Cheesy Tater Tot and Sausage Breakfast Bake

I’m thrilled to share a recipe that has become a breakfast sensation in my kitchen – Cheesy Tater Tot and Sausage Breakfast Bake.

If you’re a fan of hearty, cheesy, and downright delicious morning feasts, you’re in for a treat!

Join me as we embark on a culinary journey to create a breakfast bake that’s not only easy to make but is sure to be the star of your weekend gatherings.

Let’s dive into the world of comfort food and create a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Post contains affiliate links and we earn commissions if you shop through the links on this page, including Amazon Associate links. For more information please read the disclaimer on the Privacy Policy page.

Ingredients in Cheesy Tater Tot and Sausage Breakfast Bake

First things first, let’s talk about what you’ll need.

This isn’t just any breakfast bake; it’s a symphony of flavors starting with a pound of pork sausage. You know, the kind that sizzles and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Then, we’ve got the unsung hero of the freezer aisle – frozen tater tots. A bag of frozen tater tots creates the top and bottom layer of this bake!

But what’s a breakfast bake without cheese?

Two cups of shredded cheddar cheese join the party to add that gooey, melty goodness.

Next up, the backbone of any good breakfast bake – eight large eggs, followed by a cup of milk to bring it all together.

For a bit of crunch and freshness, I dice up a green pepper and an onion. These veggies not only add a pop of color but also pack a punch in the flavor department.

And, of course, don’t forget your salt and pepper – season to your heart’s content!

You’ll also need to use 2 tablespoons softened butter to grease the baking dish.

Substitute Ingredients You Could Use in Cheesy Tater Tot and Sausage Breakfast Bake

This Cheesy Tater Tot and Sausage Breakfast Bake is quite versatile, and you can substitute ingredients based on dietary preferences, availability, or just to mix things up a bit. Here are some suggestions:

Sausage

Vegetarian Alternative: Use a plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu seasoned with soy sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic for a vegetarian version.

Different Meat: Swap out pork sausage for turkey, chicken, or beef sausage. Even chorizo can add a nice kick.

Tater Tots

Hash Browns: Replace tater tots with frozen or fresh hash browns.

Sweet Potato Tots: For a sweeter, healthier twist, use sweet potato tots.

Cheese

Different Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.

Dairy-Free Cheese: For a dairy-free version, there are many plant-based cheese alternatives available.

Eggs

Egg Substitute: Use an egg substitute product if you need an egg-free version.

Egg Whites Only: For a lower cholesterol option, use only egg whites instead of whole eggs.

Milk

Non-Dairy Milk: Almond, soy, or oat milk can be used as a lactose-free alternative to cow’s milk.

Cream or Half-and-Half: For a richer bake, replace milk with cream or half-and-half.

Green Pepper and Onion

Other Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute with other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, red peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

Frozen Veggie Mix: In a pinch, a frozen mixed vegetable blend can work well too.

Salt and Pepper

Seasoning Variations: Try adding other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or herbs like thyme or oregano for added depth of flavor.

Add-Ins

Additional Ingredients: Consider adding cooked bacon bits, diced tomatoes, green onions, or even a layer of salsa for extra zing.

By playing around with these substitutes, you can cater this dish to various dietary needs and preferences or just keep it exciting by trying new variations. Remember, the key to a great bake is balancing flavors and textures, so feel free to get creative!

Making the Cheesy Tater Tot and Sausage Breakfast Bake

First things first, crank up your oven to 350°F. That’s the sweet spot for this bake.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it with 2 tablespoons softened butter to keep everything from sticking.

Sausage Time

Let’s get that pork sausage into a large skillet. You’ll want to cook it over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and crumbly.

Oh, and let’s not forget to toss in that diced green pepper and onion for the last few minutes. They should get a bit soft but not too mushy.

Once done, if there’s excess grease, just drain it off.

Tater Tot Layer

Next, take your frozen tater tots and lay them out in the baking dish. No need to be perfect – just spread them out in a nice even layer.

Sausage Meets Tots

Now, take that yummy sausage mixture and spread it evenly over the tater tots. It’s starting to look good already!

Cheese, Please

Sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar cheese right over the sausage layer. Because let’s be honest, cheese makes everything better.

Egg Mixture

Grab a bowl and whisk together your eggs, milk, a pinch of salt, and a good crack of pepper. Once that’s all mixed, gently pour it over the cheese layer in the baking dish.

Final Cheese Touch

Take the rest of your cheddar cheese and sprinkle it on top. This is going to give you a lovely, golden cheesy crust.

Bake It Up

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for the eggs to set and the top to get a little golden.

