If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing brunch dish that brings all the best breakfast flavors together, this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine crispy tater tots layered with savory sausage, smoky bacon, and creamy melted cheddar cheese, all embraced by a rich and fluffy egg custard. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for lazy weekend mornings or festive gatherings where everyone wants something satisfying and delicious. This casserole is a guaranteed winner that combines texture, flavor, and a hint of indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, staple ingredients is the secret to making this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe truly shine. Each element plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color that will make your dish irresistible.
- Breakfast sausage links: Choose high-quality links for a juicy, flavorful protein base that complements the eggs perfectly.
- Bacon: Adds that smoky crunch and salty pop that every breakfast casserole deserves.
- Tater tots: The crispy and golden foundation that soaks up all the delicious flavors without getting soggy.
- Large eggs: The glue that holds everything together, delivering a creamy and fluffy texture throughout.
- Milk: Lightens the egg mixture for a custard that is rich but not heavy.
- Green onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color to brighten every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Monterey Jack cheese, shredded: Offers a smooth, melty texture with a subtle bite to contrast the sharper cheddar.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: The star cheese for that classic sharpness and gooey melt 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 a hot, even environment for the casserole to bake perfectly. Next, grab a large skillet to brown your sausage and cook your bacon. This first step is where the incredible aroma that will fill your kitchen begins!
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Cook the breakfast sausage links in a skillet over medium heat until they are totally cooked through and browned on all sides. After cooking, slice each link into ½-inch pieces. These bite-sized sausage chunks disperse flavor evenly throughout the casserole, creating delightful pockets of savory goodness.
Step 3: Cook and Crumble the Bacon
Using the same skillet, cook your bacon until it reaches that perfect crispiness. No one wants flabby bacon in their breakfast casserole! Once crisp, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set aside half to fold into the egg mixture and reserve the rest for garnish later for that irresistible finishing crunch.
Step 4: Layer the Tater Tots
Spread the tater tots out in a single, even layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. This golden bed is going to absorb all the juice and flavors from the egg mixture and meats while maintaining its delightful crisp edges. It’s the foundation you can count on for texture contrasts.
Step 5: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, thinly sliced green onions, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and uniformly blended. Stir in the cooked sausage and half of the crumbled bacon. Then fold in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and half the cheddar cheese. This mixture is rich in flavor and texture, binding all your tasty ingredients into a luscious custard to pour over the tater tots.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Pour the egg and meat mixture evenly over the tater tots in your baking dish. Transfer it to the oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes or until the eggs are fully set and the top looks firm. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden and the center jiggles just slightly.
Step 7: Add More Cheese and Finish Baking
After the initial bake, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Pop it back into the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket of gooey goodness. This extra cheesy layer is what elevates the dish to next-level comfort classic status.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish Before Serving
Letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting allows it to set and hold its shape, making it easier to serve neat slices. Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon and green onions on top for added flavor, texture, and a lovely pop of color that will make your casserole even more inviting.
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh green onions, a dash of hot sauce, or even a dollop of sour cream adds brightness and a little zing that perfectly balances the rich flavors of your casserole. You can also add sliced avocado for a creamy contrast or fresh herbs like parsley or chives if you want a garden-fresh touch.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty casserole with fresh fruit salad for a sweet, juicy counterpoint or a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. You could even serve it alongside warm, buttered toast or flaky biscuits to round out the meal and soak up any leftover savory goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making individual portions in ramekins for a charming brunch presentation, allowing guests to serve themselves without the mess. Alternatively, top the casserole with a fried or poached egg on each slice for double the eggy delight. For a Tex-Mex twist, add diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of cilantro on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delicious if not more so the next day. When you’re ready to enjoy, simple reheating will bring back that fresh-baked warmth.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking but before adding the final cheese topping, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking the cheese topping and serving as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or until hot. For a crispier top, reheat in a 350ºF oven for about 10-15 minutes. If frozen, bake covered at 350ºF until warmed through, then add cheese and finish baking uncovered.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out breakfast sausage for spicy chorizo, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the casserole to keep the flavors balanced.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily omit the sausage and bacon. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to maintain depth of flavor and texture. Using a smoked cheese or seasoning like smoked paprika can also add a savory punch.
How can I make it gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your breakfast sausage and bacon do not contain any gluten fillers. Always check the labels to be sure. The simple ingredients here keep it safe and delicious for gluten-free diets.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely! You can assemble everything, cover the baking dish tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just bake as instructed. It’s a great time-saver for busy mornings or entertaining guests.
What side dishes pair best with this casserole?
Bright and fresh sides like fruit salad, crisp green salads, or light vegetable dishes complement the richness beautifully. You can also serve it with simple toast, bagels, or muffins to complete the meal.
Final Thoughts
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe is such a joyful way to start the day, combining familiar flavors with cozy, satisfying textures. It’s a perfect recipe to keep in your arsenal for brunches, holidays, or any lazy weekend when you want a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try—you’ll be delighted by how easy it is and how quickly it disappears from the table!
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Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole combines savory breakfast sausage, crispy bacon, and melted cheeses over a bed of crispy tater tots, all baked together with a fluffy egg mixture. Perfect for a family brunch or a make-ahead breakfast, this casserole is flavorful, filling, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 (9-ounce) packages breakfast sausage links
- 1 pound bacon
Main Ingredients
- 1 (32-ounce) package tater tots
- 12 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
Produce
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
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 until fully cooked through. Once done, slice them into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Cook Bacon: Using the same skillet, cook the bacon until it is browned and crispy. Remove from the skillet and crumble once cooled.
- Arrange Tater Tots: Spread the tater tots in a single even layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish to serve as the casserole base.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, 1/4 cup green onions, salt, and black pepper until combined. 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.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the egg and meat mixture evenly over the layered tater tots in the baking dish. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until the casserole is set and the eggs are fully cooked.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole stand for about 10 minutes to set further. Before serving, sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon and sliced green onions on top for garnish and added flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the sausage and bacon completely before adding to the casserole to ensure food safety and best flavor.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up, making it easier to cut and serve.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
- You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it; bake it fresh in the morning by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
