Wake up to a truly effortless and incredibly delicious morning with this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. This hearty and satisfying dish is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekend brunches, delivering a comforting blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Key Ingredients for Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds frozen tater tots, thawed slightly
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is unbelievably easy to assemble, making it a lifesaver for busy mornings. In under 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll create a deliciously satisfying breakfast with a rich, creamy sauce and a delightful crunch from the tater tots. The total time from start to finish is approximately 1 hour, promising a warm, comforting meal that’s worth every minute.
Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Total time: 1 hour
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Sausage and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until just combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the sausage mixture, spreading it to cover.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the slightly thawed tater tots in a single layer over the cheese sauce, covering the entire surface.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Add Final Cheese Topping: In the last 5 minutes of baking, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven to allow the cheese to melt.
- Rest and Serve: Let the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the casserole to set up slightly, making it easier to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
You’ll absolutely adore this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole for its comforting, savory goodness and the irresistible crispy texture of the tater tots, a delightful twist on traditional breakfast bakes. It’s also a fantastic budget-friendly option, costing significantly less than eating out at a diner, while offering double the flavor and satisfaction. The melty cheese and savory sausage combination creates a warm hug in a dish, making it a cherished family favorite.
Unlike a simple scrambled egg breakfast, this casserole transforms everyday ingredients into a decadent meal without breaking the bank. The golden, crunchy tater tot topping elevates it beyond expected, offering a satisfying contrast to the creamy, cheesy interior. Give this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole a try this weekend – you won’t be disappointed!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole can be stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap and foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole.
To reheat, place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier result, reheat in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and the tater tots are re-crisped. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw slightly in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as directed, extending the cooking time as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whip up this easy recipe and experience a breakfast so delicious and satisfying, it might just become your new favorite morning tradition.
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.1 pound breakfast sausage, 1 medium onion, 1 green bell pepper
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until just combined.8 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Spread the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the sausage mixture, spreading it to cover.1 pound breakfast sausage, 1 medium onion, 1 green bell pepper, 8 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Arrange the slightly thawed tater tots in a single layer over the cheese sauce, covering the entire surface.2 pounds frozen tater tots
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- In the last 5 minutes of baking, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven to allow the cheese to melt.1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Let the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the casserole to set up slightly, making it easier to serve.