Make-Ahead Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole: A Delicious and Convenient Meal
The Prepare-Ahead Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and versatile dish that brings together the savory flavors of sausage, crispy tater tots, and melty cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a creamy egg mixture. It’s the perfect meal for busy mornings, as it can be prepared in advance and simply baked when you’re ready to eat. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 lbs sweet Italian sausage links
2 bell peppers, sliced
2 onions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 (32 oz) package frozen tater tots
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
For the Egg Mixture:
8 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For Serving:
Hoagie buns (optional)
Provolone cheese slices (optional)
Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage links and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 10-12 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet, let it cool slightly, then slice it into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and brown sugar. Stir well and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen tater tots, cooked sausage slices, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the tater tot mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Whisk the Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Pour the Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the tater tot and sausage mixture in the baking dish, ensuring it covers the ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Refrigerate or Bake
Refrigerate (If Preparing Ahead): If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Bake Immediately: If baking right away, proceed to the next step.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 60-70 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
Step 7: Serve
Let it Rest: Once baked, let the casserole sit for a few minutes to set, making it easier to cut into portions.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the casserole hot, either on its own or with hoagie buns, provolone cheese slices, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with a vegetarian sausage or a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Cheese Variations: Try different cheeses like pepper jack, Swiss, or gouda for a unique twist.
Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicier version.
Healthier Version: Use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese to lighten up the dish without sacrificing flavor.
Summary
The Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a versatile and convenient dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, the combination of savory sausage, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheese is sure to please everyone at the table. Preparing it the night before makes it an ideal dish for busy mornings or entertaining guests, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the meal and less time in the kitchen. Each bite is a comforting reminder of the joy that comes from sharing a homemade meal.
Tips for Perfecting Your Casserole
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality sausage, cheese, and fresh eggs to enhance the flavor.
Even Layering: Ensure the tater tots, sausage, and cheese are evenly distributed in the dish for consistent bites.
Whisk Thoroughly: Whisk the eggs, milk, and seasonings thoroughly to ensure an even, creamy texture.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sausage mixture before adding it to the dish to ensure it’s well-seasoned.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier.
Bringing It All Together
Creating a make-ahead Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about crafting an experience that brings people together. The combination of savory sausage, crispy tater tots, and melty cheese enveloped in a creamy egg mixture makes each bite satisfying and comforting. Whether you’re reminiscing about family traditions or creating new ones, this recipe is sure to become a beloved part of your cooking repertoire.
Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and share the joy of this versatile and delicious casserole with your loved ones. Buon appetito!
TATER TOT SAUSAGE BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lbs sweet Italian sausage links
- 2 bell peppers sliced
- 2 onions sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 32 oz package frozen tater tots
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
For the Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For Serving (Optional):
- Hoagie buns
- Provolone cheese slices
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Cook the Sausage and Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the sausage links until browned and fully cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove the sausage from the skillet, let it cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, sauté the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and brown sugar. Stir well and simmer for 15 minutes.
Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen tater tots, cooked sausage slices, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tot and sausage mixture in the baking dish.
Refrigerate or Bake:
- If preparing ahead, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- If baking immediately, proceed to the next step.
Bake the Casserole:
- Bake uncovered for 60-70 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. Cover with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly.
Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally with hoagie buns, provolone cheese slices, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
