Name: Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 32-ounce bag frozen Tater Tots®, divided (DON'T THAW); 1 pound hot bulk pork sausage; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese; 1 ½ cups freshly grated pepper Jack cheese; 8 large eggs; 2 cups half-and-half; 4 ounces diced green chilies; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon ground mustard; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

There’s something so comforting about a hearty breakfast casserole that wakes up your senses and fills your kitchen with the smell of melty cheese and crispy tots. This Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly that kind of dish — it’s got layers of flavor, a bit of spice, and, yes, piles of golden tater tots that everyone will rave about.

A rectangular white ceramic baking dish filled with a layered casserole, where the top layer is covered with golden-brown tater tots scattered evenly across the surface. Beneath the tots, melted white and orange cheese blend together, creating a creamy and slightly bubbly texture. Small bits of dark green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh contrast. The edges of the dish show slight browning from baking, and the dish rests on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth partially visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This casserole isn’t just breakfast — it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for lazy weekends, brunch parties, or even a cozy weekday treat when you want something that feels like a hug on a plate. I love how easy it is to prep ahead and how every bite brings together crispy, melty, savory goodness.

Layered texture: Crispy tater tots on top with tender, cheesy sausage and veggies underneath give you the best of both worlds.
Flavor explosion: Sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses add just the right balance of creamy and spicy.
Make ahead magic: You can prep it the night before and bake fresh in the morning, perfect for busy schedules.
Customizable: Swap sausage or veggies and tweak the spices — you’ll never get bored with this base recipe.

A white rectangular baking dish with a casserole inside, showing a golden-brown top layer of melted cheese melted unevenly over round, crispy tater tots, sprinkled with small green herb flakes. The casserole is cut into square pieces with one corner piece taken out, revealing a bottom layer with a light brown texture mixed with bits of cooked ground meat. The baking dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe plays a key role, creating a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. Plus, shopping is a breeze when you know what to look for and why each item matters.

Flat lay of a raw pound of fresh hot bulk pork sausage, a medium white onion diced, one chopped red bell pepper, one chopped green bell pepper, three whole garlic cloves peeled, two small white ceramic bowls each with freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese and pepper Jack cheese, eight whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl with creamy half-and-half, a small white bowl with diced green chilies, a small white bowl with dried parsley, a small white bowl with paprika, a small white bowl with ground mustard, a small white bowl with dried oregano, a small white bowl with salt, a small white bowl with black pepper, a simple white ceramic bowl filled evenly with frozen golden Tater Tots, all ingredients arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen Tater Tots: Frozen tots give that crispy, golden top layer—don’t thaw them, or the crust won’t be as crunchy.
Bulk pork sausage: Adds savory, juicy richness; you can also swap for turkey sausage with a pinch of cayenne for a leaner option.
Onion & Bell Peppers: These soften up to add sweetness and a bit of freshness amid the richness.
Garlic: Just a touch brings aromatic warmth that ties the whole casserole together.
Sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese: Cheese is where the magic happens—freshly grated melts perfectly without weird clumps.
Eggs and half-and-half: Creates a custardy base that holds everything in a creamy, fluffy embrace.
Diced green chilies: These add subtle heat and tang without overpowering.
Dried parsley, paprika, ground mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper: These spices round out the flavors with depth and a touch of earthiness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up with this Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe. Whether it’s swapping veggies, changing cheeses, or tweaking spices, it’s all about making it feel like your own cozy breakfast creation.

Variation: One time, I swapped pork sausage for spicy chorizo and added a handful of chopped jalapeños — the extra kick was super fun and made for a lively brunch with friends.
Vegetarian twist: You can replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a meat-free version that still satisfies.
Cheese swap: Feel free to use Mozzarella or Gouda for a different melting vibe — just keep the cheeses freshly grated for best results.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the sausage and veggies to perfection

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the pork sausage, diced onions, and bell peppers. As the sausage browns, crumble it up well so it cooks evenly. Once the sausage is cooked through and the onions are tender, add garlic and sauté just 30 seconds until fragrant — don’t overdo it here or the garlic can get bitter! Drain off any excess grease before transferring the mixture to your baking dish. Letting it cool slightly helps the eggs hold everything together better.

Step 2: Whisk together the egg mixture

In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk the eggs, half-and-half, diced green chilies, and all your spices. This is where the casserole gains its custard-like, silky texture, so take a moment to beat until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Layer it all up

Now add half of your frozen tater tots directly to the baking dish over the sausage mixture — remember, keep them frozen! Sprinkle half of both cheeses on top and stir everything gently to combine. Spread out in an even layer so every bite has a bit of everything.

Step 4: Pour and top

Carefully pour the egg mixture over your layered ingredients, then top with the remaining frozen tater tots. This arrangement lets the tots get beautifully crispy in the oven while the eggs cook through underneath.

Step 5: Bake to golden perfection

Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 70-80 minutes until the eggs are fully set — they should barely jiggle in the center when you give the pan a little shake. Then pull it out and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Pop it back in for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey bliss. For a final touch, scatter chopped chives or green onions over the top if you like a pop of fresh color and mild onion flavor.

Top Tip

After making this casserole many times, I’ve learned a few key tips that truly elevate the final dish and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Keep those tots frozen: Don’t thaw the tater tots before baking; this helps them crisp up nicely instead of becoming soggy.
Freshly grate your cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has additives that stop it from melting smoothly — freshly grated means gooey, melty cheese heaven.
Drain grease carefully: Removing extra sausage grease before baking keeps the casserole from getting greasy and heavy.
Let it rest before serving: Allow your casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking; it helps everything set so servings cut cleanly.

How to Serve Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped fresh chives or green onions on top for a mild oniony bite and fresh crunch. A little dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce also elevates it perfectly. Sometimes I add sliced avocado on the side for creaminess and a cool contrast.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty, so I usually keep sides light and fresh. A simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette complements it beautifully, as does fresh fruit salad to add natural sweetness and balance. If it’s a brunch party, some crisp bacon or breakfast sausage links alongside are always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins — perfect for making each person feel special and speeding up serving time. You can also layer it in a pie crust for a pot pie twist or sprinkle colorful bell peppers and cherry tomatoes on top before baking to make it extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover casserole tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 5 days, making it an easy go-to for quick breakfasts or snacks during the week.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. I wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, label them, and pop them in the freezer. When I’m ready, I let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftovers is in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes — it keeps the tots crispy and the inside creamy. For a quick fix, microwaving individual pieces works fine too; I slice a portion in half so it heats evenly and doesn’t get rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole the night before?

Yes! Prepare the casserole following the recipe instructions but don’t add the top layer of frozen tater tots. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, add the frozen tots on top and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if needed for thorough cooking.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. While sharp cheddar and pepper jack give a great flavor and melt, you can swap the pepper jack for other good melting cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or fontina. Just be sure to use freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture.

What if I want it vegetarian?

You can replace the sausage with hearty sautéed mushrooms, crumbled tempeh, or a plant-based sausage alternative. Keep the vegetable mix and egg mixture the same for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I prevent the casserole from being soggy?

Ensuring the tater tots remain frozen until baking is key. Also, drain excess grease from the cooked sausage mixture, and avoid adding extra liquid. These steps help maintain that perfect crispy top and firm texture inside.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is one of those go-to dishes that always impresses, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself. It’s warm, filling, and hits every craving for something crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. I hope you have as much fun making it as I do sharing it — and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen, bringing smiles around your table with every serve.