Name: Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 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 pepper

There’s something about a warm, cheesy breakfast casserole that just feels like a hug on a plate. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe—it’s got that perfect crispy-tot topping, ooey-gooey cheese, and savory sausage all baked into one comforting dish you’ll want to reach for again and again.

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

I honestly can’t say enough good things about this Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe. Whether it's for a crowd or just a weekend treat, it’s packed with layers of flavor and texture that hit all the right notes—crispy, cheesy, savory, and just downright satisfying.

Savory comfort: The browned sausage and soft veggies create a hearty base full of flavor.
Crispy-tot magic: Those golden tater tots on top add the perfect crunch that keeps everyone happy.
Melty cheese combo: Using both sharp cheddar and pepper jack gives it a rich, slightly spicy kick.
Super versatile: You can easily swap ingredients or make it ahead without losing any of its charm.

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

Everything in this casserole serves a purpose and works harmoniously to create that comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded versions, and the blend of peppers gives a subtle sweetness that balances the savory sausage perfectly.

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: The star crispy topping and base—no need to thaw these before use to keep the texture just right.
Hot bulk pork sausage: Adds deep flavor and richness; turkey sausage can be swapped in for a lighter option.
Onion: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed with the sausage.
Red and green bell peppers: Adds vibrant color and a bit of crunch.
Garlic: Just the right touch of savory pungency to brighten the sausage and veggies.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers rich, tangy flavor and creamy melt.
Pepper Jack cheese: Brings a little heat and gooey texture to the dish.
Eggs and half-and-half: The custardy base that binds everything together beautifully.
Diced green chilies: Adds mild smokiness and that Southwest twist.
Parsley, paprika, ground mustard, dried oregano, salt, pepper: These seasonings round out the flavors with warm, herbal, and slightly spicy notes.

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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

One of the best parts about this Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I love tossing in extra veggies or switching up the cheese depending on what I have on hand. Go ahead—make it your own and have fun!

Variation: I sometimes swap the pepper jack for mozzarella when I want a milder cheese profile, and it’s just as delicious.
Protein options: Ground turkey sausage works well if you want a leaner option; just add a pinch of cayenne and beef bouillon for extra depth.
Veggie swaps: Don’t hesitate to add mushrooms, spinach, or even jalapeño for a spicy twist.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and load up on veggies with extra cheese to keep it hearty.

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

Step 1: Sauté sausage and veggies

I start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat to brown the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Toss in the diced onions and bell peppers—they soften beautifully alongside the sausage. Stir in the minced garlic for just 30 seconds at the end so it doesn’t burn but releases its flavor. Then, drain the grease before transferring the mix to your baking dish to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the eggs and spices

While the sausage mixture cools a bit, whisk together eight large eggs, half-and-half, diced green chilies, and all your herbs and spices in a big bowl. This custardy egg mixture is what binds all those layers together for that perfect floaty but set texture.

Step 3: Layer it up

Now for the magic: add half of your frozen tater tots (remember, don’t thaw!) and half of the sharp cheddar and pepper jack to the sausage mixture. Stir everything gently then spread it evenly in the baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the top, then scatter the remaining tater tots across the surface like a blanket.

Step 4: Bake and cheese it up

Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 70 to 80 minutes until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden and crispy. Pull it out, sprinkle the remaining cheeses evenly over the top, then pop it back in for another 5 to 10 minutes to get that glorious melted cheese finish. I like to sprinkle some fresh chopped chives or green onions on top for a pop of color and flavor right before serving.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to get this Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe just right, and they make all the difference in your finished dish.

Use fresh cheese: I can’t emphasize this enough—grating fresh cheese melts so much better than pre-shredded varieties which often have additives that prevent smooth melting.
Don’t thaw your tots: It’s tempting, but keeping the tater tots frozen until they bake gives you that unbeatable crispy crust.
Cool the sausage mixture: Letting it cool slightly before mixing with eggs prevents scrambling and keeps the casserole smooth and custardy.
Let it rest after baking: A brief pause before slicing helps the casserole hold together better when serving.

How to Serve Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

cheddar tater tot casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top mine with freshly chopped chives or green onions. The fresh sharpness really brightens the rich, cheesy casserole and makes it look inviting. A dollop of sour cream or a scattering of diced avocado can be lovely if I’m feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Pair this breakfast casserole with a simple fresh fruit salad or some tangy pickled veggies on the side to add a refreshing contrast. I also love serving it with some warm biscuits or crusty bread to soak up all the custardy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, I’ve arranged the casserole wedges on a large platter with little ramekins of salsa, hot sauce, and sour cream around the edge. It makes it feel festive and welcoming, plus everyone loves customizing bites to their taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I cover leftover casserole tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to five days, which makes for easy weekday breakfasts.

Freezing

This casserole freezes great! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy mornings or holiday brunches.

Reheating

For quick reheating, I zap individual slices in the microwave for about a minute (I like to cut mine in half so it heats evenly). For larger amounts, covering the casserole with foil and warming in a 325°F oven for 20 minutes or so works perfectly without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole the night before?

Absolutely! Assemble according to recipe but don’t add the top layer of tater tots. Keep those frozen and cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate overnight, then add the frozen tots before baking—just add about 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I substitute the cheese or sausage?

Yes! I recommend freshly grated cheeses for best melt, and good substitutes include mozzarella, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack. For sausage, turkey sausage works well, but add some cayenne and beef bouillon for additional flavor.

What if I want to make this vegetarian?

Simply omit the sausage and increase the amount of vegetables or cheese to keep the casserole hearty and satisfying. You can add mushrooms, spinach, or even extra bell peppers for more flavor.

How do I get the tater tots crispy on top?

Don’t thaw the tater tots before baking and spread them evenly over the top. Bake uncovered and avoid covering with foil until just after adding cheese at the end to maintain that perfect crispy topping.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar & Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I return to again and again because it’s just plain satisfying and adaptable. Whether it’s for family brunches, holiday mornings, or a weekend treat, it’s filling, flavorful, and easy to make ahead. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll become your go-to too!