If you are looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast that brings together all the best flavors of a classic morning feast, then the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a rich and comforting dish loaded with crispy tater tots, savory sausage, crispy bacon, and two kinds of melty cheese, all baked into one golden, irresistible casserole. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch, a weekend family breakfast, or a meal to impress guests, this casserole hits all the right notes with every delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a perfect example of how simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something absolutely spectacular. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, providing layers of flavor, wonderful texture contrasts, and that perfect balance of savory and cheesy goodness.
- Breakfast sausage links (2 packages, 9 ounces each): Choose your favorite to bring juicy, seasoned meatiness to the casserole.
- Bacon (1 pound): Cook to crispy perfection for a salty crunch that complements the soft tater tots.
- Tater tots (1 large 32-ounce package): The crispy golden base that soaks up all the yummy flavors.
- Large eggs (12): The binding agent that holds everything together with a creamy texture.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and lightness to the egg mixture.
- Green onions (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons, thinly sliced): Fresh burst of color and a mild sharpness to balance richness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential seasoning to amplify all the flavors.
- Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup, shredded): Creamy cheese with a mild flavor to blend perfectly with sharper cheddar.
- Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded, divided): Adds bold, tangy flavor and a wonderful melty crust on top.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). This ensures your casserole will cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden crust as soon as it goes in.
Step 2: Cook and Slice Sausage
Place the breakfast sausage links in a skillet over medium heat and cook until they are no longer pink in the center. Once cooked through, slice them into perfect 1/2-inch pieces. This step is key for distributing delicious chunks of sausage throughout the casserole.
Step 3: Cook and Crumble Bacon
Using the same skillet, cook the bacon until it reaches a crispy, brown finish. Then set it aside on a paper towel to drain excess grease before crumbling it into bite-sized pieces. These crispy bacon bits will add irresistible texture and flavor contrasts.
Step 4: Layer the Tater Tots
Arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. This golden crispy base is what makes the casserole so satisfying and gives each bite that signature crunch.
Step 5: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1/4 cup green onions, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the cooked sausage and half of the crumbled bacon. Gently fold in the Monterey Jack and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture will soak into the tater tots and bake into a creamy, flavorful filling.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the egg and meat mixture evenly over the tater tots in your baking dish. Bake uncovered for about 40 to 45 minutes, until the eggs are set and the edges start to brown.
Step 7: Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole and pop it back in the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a beautiful golden finish.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before cutting. This resting time helps everything settle for clean slices. Before serving, sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon and fresh green onions on top for an extra pop of flavor and color.
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a touch of fresh green onions or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten the dish visually and add a refreshing flavor contrast to all the rich ingredients. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce also makes a welcome addition for those who enjoy a little kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a hefty main attraction, so simple sides work best. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance the richness. A glass of fresh orange juice or your favorite coffee complements the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a charming personal touch. You can also layer the casserole in a portable casserole dish for potlucks, making it a delightful shareable dish that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the casserole has cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the texture just right.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare the casserole fully but skip the last cheese topping step, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then add the remaining cheese before baking to reopening that gooey, melted finish.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals until warmed through, or reheat the entire dish in a 350ºF oven for about 20 minutes until bubbly. This keeps the crispy edges intact while warming the casserole evenly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack and cheddar offer a nice balance of creaminess and sharpness, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda for a different flavor twist.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely. Replace the sausage and bacon with plant-based alternatives or extra mushrooms and veggies. You can also add beans or lentils for protein, and the rest of the recipe remains the same.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning?
Yes, making this casserole ahead and refrigerating it overnight is a fantastic time-saver. Just cover it well and bake it in the morning, adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.
How spicy is this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe?
This dish is generally mild, but if you want to add some heat, try using spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes to the egg mixture. Adjust the level to your taste!
What are some good substitutes for tater tots if I can’t find them?
If you don’t have tater tots on hand, diced frozen hash browns or small roasted potato cubes work well too. Just be sure they are cooked or partially cooked before assembling so the texture stays ideal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe enough for your next breakfast or brunch. It’s loaded with flavor, easy enough to make any day of the week, and incredibly satisfying without any fuss. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite way to start the day with a smile.
Print
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole combines crispy bacon, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheeses baked over a bed of golden tater tots, making it the perfect satisfying breakfast or brunch dish for a crowd.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 (9-ounce) packages breakfast sausage links
- 1 pound bacon
Base
- 1 (32-ounce) package tater tots
Egg Mixture
- 12 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced
- Remaining crumbled bacon (from above)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage links thoroughly until browned. Remove from skillet and slice into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Cook Bacon: Using the same skillet, cook the bacon until it is browned and crispy. Crumble the cooked bacon and set aside, reserving half for the casserole and half for garnish.
- Arrange Tater Tots: Spread the tater tots evenly in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish as the base for the casserole.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the cooked sausage pieces and half of the crumbled bacon. Fold in the Monterey jack cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg and meat mixture evenly over the arranged tater tots in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the egg mixture is set and cooked through.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes to set. Before serving, sprinkle with the remaining crumbled bacon and 2 tablespoons of green onions for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Using a 9×13-inch baking dish ensures even cooking throughout the casserole.
- You can substitute breakfast sausage links with ground sausage if preferred.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up and makes slicing easier.
