Using them frozen keeps the outer edges crisp and prevents the casserole from getting soggy.
• If your eggs rise too quickly in the oven, tent loosely with foil for the last 15–20 minutes to prevent over-browning while finishing the center.
• For a firmer slice, use whole milk or a splash of heavy cream in place of part of the milk.
• Brown the sausage well. That Maillard flavor adds depth to the whole dish.
• Let it rest before cutting. Resting lets the custard set so slices hold their shape.

Creative twists

• Veg-forward: Add a layer of sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms with the sausage for extra veg.
• Southwest: Swap in pepper jack cheese, add a can of diced green chiles, and top with cilantro and avocado slices.
• Vegetarian: Replace sausage with seasoned crumbled tempeh or a plant-based sausage crumble and use dairy-free cheese.
• Cheesy-tot pull-apart: Stir in an extra cup of cheese and bake until bubbling for an ultra-cheesy version that’s perfect for game day.

Your questions answered

Can I assemble this the night before?

Yes. After pouring the egg mixture over the tater tot mixture, cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight. Bake from cold; you may need an extra 5–10 minutes of oven time.

Can I use mild sausage or a different protein?

Absolutely. Mild breakfast sausage, ground beef, or cooked crumbled beef all work. Adjust seasoning to compensate for the change in heat level.

How long will leftovers keep and can I freeze the whole pan?

Leftovers last 3–4 days in the refrigerator. You can freeze individual slices or the whole casserole wrapped tightly; freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Is this safe to leave out during a brunch buffet?

No. Per food safety guidelines, do not leave casserole out at room temperature for more than two hours. Keep warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish if serving over a long period.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Tater tots are often gluten-free, but check the package. Use gluten-free sausage if needed and ensure all spices and cheeses are certified gluten-free.

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