Name: Cheddar Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 32-ounce bag frozen Tater Tots®, divided (DON'T THAW); 1 pound hot bulk pork sausage; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese; 1 ½ cup freshly grated pepper Jack cheese; 8 large eggs; 2 cups half-and-half; 4 ounces diced green chilies; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper

There's something so comforting about a bubbling, cheesy breakfast bake that fills the whole kitchen with the aroma of sizzling sausage and melted cheese. This Cheddar Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly that—a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for weekend brunch or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.

This image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered casserole on a white marbled surface. The dish has a blue handle labeled

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheddar Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheddar Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can't tell you how many times this Cheddar Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole has saved the day when I wanted a no-fail breakfast that everyone would rave about. It’s downright delicious, and somehow it feels like a special occasion, even if it’s just a lazy Sunday morning at home.

Easy crowd-pleaser: This casserole feeds a bunch of people with minimal active cooking time.
Layered flavors and textures: Crispy tater tots, melty cheddar and pepper jack, and savory sausage all in one bite.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it the night before for a stress-free morning.
Customizable to your tastes: Swap veggies, cheeses, or sausage and it still turns out amazing.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a golden-brown tater tot casserole, cut into squares. The top layer is made of crispy, browned tater tots with melted yellow and white cheese sprinkled over them, and small flecks of green herbs scattered across. The inside layers show a mix of ground meat and creamy sauce peeking through the edges where one square is missing. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cheddar Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe plays a role in balancing flavor, texture, and richness. Using fresh cheeses and quality sausage makes all the difference in taste, plus the combo of sharp cheddar and pepper jack gives it just the right kick.

Flat lay of fresh whole pork sausage links, a medium yellow onion diced, one red bell pepper chopped, one green bell pepper chopped, three peeled garlic cloves minced, two small piles of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese, eight whole uncracked brown eggs, small white ceramic bowl of half-and-half, small white ceramic bowl with diced green chilies, small white ceramic bowl with mixed dried herbs and spices including parsley, paprika, ground mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper, and a pile of frozen golden tater tots, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic plate and separate white ceramic bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen Tater Tots: Keeping them frozen until baking locks in their signature crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Hot bulk pork sausage: Adds meaty depth; turkey sausage works too if you want it lighter.
Onion and Bell Peppers: Bring sweetness and a little crunch; sauté first to soften and develop flavor.
Garlic: Just a bit enhances the savory aroma and taste.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Classic richness and tang that melts beautifully.
Pepper Jack Cheese: Provides a subtle spicy kick and creamy melt.
Egg mixture (eggs, half-and-half, diced green chilies, herbs, spices): Binds everything together and adds creaminess.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to switch up the veggies depending on what I have—sometimes I throw in mushrooms or swap bell peppers for a bit of sweetness from roasted red peppers. You can easily swap out the pork sausage for turkey or even a plant-based option, just keep the seasonings balanced.

Variation: When I’m feeding a crowd with different tastes, I swap the pepper jack for mozzarella for a milder cheese flavor everyone enjoys.
Vegetarian option: Omit the sausage and bulk up with hearty mushrooms and extra peppers—just double-check your egg seasoning.
Spice it up: Adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne gives this casserole a fun kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheddar Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the sausage and veggies to build flavor

Heat your skillet and add the bulk pork sausage along with diced onions and chopped red and green bell peppers. Crumble the sausage as it cooks to get a nice browning on it, which adds so much depth. Once the sausage is cooked through and the onions have softened, toss in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Drain off excess grease before transferring the mixture into your greased baking dish to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the egg custard

In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, diced green chilies, dried parsley, paprika, ground mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. This creamy, flavorful mixture will soak into the other ingredients and tie the whole casserole together.

Step 3: Layer your ingredients for maximum taste and texture

Add half of the frozen tater tots on top of the sausage and veggie mix, then sprinkle half of each cheese—cheddar and pepper jack—over everything. Give it a light stir to mix just a bit, then spread it evenly in the pan.

Step 4: Pour the egg mixture and finish layering

Slowly pour the egg mixture over your layered casserole, letting it settle around the tater tots and sausage. Then scatter the remaining frozen tater tots on top. The tots on the top will bake up crispy and golden, creating that irresistible texture contrast.

Step 5: Bake low and slow

Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 70-80 minutes until the eggs are set and the casserole is bubbly. When it’s almost done, pull it out, sprinkle the rest of your cheese on top, and pop it back in for another 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese perfectly.

Step 6: Garnish and enjoy

Take it out of the oven and finish with a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing, and then dig in!

Top Tip

Having made this casserole many times, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep it perfectly balanced and delicious every single time. Trust me, these tips can save you some headaches and leveling up your breakfast game.

Use freshly grated cheese: It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded bags, which often contain anti-caking agents.
Don’t thaw your tater tots: Adding them frozen makes the top layer delightfully crispy instead of soggy.
Let the casserole rest: Let it cool for about 10 minutes after baking so the custard sets and slices cleanly.
Customize spice levels: Adjust the diced green chilies or add cayenne to suit your heat tolerance.

How to Serve Cheddar Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Cheddar Tater Tot Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a fan of simply adding chopped fresh chives or green onions on top—they bring a subtle sharpness that cuts the richness beautifully. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika or hot sauce on the side for a flavor boost.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands on its own pretty well, but I love pairing it with fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. If I’m feeling indulgent, some buttery biscuits or toasted English muffins are perfect on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins for a cute personal touch or layered it with fresh herbs on top to turn it into a stunning brunch centerpiece that guests can’t stop asking about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover any leftovers tightly with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers before refrigerating. It keeps well for up to 5 days, so having an easy breakfast ready during busy mornings is a lifesaver.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a few times successfully by wrapping it tightly and freezing individual slices. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Microwave is great for a quick warm-up—cut your portion in half first so it heats evenly. For larger amounts, cover with foil and bake at 325°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the tater tots nice and crispy on top.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare this Cheddar Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe the night before?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole completely without the top layer of tater tots and refrigerate it overnight. When you're ready to bake, add the frozen tots on top and bake according to the recipe instructions, adding about 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes your morning so much easier.

What’s the best sausage to use?

Pork bulk sausage is classic for this casserole because of its flavor and fat content, which keeps the dish juicy. But turkey sausage works well too if you want a lighter option—just add a little cayenne pepper and beef bouillon to boost the flavor and richness.

Can I substitute the cheeses?

Definitely! The recipe calls for sharp cheddar and pepper jack, but you can swap pepper jack with mozzarella, Gruyere, Swiss, Monterrey Jack, or even Gouda. The key is to use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.

How long does the casserole keep in the fridge?

Typically, it stays good for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container or covered tightly. Just reheat portions as needed—they hold up well and taste great leftover.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s just so comforting, straightforward, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just indulging yourself, it fills your kitchen with love and smells like home. Give it a try—I promise you’ll find yourself making it on repeat.