Make-Ahead Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Name: Make-Ahead Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground breakfast sausage; 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided); 2 cups whole milk; 3 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 2 pounds frozen tater tots; 3-4 green onions (sliced); 4 slices bacon (cooked crisp and crumbled)

4.48 / 5 ( 61 Reviews )

6 Comments Jump to Recipe

A cheesy, flavorful breakfast freezer meal that will keep you full all morning long. Make a whole batch in the oven or half for the air fryer. You'll be glad you did on those busy mornings and holidays!

Cathy Yoder Published on December 21, 2025 The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the full disclosure

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe Perfect for Holidays

make ahead cheesy tater tot breakfast casserole

Easy Tater Tot Breakfast Bake That’s Perfect for Busy Mornings

If you’re looking for a make-ahead breakfast casserole that everyone will love, this cheesy tater tot breakfast casserole is it. It’s hearty, comforting, freezer-friendly, and perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or busy weekday mornings when cooking from scratch just isn’t happening.

This recipe can be assembled the night before, baked fresh in the morning, or frozen for later—making it one of the most flexible breakfast casseroles you can keep on hand.

Ingredients and Supplies

ingredients for cheesy tater tot breakfast casserole

Ingredients

Ground breakfast sausage
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Whole milk
Large eggs
Salt, pepper, and onion powder
Frozen tater tots
Green onions, sliced
Bacon, cooked and crumbled

Easy Recipe Variations

Swap the meat: Use diced ham instead of sausage.
Add vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini (sauté first).
Change the cheese: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella all work well.

Supplies

Large skillet
Mixing bowl and whisk
9×13-inch baking dish
Aluminum foil
Air fryer-safe pan (optional)

How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

tater tot breakfast casserole before baking in a casserole dish

baked cheesy tater tot breakfast casserole with sausage and eggs

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease and spread the sausage evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Add Cheese and Egg Mixture

Sprinkle most of the shredded cheese over the sausage. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Pour evenly over the sausage and cheese.

Step 3: Top with Tater Tots

Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the casserole. This creates that signature crispy topping.

Step 4: Bake or Refrigerate

For immediate baking, bake uncovered at 350°F for 35 minutes. Add remaining cheese and bacon, then bake an additional 5–10 minutes until bubbly.

To make ahead, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let rest for 10 minutes, garnish with green onions, and serve warm.

Air Fryer Instructions

This recipe can also be adapted for the air fryer.

Reduce recipe by half.
Use an 8×8-inch or air fryer-safe dish.
Air fry at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, adding cheese and bacon during the final 5 minutes.

Freezing and Make-Ahead Tips

This cheesy tater tot breakfast casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

According to FoodSafety.gov, egg-based casseroles freeze and reheat safely when stored properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this breakfast casserole the night before?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Why is my tater tot casserole soggy?

Too much liquid or overcrowding can cause sogginess. Use the correct egg-to-milk ratio and bake until fully set.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat covered in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

slice of cheesy tater tot breakfast casserole served on a plate

🍟 Air Fryer Tips & Tricks You’ll Love

Final Thoughts

This make-ahead cheesy tater tot breakfast casserole is the kind of recipe that makes mornings easier and gatherings stress-free. Whether you prep it the night before, freeze it for later, or bake it fresh, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser every time.

Make-Ahead Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

An easy, cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Bake that's perfect for make-ahead breakfasts, holiday mornings, or anytime you need a hearty meal!

4.48 / 5 ( 61 Reviews )

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 45

Total Time: 1

Serves: 8

Adjust Servings: 8

Equipment

Large skillet
9x13-inch pan
Large bowl

Ingredients

1 pound ground breakfast sausage
2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
2 cups whole milk
3 large eggs
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
2 pounds frozen tater tots
3-4 green onions sliced
4 slices bacon cooked crisp and crumbled

Instructions

In a large skillet, brown the sausage on medium high heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain and layer into a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle 2 cups of the cheese evenly over sausage.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, pepper, onion powder, and salt until combined. Pour evenly over the cheese and sausage in baking dish. Layer frozen tater tots over the top.
If not baking right away, cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F/175°C. Bake, uncovered for about 35 minutes. Then top with additional ½ cup cheese, crumbled bacon, and bake another 5-10 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown.
Garnish with green onion, let rest at room temp 10 minutes, then serve.

For the Air Fryer:

Cut the Recipe in Half: Use an 8x8-inch pan or air fryer cake barrel dish. Half the ingredients so everything will fit into a smaller pan, or cook in two batches.
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled casserole in the air fryer and cook for about 20-25 minutes.
Add the remaining cheese and crumbled bacon, and air fry for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Nutrition

Recipe Adapted From: Chew Out Loud

Ingredients: Bacon, Cheese, Egg, Milk, Onion, Pepper, Pork, Potatoes, Salt, Sausage, Tater Tots

Meal Type: Breakfast, Main Dish, Back to School, Christmas

Categories: Casserole, Make Ahead/Freezer Meal, Oven

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Comments & Reviews

J

March 26, 2018 at 6:50 am

Reply Reply

I reduced the calories in this dish by using skim milk and ground turkey. Use one pound of ground turkey and add spices typically used in sausage such as 1/2 t. sage and 1/2 t. thyme as you brown it. I liked this dish very much.
- Melanie
  
  March 26, 2018 at 1:21 pm
  
  Reply Reply
  
  Great ideas, J! Thank you for sharing!
Dawn Snyder

December 9, 2020 at 12:18 pm

Reply Reply

Do you need to bake before freezing?
- Melanie
  
  December 9, 2020 at 3:56 pm
  
  Reply Reply
  
  If you plan to freeze it, I would cook the sausage and assemble the casserole, keeping the tots frozen, then wrap it up and freeze it without baking first. Plan on a little extra baking time when you’re ready to bake it too.
Rita DeFelice

May 22, 2025 at 5:25 pm

Reply Reply

Can I use chives in lieu of green onions?
It’s really delicious. I sometimes add red peppers to the recipe.
- Stacy
  
  June 19, 2025 at 8:25 am
  
  Reply Reply
  
  Absolutely! Red peppers sound like a great addition also. Glad you like this one!