Looking for a breakfast casserole that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser? This make-ahead overnight tater tot breakfast casserole is your answer. Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of savory breakfast goodness wafting through your home. This isn’t just any breakfast casserole; it’s a delightful combination of everyone’s morning favorites, conveniently baked in one dish.
Baked tater tot breakfast casserole with golden brown top.
If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast dish that will impress your family and friends, look no further. This tater tot breakfast casserole is not only incredibly easy to prepare, especially the night before, but it’s also unbelievably delicious. Think of it as the ultimate breakfast mashup – crispy tater tots, hearty sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese, all harmonizing in perfect breakfast bliss.
Trust me, this make-ahead overnight tater tot breakfast casserole is a game-changer. It’s so good, you might find yourself secretly enjoying the leftovers straight from the fridge (yes, even cold!). It’s a fantastic mix of classic breakfast components: the comforting potato goodness of tater tots, protein-packed sausage, and cheesy richness.
Why This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a Must-Try
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this tater tot breakfast casserole.
Its make-ahead nature is a major win, particularly during busy holidays or when you have guests staying over. Prepare it the day before, and in the morning, simply pop it into the oven. Imagine the joy of your guests waking up to the enticing smell of a home-cooked breakfast without you having to spend hours in the kitchen that morning!
Bonus: No need to set your alarm for the crack of dawn to get breakfast on the table.
As it sits overnight, the tater tots undergo a magical transformation. Baking them brings out a wonderfully tender potato layer that beautifully complements the surrounding eggs, sausage, and cheese. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Two servings of tater tot breakfast casserole on a white plate, topped with sour cream and salsa.
Tater Tots: Are All Brands Created Equal?
When it comes to tater tots, personal preference reigns supreme. Are some brands superior to others? Perhaps! If you have a favorite brand, feel free to use it.
While some may have a preference for Trader Joe’s tater tots, the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Any frozen tater tot brand from your local grocery store will work wonderfully.
Simply spread the tater tots in a single layer at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Don’t worry about achieving perfect coverage; a few gaps are perfectly fine. Once baked, no one will notice any meticulously arranged patterns (or lack thereof), so just distribute them evenly across the pan.
Next, sprinkle the browned sausage and sautéed vegetables (onions and peppers) over the tater tots, followed by a generous layer of cheese. This layering technique ensures every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredient Swaps and Customizations
Meat Options: Feel free to get creative with your protein choices. Diced ham or crispy bacon can easily replace or complement the sausage. For a vegetarian twist, simply omit the meat and load up on extra vegetables to maintain bulk and texture.
The inclusion of onions and peppers adds a fantastic flavor dimension to this casserole. They are highly recommended and shouldn’t be skipped. Even those who aren’t the biggest pepper fans will likely enjoy them in this savory breakfast bake.
Vegetable Variations: Customize your casserole with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Consider adding lightly steamed broccoli or carrots, sliced mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
Cheese Choices: A combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese creates a delightful melt and flavor profile. However, the cheese component is incredibly adaptable. Explore options like Swiss, Gruyere, or Pepper Jack for a different twist. Pro-tip: For the best melt-in-your-mouth creaminess, grating your own cheese is always recommended.
Hands adding sausage, peppers, onions, and cheese over a layer of tater tots in a baking dish.
The magic is completed with a simple mixture of eggs, milk, and sour cream poured evenly over the top.
While the egg mixture might not fully saturate the tater tots as it would with a bread-based casserole, rest assured, it all comes together beautifully in the oven.
Cover the dish with greased foil, refrigerate overnight, and relax knowing breakfast is practically ready. Update: Many readers have successfully baked this casserole immediately after assembly. While the tater tots might not soften quite as much, it’s still a delicious and time-saving option!
Pouring egg mixture over tater tots, sausage, vegetables, and cheese in a casserole dish.
In the morning, bake the casserole directly from the refrigerator, still covered with foil. Baking it covered for the initial 20 minutes helps it cook through evenly. Then, remove the foil and continue baking until it reaches golden brown perfection and is bubbly around the edges.
The casserole is done when it’s nicely puffed up, set in the center (no longer gooey or wet), and the eggs are fully cooked.
Garnishing with fresh chopped chives or green onions adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal, but it’s entirely optional.
This make-ahead overnight tater tot breakfast casserole slices effortlessly into neat squares, making serving a breeze. It truly is a versatile and almost perfect breakfast dish in every sense.
And as mentioned earlier, it’s not just fantastic for breakfast; leftovers are equally enjoyable warmed up or even cold for a quick lunch or next-day breakfast.
A slice of tater tot breakfast casserole being lifted from the baking dish with a metal spatula.
Flavor Inspiration Beyond the Basics
While delicious as is, this tater tot breakfast casserole is also a wonderful canvas for flavor experimentation. Serving it with sour cream and salsa adds a zesty, Mexican-inspired twist, especially if you use pepper jack cheese.
Here are a few more flavor combination ideas to spark your culinary creativity:
- Ham and Swiss: A classic pairing that’s always a hit.
- Broccoli and Cheese: Sneak in some extra veggies with this cheesy comfort combination.
- Cheesy Taco: Spice it up with taco seasoning and your favorite taco toppings.
- Maple Bacon: A sweet and savory delight with crumbled bacon and a hint of maple syrup.
- What other delicious variations can you imagine?
This make-ahead breakfast casserole is poised to become your go-to recipe for holidays, brunches, and everyday family breakfasts. It’s destined to be a beloved staple for years to come.
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A square portion of tater tot breakfast casserole on a metal spatula, close-up.
Make-Ahead Overnight Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Additional Time: 12 hours (overnight)
Total Time: 13 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 12 to 16 ounces breakfast sausage (see note)
- 1 cup small diced bell peppers, any color
- ½ cup small diced onion
- 6 large eggs (see note)
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 24 ounces (about 6 cups) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup (114 g) grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (114 g) grated Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped green onion or chives, for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream and salsa, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, peppers, and onions, breaking up the sausage as it cooks, until browned and vegetables are tender. Drain off any excess grease.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Arrange tater tots in a single layer on the bottom of the pan.
- Sprinkle cooked sausage mixture evenly over the tater tots, followed by the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top. Cover the dish with greased foil and refrigerate overnight (up to 18 hours), or bake immediately.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake casserole covered for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, bubbly, and set in the center.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or chives, if desired. Serve warm with sour cream and salsa, if desired.
Recipe Notes:
- Sausage/Meat: Recipe is adaptable to different meats like ham or bacon, or can be made vegetarian.
- Eggs: Can increase eggs to 10 for a larger casserole.
Recipe Source: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy:
Cheesy Hash Brown + Egg Breakfast Casserole {Make-Aheadable}
Easy Freezer Breakfast Burritos
Make-Ahead Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake
Breakfast Burritos