Cool Down

Once it’s done, let it sit for a few minutes. It’s always good to let it settle and, honestly, it’s way easier to cut that way.

Serve and Enjoy: Cut it into squares (or any shape you like!) and serve it up! It’s perfect as is, but feel free to add some garnish like chopped herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

A dollop of sour cream or spoonful of salsa (or both!) makes a delicious topping for this easy breakfast bake!

Preparing the Bake a Day Ahead

Prepare the bake in the baking dish as described above.

Cover the assembled bake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight.

Morning Of

Take the baking dish out of the refrigerator while you preheat your oven to the recommended temperature (usually around 350°F or 175°C). Allowing the bake to sit at room temperature for a bit can reduce the baking time and ensure even cooking.

Bake as directed in the recipe. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.

Once baked and slightly cooled, serve as you normally would.

Tips for Make-Ahead Success:

Tater Tots: Using them frozen is actually beneficial as they hold up better during the overnight rest.

Avoid Sogginess: If you’re worried about the bake becoming too soggy, you can wait to pour the egg mixture over until the morning of baking.

Baking from Cold: If your baking dish is made of glass or ceramic, be careful when transferring from the refrigerator to a hot oven, as sudden temperature changes can cause the dish to crack. Either let the dish sit at room temperature while the oven preheats or add a few minutes to your bake time if putting it in the oven cold.

By preparing this breakfast bake the night before, you can enjoy a delicious, hearty meal without the morning rush, making it perfect for relaxed weekends or special occasions.

Wondering What to Pair with the Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Bake?

The Tater Tot and Sausage Breakfast Bake is a delicious and hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of breakfast and brunch items. Here are some ideas to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal:

Fresh Fruit Salad

Balance out the richness of the breakfast bake with a refreshing fruit salad. Choose a mix of your favorite seasonal fruits for a burst of color and natural sweetness.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Serve individual parfaits with layers of Greek yogurt, granola, and a drizzle of honey. This adds a creamy and crunchy element to your brunch spread.

Avocado Toast

Keep it trendy with some avocado toast. Top slices of toasted bread with mashed avocado, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and maybe a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Mixed Berries and Whipped Cream

For a touch of indulgence, serve a bowl of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Hash Browns or Crispy Potatoes

Double down on the potato theme by adding some crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes on the side. They’ll complement the tater tots in the bake.

Breakfast Sausages or Bacon

If you can’t get enough of that sausage flavor, consider adding some extra breakfast sausages or crispy bacon on the side for a meat lover’s dream.

Homemade Biscuits

Freshly baked biscuits are always a crowd-pleaser. Serve them warm with a side of butter and jam for a classic touch.

Frittata or Quiche

If you’re up for more egg-centric dishes, a vegetable frittata or quiche can be a great addition to the brunch spread. They’re versatile and can be made ahead of time.

Mimosa or Fresh Juice Bar

For beverages, consider setting up a mimosa bar with different fruit juices and sparkling wine. Alternatively, offer a selection of fresh juices for a non-alcoholic option.

Coffee or Tea

Don’t forget the coffee or tea! A freshly brewed pot of coffee or a variety of teas can round out the meal and provide a comforting beverage option.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on your preferences and the preferences of your guests. The key is to create a well-balanced spread with a combination of savory and sweet elements.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Bake

Storing and reheating your Tater Tot and Sausage Breakfast Bake is quite straightforward and ensures that the leftovers (if there are any!) remain just as delicious as when freshly made.

First, let the breakfast bake cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess when you store it.

Transfer the cooled bake to an airtight container. If your baking dish has a lid, you can also wrap the top tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Store it in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze for Longer Storage

If you want to keep the bake for a longer period, cut it into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place these wrapped pieces in a freezer bag or airtight container.

Properly stored, it can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating the Breakfast Bake

For refrigerated leftovers preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Place the desired amount of the breakfast bake on an oven-safe dish.

Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out.

Heat it for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If it’s a single serving, it might take less time.

From Frozen

If reheating from frozen, you have two options:

Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then follow the above reheating instructions.

Reheat it directly from frozen, covered with foil, for about 30-40 minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven. Check to ensure it’s heated through.

For a quick reheat, use the microwave.

Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel.

Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, then check if it’s warm enough. If not, continue heating in 30-second intervals.

Tips

When reheating in the microwave, you can put a paper towel under and over the bake to absorb extra moisture.

If you want to bring back some of the crispiness, pop the bake under the broiler for a couple of minutes after reheating, but watch it closely to prevent burning.

Remember, always ensure that the reheated food reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Enjoy your breakfast bake, fresh or reheated!

If you likes this recipe check out my Eggs Benedict Breakfast Bake!