This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate brunch dish! With crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and creamy eggs, it’s a cozy delight that will start your morning off right.
I love how it’s super easy to whip up! Just layer everything in a dish, bake, and enjoy. It’s perfect for lazy weekends or when friends drop by—everyone always goes for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These are the star of the dish! Frozen tater tots provide that crispy texture on top. If you want a healthier option, try using sweet potato tots or even hash browns instead.
Breakfast Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy sausage based on your taste. For a lighter version, turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage is a great substitute!
Eggs: The eggs create a fluffy base. If you want a dairy-free option, replace half-and-half with almond milk or a non-dairy milk of your choice. You might want to thicken it with a little cornstarch if needed.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is wonderful for flavor. Consider trying Monterey Jack or a mix of cheeses for a different taste. Vegan cheese also works well for a dairy-free option.
Bell Peppers & Onions: I love adding red bell peppers and onions for freshness, but feel free to use any other veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or green peppers!
How Do I Make Sure the Eggs Are Set and the Tater Tots Are Crispy?
Getting those crispy tater tots with perfectly set eggs is key to success. Here are some tips:
- Layering: Start with half the tater tots, then layer the sausage and cheese before adding more tater tots. This keeps the tots crispy on top.
- Baking: Bake uncovered to allow steam to escape, helping the tater tots maintain their crunch. 45-50 minutes should do the trick!
- Egg Test: Check the casserole at about 40 minutes. If the eggs are puffed and slightly jiggly in the center, it’s ready. If they’re too soft, give it a few more minutes.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps everything set a bit more. Enjoy your delicious breakfast casserole!
Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your preference)
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole requires about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 45-50 minutes of baking. So in total, you’ll spend about 1 hour for both preparation and cooking time, plus a 5-minute cooling period before serving. Perfect for a cozy brunch with family or friends!
Detailed Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep everything from sticking.
2. Cook The Sausage and Veggies:
In a skillet over medium heat, toss in the breakfast sausage. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Once the sausage is ready, drain any excess grease from the pan. Add in the diced onions and red bell pepper, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they’re nice and soft. Then, remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Layer the First Ingredients:
Grab your prepared baking dish and spread half of the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom. Next, top them with half of the sausage and veggie mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over this layer for that delicious cheesy goodness!
4. Add More Tater Tots:
Now, it’s time to layer the remaining tater tots over the cheese and sausage mixture, distributing them evenly to cover everything.
5. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half (or milk), garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is nicely combined. This mixture will create a fluffy, flavorful base for your casserole.
6. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Gently pour the egg mixture over the layered casserole in the baking dish while making sure it seeps through to the bottom layers for even cooking.
7. Top and Bake:
Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole to create a gooey, cheesy crust. Now, place it in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set, the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice. Before serving, garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
Enjoy this hearty and scrumptious Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole—it’s perfect for gatherings or simply a delightful family brunch!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute the breakfast sausage with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even diced ham. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage or skip the meat altogether and load up on vegetables!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or the oven until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to keep it moist while reheating.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prep the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, but add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Serve with This Breakfast Casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a light salad, or perhaps some avocado slices. You can also serve it with your favorite breakfast beverages like coffee, tea, or fresh juice for a complete brunch experience!