If you’re craving a hearty and irresistible breakfast that brings together the ultimate comfort flavors, you’ve got to try this Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe. This dish combines savory breakfast sausage, creamy cheese, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection, making it the kind of meal that’s perfect for weekend brunches, special gatherings, or simply treating yourself to a delicious start. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as visually inviting as it is tasty, and each bite bursts with warmth and satisfying textures that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that all work beautifully together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a special role in making the casserole irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and perfectly crispy on top.
- Hot breakfast sausage: Gives the dish a bold, savory kick and hearty protein.
- Cream cheese: Adds luscious creaminess that blends seamlessly with the sausage.
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies: Provides a subtle zesty and slightly spicy note that brightens the casserole.
- Frozen tater tots: The crispy, golden base that brings a fun and nostalgic element to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Boost the flavor profile with aromatic depth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of rich goodness throughout the casserole.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together into custardy perfection.
- Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy custard that holds the ingredients in place.
How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. This step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly into a golden masterpiece.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Mix in Cream Cheese and Rotel
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the hot breakfast sausage until no pink remains, breaking it up as it cooks for even browning. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness. Then, add the softened cream cheese and drained can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies directly into the skillet. Stir everything together until creamy and well combined, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, delicious mixture.
Step 3: Combine Tater Tots, Sausage Mixture, and Cheese
Grab a large bowl and toss together the frozen tater tots with the cooked sausage mixture and shredded cheddar cheese. This combination is going to form the heart of your casserole — with crispy tots, melty cheese, and that flavorful cream cheese-infused sausage creating a mouthwatering base.
Step 4: Whisk Together Eggs and Seasonings
In a separate bowl, whisk eight large eggs with milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This custard mixture adds moisture, binds the components, and amps up the flavor, turning this casserole into a comforting breakfast sensation.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Set and Golden
Pour the tater tot and sausage mixture into your prepared pan, then evenly pour the egg custard over the top. Bake uncovered for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is beautifully golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow it to set perfectly.
How to Serve Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To take this casserole to the next level, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or chives on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa adds wonderful freshness and tang, balancing out the richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but it pairs beautifully with a simple fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. Toasted English muffins or warm biscuits are also fantastic if you want a bit of bread on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve portions of this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming brunch presentation, or customize by adding diced bell peppers or sliced jalapeños into the mix for a colorful and spicy twist. Adding a drizzle of hot sauce at the table gives guests a chance to tailor the heat to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making the next-day bites even more satisfying.
Freezing
This Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Place portions in airtight containers or wrap the entire casserole tightly before freezing, and it will keep well for up to 2 months without losing any of its deliciousness.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through, or warm the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350ºF oven until heated evenly. This helps retain moisture and keeps the top from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While hot breakfast sausage adds a nice spicy kick, you can switch it out for mild sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sausage and double-check that your seasonings and any added ingredients don’t contain gluten.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely! You can assemble everything the night before, cover it well, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it in the morning; you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold going into the oven.
How spicy is this casserole?
The spiciness mainly comes from the hot breakfast sausage and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for mild sausage and regular diced tomatoes instead.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?
You could try using ricotta cheese or a softened block of mascarpone for a similarly creamy, rich texture, but cream cheese really gives this casserole its signature tangy depth.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes for a comforting, savory start to the day. It’s easy to make, packed with delicious layers of flavor, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to dig in. Give it a try – once you do, it might just become your new breakfast obsession too!
Print
Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful breakfast casserole featuring a savory blend of spicy breakfast sausage, creamy softened cream cheese, tangy Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese. Combined with eggs and seasoned milk, this dish bakes to a golden, satisfying morning meal perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
Casserole Base
- 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage and Mix with Cream Cheese and Rotel: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the hot breakfast sausage until it’s no longer pink. Drain the excess fat. Then add the softened cream cheese and drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet, stirring until well combined and creamy with the sausage.
- Combine with Tater Tots and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the frozen tater tots, the cooked sausage and cream cheese mixture, and the shredded cheddar cheese evenly. Transfer this mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.
- Pour Egg Mixture and Bake: Pour the seasoned egg mixture evenly over the tater tot and sausage base in the pan. Bake uncovered for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden and slightly crispy on the edges.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to help it blend smoothly with the sausage and vegetables.
- Use frozen tater tots directly from the freezer; no need to thaw before assembling the casserole.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more or less salt and pepper as preferred.
- Check the casserole toward the end of baking; if the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
