Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe
There’s something magical about waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of a hearty, warm breakfast filling the house. This Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole recipe has been my go-to for holiday mornings when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory ground sausage, crispy tater tots, and melty cheese makes it comfort food at its finest, perfect for feeding a crowd or keeping things simple for your own family celebration.
What makes this casserole genuinely special is how it balances textures and flavors — the crispy tater tots on top give a golden crunch while the inside stays wonderfully soft and cheesy. It’s also a lifesaver when you want something make-ahead, so you can spend more time relaxing with your loved ones and less time cooking on the big day. Trust me, once you try this Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole recipe, it’ll become a staple in your holiday brunch rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a key role in pulling this dish together, from the hearty sausage to the crispy tater tots. Here’s a quick scoop on why they work so well and a few tips on picking the best versions to make your casserole pop.
- Ground breakfast sausage: Look for a good-quality, well-seasoned sausage to bring rich flavor and a bit of spice, which makes the whole dish sing.
- Medium onion: Diced finely so it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly with the sausage, adding subtle sweetness and depth.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch. I love using it for that pop of color and extra nutrients.
- Eggs: The binder that holds the casserole together and adds a fluffy, custardy texture within the cheesy layers.
- Milk: Helps transform the eggs into a silky base, making each bite smooth and rich.
- Garlic powder: A simple seasoning boost that elevates the savory flavors without overpowering anything.
- Pepper: Just a pinch, but it wakes up the dish and balances the sausage’s seasoning.
- Colby Jack cheese: Creamy and mild, this cheese melts beautifully and offers that gooey, irresistible factor everyone loves.
- Frozen tater tots: Crispy, golden, and convenient – these are the crowning glory of the casserole’s texture contrast.
Variations
I love making this Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole recipe my own by tweaking it just a bit depending on the mood or who I’m feeding. Feel free to customize it so it suits your taste buds perfectly!
- Vegetarian version: Swap out the sausage for spicy plant-based sausage or even sautéed mushrooms for a meaty feel without the meat. I tried this once for a friend with dietary restrictions, and honestly, it didn’t miss a beat.
- Cheese swap: Try sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a little more zip. I always switch it up depending on what I have in the fridge and prefer a kick now and then.
- Extra veggies: Toss in some chopped spinach or diced tomatoes to sneak in extra color and nutrition. It adds freshness and makes the casserole feel lighter.
- Spicy twist: Add a dash of cayenne or chopped jalapeños if you like a little heat in your holiday breakfast to wake you up faster than coffee!
How to Make Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the sausage and veggies
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground breakfast sausage until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through. I like to break it up into small crumbles for even distribution. Then add your diced onion and red bell pepper to the pan and sauté until they soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step releases all those rich flavors, which set the base for an incredibly tasty casserole.
Step 2: Whisk the egg mixture
While the sausage and veggies are cooking, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, and pepper in a large bowl. I find that whisking vigorously introduces some air, which makes the casserole fluffier. This simple mixture is what holds everything together and ensures a creamy texture inside.
Step 3: Assemble the casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Spread the cooked sausage mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle one cup of Colby Jack cheese over that for melty goodness. Next, pour the egg mixture over everything, making sure it seeps into all the crevices. Finally, cover the top with a layer of frozen tater tots, evenly distributed, and sprinkle the remaining cheese over them for extra cheesiness baked right on top.
Step 4: Bake until bubbly and golden
Pop the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for the eggs to set and the tater tots to turn golden brown and crispy. I usually check it at 40 minutes, then let it go a bit longer if needed. A good tip is to tent it with foil if the tater tots brown too fast before the eggs are fully set.
How to Serve Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding fresh chopped green onions or a sprinkling of fresh parsley on top just before serving — it adds that fresh crunch and color that makes the casserole look as good as it tastes. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also kick it up a notch if you like a little tang or heat.
Side Dishes
For sides, I usually keep it simple – fresh fruit salad or roasted asparagus work beautifully. If you want something heartier, crispy bacon or a light mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the richness without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I made this for a Christmas potluck and baked the casserole in individual ramekins for a cute personal touch. It was so fun to see everyone’s faces when they got their own mini cheesy, crispy breakfast in a dish. You can also make a pretty serving platter by cutting the casserole into squares and arranging them with garnishes and fresh herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, the casserole still tastes fresh and the texture holds up surprisingly well, especially if you reheat gently.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! After baking, cool it completely, then wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap before popping it in the freezer. It’s saved me on busy mornings when I wanted a homemade breakfast but had zero time. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I cover leftover portions with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps the tater tots from getting soggy and keeps the casserole tasting fresh, just like the first time around.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots in the Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, dice them into small cubes and parboil or sauté them until tender before assembling the casserole. However, tater tots add a unique crispy texture and convenience that’s hard to beat, especially for this festive dish.
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How far ahead can I prepare the casserole before baking?
You can assemble the casserole the night before and keep it covered in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. This is a huge time saver for busy holiday mornings.
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Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Check your sausage and tater tots to make sure they’re gluten-free, as some brands contain fillers or breading. Using gluten-free versions means the whole casserole is safe, and it tastes just as delicious.
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What cheese works best if I don’t have Colby Jack?
A good melting cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella works great in this casserole. I tend to use what’s on hand—sharp cheddar adds a punch, while mozzarella keeps it super gooey.
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Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the milk with your favorite dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free cheese substitute. Be sure to pick a plant-based sausage to keep it fully dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
This Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole recipe has been a little holiday miracle in my kitchen, turning mornings into moments of pure joy and ease. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug – comforting, filling, and just plain delicious. I hope you give it a try and find that same cozy vibe on your special mornings. Trust me, once it’s on your table, it might just become your new holiday tradition.
Print
Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and flavorful morning dish perfect for holiday gatherings or any special breakfast occasion. It combines savory ground sausage, crispy tater tots, eggs, cheese, and colorful vegetables baked to golden perfection for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Egg Mixture
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1½ cups Colby jack cheese, divided
- 28 oz frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook the sausage and vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, and pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the cooked sausage, onion, and bell pepper mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the frozen tater tots evenly over the sausage mixture. Sprinkle half of the Colby jack cheese over the tater tots. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. Top with the remaining tater tots and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the eggs are set, the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the casserole set for easier serving.
Notes
- Use a 9×13 inch baking dish for best results.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- You can substitute Colby jack cheese with cheddar or a cheese blend of your choice.
- Make sure to use frozen tater tots; do not thaw before baking to achieve crispy tops.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: Tater Tot Casserole, Breakfast Casserole, Sausage Breakfast, Holiday Breakfast, Christmas Breakfast
