There’s something so comforting about waking up to the smell of a hot, cheesy breakfast straight from the oven.

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is everything I love about brunch—hearty, savory, and unbelievably satisfying.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd on the weekend or prepping breakfast for the week ahead, this one-dish wonder has your back.

Why I Love This Recipe

This casserole combines crispy tater tots, smoky bacon, savory sausage, and gooey cheese in every bite.

It’s perfect for holidays, lazy Sundays, or anytime you want to make breakfast feel special without a ton of effort.

Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead—just pop it in the oven in the morning!

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Tater tots – The crispy base that holds everything together

Breakfast sausage – Adds rich, meaty flavor

Bacon – For crunch and smokiness

Eggs and milk – Classic custard to bind the layers

Shredded cheeses – Monterey Jack for creaminess, cheddar for sharpness

Green onions – A pop of freshness and mild oniony bite

Pro Tips Before You Start

Let your tater tots thaw slightly before layering for more even cooking.

Use pre-cooked bacon and sausage to save time in the morning.

Grate your own cheese for a better melt (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents).

Don’t skip letting it rest after baking—it slices much cleaner!

How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Meats

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned.

Remove, drain, and slice into bite-sized pieces.

In the same pan, cook the bacon until crispy.

Drain on paper towels and crumble into chunks.

Step 3: Assemble the Base

Arrange the tater tots in a single layer in the baking dish.

No need to pack tightly—they’ll puff slightly.

Step 4: Mix the Egg Filling

Whisk together eggs, milk, green onions, salt, and pepper.

Stir in the cooked sausage and half of the crumbled bacon.

Fold in the Monterey Jack cheese and half of the cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tots.

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the eggs are fully set.

Step 6: Add Final Toppings

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Bake for another 5–7 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before slicing.

Top with the remaining bacon and fresh green onions.

What to Serve It With

Pair with a simple fruit salad or a glass of fresh orange juice.

For brunch spreads, I love serving it with muffins, toast, or a side of avocado slices.

Variations / Substitutions

Swap tater tots for hash browns for a different texture

Use turkey sausage or veggie sausage for a lighter version

Try pepper jack cheese if you want a little heat

Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra veggies

Storage & Leftovers

To store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To freeze: Let cool completely, then wrap in foil and freeze up to 2 months.

To reheat: Microwave individual portions or bake at 325°F until warm through.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?
It’s optional. Slightly thawed tots cook more evenly, but frozen also works fine.

Can I use egg whites only?
Yes, though the texture will be slightly different. Use about 1½ egg whites per whole egg.

How do I know when the casserole is done?
The center should be set (not jiggly), and a knife inserted should come out clean.

What’s the best cheese for this dish?
A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully, but you can use Swiss, Colby, or pepper jack.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the meats and load it up with sautéed veggies instead.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use two baking dishes or a deeper one and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is pure comfort food and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Every bite is packed with crispy, cheesy, eggy goodness that brings everyone to the table with a smile.

It’s a breakfast I return to again and again, and I hope you’ll love it just as much.