Description
A quick and easy breakfast casserole featuring crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and melted sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots (about 900 grams)
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (450 grams)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200 grams)
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup milk (240 ml), whole or 2%, can substitute almond milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground breakfast sausage and cook for 7–10 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the cooked sausage. Stir well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Spread half the frozen tater tots evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage over the tots, then scatter half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth and slightly frothy. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Pour half of the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the dish. Repeat layers with the remaining tater tots, sausage, and cheese, then pour the remaining egg mixture on top.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy and the casserole is set in the middle. If the top browns too fast, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use frozen tater tots straight from the freezer for best crispiness. Browning the sausage well adds flavor. Let the casserole rest before slicing for neat portions. For extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes watching carefully. Can be prepared the night before and refrigerated; add extra baking time if baking from cold. Leftovers freeze well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of casserole
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 20
Keywords: breakfast casserole, tater tots, sausage bake, cheesy breakfast, easy breakfast recipe, brunch, crispy casserole