Make-Ahead Overnight Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
This Make-Ahead Overnight Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that combines savory breakfast sausage, vibrant bell peppers and onions, creamy eggs mixed with sour cream and milk, and a crispy tater tot crust topped with melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings, this casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning for a comforting start to your day.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 13 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 12 to 16 ounces breakfast sausage
- 1 cup small diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup small diced onion
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Base and Toppings
- 24 ounces (about 6 cups) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped green onion or chives (for garnish, optional)
- Sour cream and salsa (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Cook Sausage and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, peppers, and onions together. Crumble the sausage into small pieces as it cooks until no longer pink and the veggies are tender. Drain any grease from the pan and either keep mixture warm in the skillet or transfer to a plate.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble Casserole Base: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer evenly across the bottom of the pan, using just enough to cover the surface without overlapping.
- Add Sausage and Cheese Layers: Sprinkle the cooked sausage mixture evenly over the tater tots, followed by the vegetables. Then sprinkle the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top.
- Pour Egg Mixture and Refrigerate: Evenly pour the egg mixture over the entire casserole. Cover the dish with lightly greased foil and refrigerate overnight or up to 18 hours. Alternatively, you can bake it right away, though the tater tots may remain crisper.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the covered casserole for 25 minutes. Then uncover and continue baking for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is golden, bubbly, and set in the center. You may need additional time to make sure the center is no longer runny.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle chopped green onions or chives over the casserole if desired. Serve warm with optional sour cream and salsa for added flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, use quality breakfast sausage with your preferred level of seasoning and spice.
- Use any color combination of bell peppers to add vibrant color and sweetness.
- You can prepare the casserole up to 18 hours in advance and refrigerate it to save time in the morning.
- If baking immediately, note that tater tots will remain crispy rather than softening.
- Feel free to substitute cheese varieties or adjust quantities to taste.
- Make sure to check the center for doneness—casserole should be set and not runny before serving.
