Cheesy Breakfast Casserole with Tater Tots: Weekend Hero

You want a breakfast that crushes hunger, wins over picky eaters, and doesn’t require culinary wizardry? This is it.

Crispy tater tots on top, creamy eggs in the middle, and a molten layer of cheese that could end arguments. It’s fast to assemble, easy to scale, and honestly, it slaps whether you’re feeding kids, brunch guests, or your 2 a.m. self.

Make it once and you’ll start inventing excuses to “host breakfast.”

What Makes This Recipe Awesome

• Hands-off cooking: Build it, bake it, and let your oven do the heavy lifting.
• Epic texture contrast: Crispy tots, fluffy eggs, melty cheese—every bite hits.
• Custom-friendly: Swap proteins, veggies, and cheese without breaking the formula.
• Great for crowds: Doubles easily and reheats like a dream.
• Budget-friendly: Mostly pantry staples with big payoff.

Cheesy Breakfast Casserole with Tater Tots: Weekend Hero

Recipe by Wendy CarterCourse: Breakfast

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Calories

420

kcal

Ingredients

• 24–28 oz frozen tater tots (one standard bag)

• 8 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk (or 2%—for richer custard, use half-and-half)

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or chicken), casings removed

• 1 cup diced onion

• 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar (or cheddar-jack blend)

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra melt)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tbsp chopped chives or green onions (for garnish)

• Nonstick spray or butter for greasing the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat and prep: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
• Brown the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and crumbly, 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
• Soften veggies: Add onion, peppers, and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for the last 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
• Whisk the custard: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheddar and the mozzarella.
• Assemble base: Spread sausage-and-veggie mixture evenly in the baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the top and gently distribute.
• Top with tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a tight single layer on top. Yes, place them frozen—this helps them crisp.
• Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until eggs are set and tots are deep golden. If needed, broil 1–2 minutes to crisp the tots further. Watch closely—no charcoal vibes.
• Finish: Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the hot casserole and let it melt for 3–5 minutes. Garnish with chives.
• Rest and serve: Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. This helps clean cuts and keeps the layers intact.

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Cool fully, then store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Microwave individual portions 60–90 seconds, or bake covered at 325°F for 12–15 minutes.
• Freeze: Wrap portions tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 325°F, covered, 25–30 minutes.
• Meal prep tip: Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate.
  

  Add 5–10 minutes to bake time.

Health Benefits

• Protein for satiety: Eggs and sausage deliver complete proteins, helping stabilize appetite and energy.
• Micronutrient support: Eggs provide choline and B vitamins; peppers and onions add vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Calcium for bones: Cheese contributes calcium and fat-soluble vitamins.
• Customizable macros: Use leaner sausage or turkey, add spinach or mushrooms, and swap in reduced-fat dairy if that’s your goal (IMO, balance is key).

Nutrition Stats

Per serving (8 servings, estimate): 420 calories; 24g fat; 28g carbs; 21g protein; 2–3g fiber; 930mg sodium.

• To reduce calories: Use turkey sausage, 1% milk, and 1 1/2 cups cheese total.
• To increase protein: Add 4 extra egg whites and swap cheddar for part-skim mozzarella.
• To lower sodium: Use low-sodium sausage and season with herbs instead of extra salt.

Common Blunders

• Soggy tots: Putting them beneath the eggs or thawing them first. Keep tots on top and bake from frozen.
• Rubbery eggs: Overbaking past set.
  

  Pull when the center is just barely jiggly; it finishes as it rests.

• Bland flavor: Skipping aromatics or under-salting. Sausage helps, but the paprika, pepper, and garlic make it pop.
• Grease pool: Not draining fatty sausage can make the bottom oily.
  

  Quick drain = cleaner slice.

Alternatives

• Meat swaps: Bacon crumbles, ham cubes, or chorizo for a spicy kick.
• Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted broccoli. Sauté watery veg first to avoid soggy results.
• Cheese remix: Pepper jack for heat; gouda for smoky richness; feta for tang (use less salt).
• Dairy-free: Use unsweetened almond or oat milk and dairy-free shreds; add an extra egg to help set.
• Gluten-free: Tater tots are usually GF, but always check labels for sneaky additives.
• Southwest style: Add green chiles, cumin, and top with salsa and avocado.
  

  Brunch just leveled up, FYI.

FAQ

Can I make this the night before?

Yes. Assemble everything except the tots if you want max crisp.

In the morning, add tots and bake. If you assemble with tots on top, it still works—just expect slightly less crunch.

Do I have to cook the veggies first?

Highly recommended.

Raw onions and peppers release water and can make the casserole watery. A quick sauté concentrates flavor and preserves texture.

How do I know when the eggs are set?

The edges should be puffed and the center should have a gentle jiggle when you shake the dish.

A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

What size pan should I use?

A 9×13-inch dish is ideal. For thicker slices, use a slightly smaller deep dish and extend the bake time by 5–10 minutes.

Can I use hash browns instead of tater tots?

Yes.

Use 4–5 cups frozen shredded hash browns. Toss with a tablespoon of oil and spread on top; they’ll crisp, though not as dramatically as tots.

Is this spicy?

Not by default.

The red pepper flakes add a whisper of heat. For more kick, swap in pepper jack or use spicy sausage.

Can I halve the recipe?

Absolutely.

Use an 8×8-inch pan, 4 eggs, 1/2 lb sausage, and halve everything else. Bake 30–40 minutes.

The Bottom Line

This Cheesy Breakfast Casserole with Tater Tots is the no-stress, high-reward breakfast that turns regular mornings into event mornings.

It’s crunchy, custardy, and wildly customizable—basically brunch insurance. Keep a bag of tots in the freezer, and you’re never more than an hour away from hero status.