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.
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.
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.
- 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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Cheddar Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A hearty and delicious Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole combining savory sausage, sautéed vegetables, melty cheeses, and a rich egg mixture baked to perfection. This comforting casserole is perfect for a crowd and can be made ahead for easy mornings.
Ingredients
Main 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
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 4 ounces diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook Sausage and Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, diced onions, and chopped red and green bell peppers. Cook, stirring and crumbling the sausage, until the meat is cooked through and the onions are softened, about 7-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Drain excess grease.
- Combine Sausage Mixture: Transfer sausage and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish and let cool slightly.
- Mix Egg Ingredients: In a large bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, diced green chilies, dried parsley, paprika, ground mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add Tater Tots and Cheese: Add half of the frozen tater tots to the baking dish with the sausage mixture along with half of both cheeses (¾ cup sharp cheddar and ¾ cup pepper Jack). Stir everything to combine and spread evenly in the dish.
- Pour Egg Mixture and Top: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and tater tot layer. Sprinkle the remaining frozen tater tots on top.
- Bake First Stage: Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 70-80 minutes or until the eggs are set and the tater tots are cooked.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and is bubbly.
- Optional Garnish and Serve: Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions if desired. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Turkey Sausage Alternative: Substitute with turkey sausage and add ⅛-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon beef bouillon for added flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Use freshly grated sharp cheddar and pepper Jack for best melting. You can swap pepper Jack for Mozzarella, Gruyere, Swiss, Monterrey Jack, Colby Jack, Fontina, or Gouda. Avoid pre-packaged shredded cheeses to ensure good melt.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute meats and vegetables, keeping the proportions the same to ensure enough egg mixture to envelop the filling.
- Storage: Store leftovers tightly covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating - Microwave: Warm individual servings on a microwave-safe plate for about 1 minute or until heated through; cutting the slice in half helps heat evenly.
- Reheating - Oven: Cover casserole with foil and bake at 325 degrees F for 20 minutes or until heated through, time may vary depending on amount.
- Overnight Casserole: Assemble as directed but do not add the tater tots on top. Keep these frozen until ready to bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, remove wrap, let sit for 30 minutes at room temperature, add remaining frozen tater tots on top, and bake adding 10-15 minutes if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
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