Easy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole recipe

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole recipe is packed with sausage, bell peppers, spinach, and cheese, all baked under a crispy layer of tater tots. It takes about an hour from start to finish, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for breakfast or dinner!

Looking for more breakfast casserole inspiration? Then you’ll love this Hashbrown Casserole, Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole, or Spinach and Ham Breakfast Casserole!

This easy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that combines crispy tater tots with savory sausage and a blend of fresh vegetables. 

The tater tots become wonderfully crispy on top, soaking up the rich, eggy custard underneath, while the sausage adds a hearty, savory element!

I threw in some fresh spinach and bell pepper for good measure, but you can leave these out if you have picky eaters.

If you’re looking for a savory, warm breakfast with minimal effort and simple ingredients, this sausage tater tot casserole is for you!

Why we love this cheesy tater tot casserole:

• Crowd-pleaser for any occasion: This breakfast casserole feeds up to 12 people, so it’s perfect for a family-friendly dinner, brunch, or breakfast meal prep!
• Effortless prep: With minimal prep, a few simple ingredients, and just one dish to clean, it’s perfect for hectic mornings or even busy weeknights!
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly: This Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole can be made up to 4 months in advance when stored in the freezer, making it the perfect low-effort meal!

Make-ahead breakfast casserole ingredients:

• Breakfast sausage links: You’ll need 14 cooked and sliced breakfast sausage links for this recipe! Use your favorite breakfast sausage links or swap them for cooked bacon or ground breakfast sausage if you prefer. You can also use vegetarian sausage as a meatless option!
• Bell pepper & spinach: I love sneaking veggies into this casserole to make it a little more nutritious! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like mushrooms or tomatoes, or use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available.
• Green onions: They give a subtle oniony zing! Regular onions work, too; just make sure to sauté them first to soften their sharpness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: This is baked into the casserole, so each bite is wrapped up in melty goodness! You can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Swiss if you prefer something different.
• Eggs & half and half: These create the custard-like base that binds everything together.
• Salt, dried parsley, black Pepper, & seasoning salt: These seasonings bring out all the flavors and balance the dish. You can adjust the amounts or use your favorite seasoning blends to customize the taste!
• Frozen tater tots: These are added on top of the casserole to form a crispy, golden topping that makes the casserole irresistible! 

How to make classic tater tot casserole:

Scroll down in the recipe card for the full recipe instructions! Here are some step-by-step instructions for how to make this recipe:

• Add the chopped veggies, cooked sausage, and cheese to a casserole dish.
• Mix the egg, seasonings, and milk.

• Pour into the casserole dish.
• Top with frozen tater tots.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add in extra vegetables — for firmer vegetables, you can saute them first if you prefer to soften them and enhance the flavor.
• Choose turkey sausage or ham instead of pork sausage or bacon, or leave it out and bump up the veggies for a meatless version.
• Try using cauliflower or sweet potato tots from your frozen veggie aisle.
• Choose low-fat milk or non-dairy instead of whole.
• If you are feeding someone who prefers lower-carb recipes, simply omit a couple rows of the tater tots.

How to store and reheat leftover breakfast casserole:

Store individual servings in their own airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge or up to 4 months in the freezer. 

Reheat in a 350ºF oven for 20-30 minutes or until warm. If you’re short on time, pop it into the microwave!

Tips for making this breakfast casserole ahead:

There are so many ways to make this easy breakfast casserole even easier by prepping ingredients ahead:

• Chop all vegetables.
• Cook and chop all the meat.
• Shred your cheese.
• If you like, you can complete everything up until the point of adding the tater tots the day before, then cover and refrigerate for 24 hours. I don’t like to add the tater tots until I’m baking because I want them crispy!
• To freeze the casserole, assemble everything, wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 4 months. You can add the tater tots on top of the casserole as they’re stored in the freezer, so they won’t lose their texture. 

Serving suggestions:

You can eat this casserole on its own as a whole meal or lay out a brunch spread with Cinnamon Roll Bites, Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole, or Overnight Apple Crisp French Toast for a savory and sweet combo!

Love easy breakfast recipes? Check these out:

• Easy Ham Quiche Recipe — a must for leftover ham.
• French Toast Casserole — perfect make ahead brunch!
• Crockpot Breakfast Casserole — an easy one to prep for guests.
• Make Ahead Breakfast Quesadillas 4 Ways — great for stocking the freezer!