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Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

This easy-to-make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a perfect make-ahead dish. It features crispy tater tots, savory spicy sausage, and a rich egg and cheese mixture with diced bell peppers. Prepared the night before and baked until golden and bubbly, it's ideal for a hearty breakfast or brunch, serving a crowd with minimal morning effort.
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Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 9 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 4042.8
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • One 16-ounce bag frozen Tater Tots®
  • Butter for the baking dish
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound spicy bulk breakfast sausage
  • 1 medium onion very finely diced
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half
  • 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 red bell pepper very finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper very finely diced
  • 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated pepper jack cheese
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 Inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • 1 Aluminum Foil

Method
 

  1. Line up the tater tots in a buttered 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  2. Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and onion and cook, breaking the sausage up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly, then sprinkle it over the tater tots.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the milk, half-and-half, seasoned salt, cayenne, eggs, bell peppers, half of both cheeses and some salt and pepper. Pour over the tots and sausage mixture, then top with the rest of the cheese. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  5. Bake, covered, for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the cheese is brown and bubbly and the casserole is cooked through, another 20 to 35 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For optimal flavor and texture, ensure the tater tots are arranged in a single layer in the baking dish; this promotes even cooking and prevents sogginess. When browning the sausage and onions, cook until deeply caramelized, as this builds a strong flavor base. The overnight refrigeration is crucial, allowing the tater tots to absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a cohesive casserole. Do not skip this step. For the final bake, if the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or cilantro for a vibrant finish and a touch of freshness. Consider draining excess fat from the sausage to prevent a greasy casserole.