This easy breakfast bake is a practical choice when you need to feed a group. It layers seasoned sausage, eggs, and plenty of sharp cheddar beneath a crispy topping of golden tater tots. The result is a warm, satisfying dish that works well for weekends, potlucks, or holiday mornings.
I wish I could take credit for putting tater tots on top of casseroles, but it wasn’t my idea. Genius idea, though! And in this easy Tater Tot Breakfast Bake, there’s plenty of bacon, eggs, cheese, and all sorts of yummies.
Assembly is simple and can be done in advance. Just build the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. The next morning, bake until bubbly and golden. It’s filling, flavorful, and designed to keep everyone full and happy.
Ingredients
- Bacon – Any kind of bacon works, but I prefer thin-cut because it crisps and crumbles better.
- Breakfast sausage – Use your favorite breakfast sausage. Buy bulk sausage meat and skip the step of removing the casings.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – I almost never buy pre-shredded cheese. I prefer to shred my own with a rotary grater. So quick and easy, and it melts better, too!
- Whole milk
- Eggs
- Bell pepper – Any color will work.
- Green onions – White and green parts.
- Ground black pepper
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Tater tots – Keep them frozen so they’re easier to work with.
- Parsley – Optional garnish.
How To Make Crispy Tater Tot Breakfast Bake
Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.
Set your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. A refillable oil mister gives you even coverage without the residue of canned sprays.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces. A nonstick meat chopper tool helps create uniform crumbles quickly and efficiently. Drain any excess fat and spread the sausage evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle 2 cups of cheddar over the sausage. In a separate bowl or easy-pour mixing pitcher, whisk together the eggs, milk, bell pepper, green onion, black pepper, onion powder, and salt. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese layer.
Top the whole thing with frozen tater tots. You can line them up in neat rows if you’re feeling precise, or scatter them casually for a more rustic finish. Just make sure the top’s mostly covered.
Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the eggs are just set and the edges are bubbling. Return to the oven for 5 to 10 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Placing the dish on a cooling rack with legs while it cools helps prevent the bottom from steaming and turning soggy. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Use tater tots straight from the freezer for the crispiest finish.
- Grate your cheese fresh with a rotary grater for better melt and flavor.
- Assemble the casserole in advance, cover, and chill overnight to save time.
- You can swap in cooked ham, mushrooms, or chopped spinach for variety.
Recommended
Make It a Meal
Pair this breakfast bake with seasonal fruit, muffins, or a side of yogurt. It’s also great as part of a brunch buffet with coffee and juice.
Storage
Cool leftovers completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven until heated through.
Crispy Tater Tot Breakfast Bake
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 lb breakfast sausage casings removed
- 2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded and divided
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup bell pepper red, green or yellow work well. diced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 tsp table salt
- 2 lbs tater tots frozen
- 3 tablespoons parsley freshly chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Set aside.
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain and spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of cheddar cheese over the sausage.
- Whisk together milk, eggs, bell pepper, green onions, black pepper, onion powder, and salt. Pour the mixture over the sausage and cheese.
- Top with frozen tater tots in a single layer.
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until eggs are mostly set.
- Add remaining cheese and bacon. Return to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes until cheese melts.
- Cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if using.
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Use tater tots straight from the freezer for the crispiest finish.
- Grate your cheese fresh with a rotary grater for better melt and flavor.
- Assemble the casserole in advance, cover, and chill overnight to save time.
- You can swap in cooked ham, mushrooms, or chopped spinach for variety.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
