Name: Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground breakfast sausage; 8 oz cream cheese; 32 oz frozen tater tots; 6 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; Cooking spray or butter, for greasing

This Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for brunches, holiday mornings, or make-ahead weekday breakfasts. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, I end up with a golden, cheesy, and savory bake that's always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe brings together the best breakfast flavors in one dish—crispy tater tots, rich sausage, melty cream cheese, and fluffy eggs. It’s super simple to make, feeds a crowd, and can even be assembled the night before. Whether I’m feeding family during the holidays or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is a no-fail favorite.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground breakfast sausage
Cream cheese
Frozen tater tots
Eggs
Milk
Shredded cheddar cheese
Salt
Pepper
Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the dish)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Once the sausage is cooked, I reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese until it's fully melted and combined.
I spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Next, I arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the sausage mixture.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, then pour the mixture over the tater tots.
I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
I bake the casserole uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
I let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings. Prep time takes around 15 minutes, and bake time is 45–50 minutes. It’s ready to serve in just about an hour from start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes swap the breakfast sausage for spicy Italian sausage for a little kick. For a lighter version, I use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cream cheese. If I want extra veggies, I add diced bell peppers or spinach to the sausage mixture. And when I’m craving a richer flavoR.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm slices in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. It also freezes well—once cooled, I wrap portions in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. I just thaw overnight and reheat as usual.

FAQs

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

I check that the eggs are set in the center and the top is golden brown. If I jiggle the pan slightly and it still looks liquidy in the center, I bake it for a few more minutes.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble everything the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, I just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

I can, but I’d need to pre-cook them first. Tater tots give the best texture and are super convenient, which is why I stick with them.

What kind of sausage works best?

I like using breakfast sausage, but spicy sausage or even a maple-flavored version works well depending on the flavor profile I want.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely. I’ve added bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach in the past. I just make sure to sauté and drain them first so they don’t make the casserole watery.

Conclusion

This Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole has become a regular in my kitchen thanks to its rich flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility. Whether I’m feeding a hungry crowd or just want a delicious breakfast ready to go, this dish never disappoints.