Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

If you want a festive, crowd-pleasing breakfast that practically makes itself, you have to try this Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s a deliciously hearty blend of savory breakfast sausage, savory bell peppers and onions, and those golden, crispy tater tots on top—every bite feels like a cozy holiday morning. I first made this on Christmas Day when family was staying over, and it was an instant hit; I love how it can feed a bunch of people with minimal fuss.

This casserole works perfectly for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or anytime you want a comforting, cheesy breakfast that comes together largely in one dish. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can prep it the night before and bake it fresh when you’re ready, making your morning less hectic. I’m excited to walk you through it so you get that perfect savory, cheesy, tater tot magic every time with this Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe plays an important role—from the sausage that brings savory depth, to the eggs and milk that create a rich, custardy base. Here’s why these flavors work so well together and a few tips when you’re shopping.

• Ground breakfast sausage: I recommend a flavorful but not too spicy sausage; it adds great richness and pairs well with the cheese and tots.
• Onion: Diced onion adds a wonderful sweetness and texture; I like to sauté it lightly first for deeper flavor.
• Red bell pepper: For a subtle sweetness, color, and a bit of crunch; fresh is best here.
• Eggs: These bind everything together and make the casserole fluffy yet firm.
• Milk: Use whole or 2% for a creamier custard; skim milk can work but results may be less rich.
• Garlic powder: This gives a gentle punch of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper is my go-to for a bit of spice.
• Colby jack cheese: I love this blend—it melts nicely and adds creamy, slightly tangy flavor.
• Frozen tater tots: Don’t thaw them first! They crisp up beautifully during baking and top the casserole with that perfect golden crunch.

Variations

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Trust me, feel free to swap out or add ingredients to fit your taste or diet.

• Vegetable variation: I sometimes add chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and earthiness, which pairs surprisingly well with the sausage.
• Cheese swap: Using sharp cheddar or pepper jack instead of Colby jack amps up the flavor if you prefer something bolder.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you like some heat.
• Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage and load it up with veggies; it’s just as comforting and crowd-friendly.
• Holiday flair: Mix in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to add a festive aroma and brighten the dish.

How to Make Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the sausage and vegetables

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground breakfast sausage. Break it up with your spatula and cook until it’s browned, about 6-8 minutes. Then toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 more minutes. This step builds a savory base, so don’t rush it—you want those flavors nicely melded but not mushy.

Step 2: Mix the egg custard

While the sausage mixture cools slightly, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, and pepper in a large bowl. I always crack my eggs into a separate bowl first to avoid any shell surprises. The milk softens the eggs so the casserole bakes up light and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine sausage, cheese, and egg mixture

Stir half of the shredded Colby jack cheese into the egg mixture, then fold in the cooked sausage and veggie mix. This ensures every bite has pockets of cheesy goodness and savory sausage. Mixing everything thoroughly helps the casserole set evenly.

Step 4: Assemble in the baking dish with tater tots

Pour the egg and sausage mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Then spread the frozen tater tots over the top in an even layer — no need to thaw! This layer crisps up in the oven, creating that iconic tater tot topping we all love.

Step 5: Bake until golden and set

Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the tater tots are golden and crispy. About halfway through baking, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tots if you want an extra cheesy, melty crust. Keep an eye on it so the tots don’t burn—cover loosely with foil if they brown too quickly.

How to Serve Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping each slice with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives—they add a pop of color and a fresh touch to the richness of the casserole. A dollop of sour cream or a few dashes of hot sauce also work wonders if you like a bit of tang or heat on your plate.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually serve this casserole with fresh fruit salad to balance the richness—something like mixed berries or orange slices brightens up the plate beautifully. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is great for a brunch spread, too. Some toasted English muffins or flaky biscuits round out the meal effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions like Christmas morning, I like to bake the casserole in individual ramekins—this looks charming on the table and lets everyone customize their own toppings. Another idea is to layer colorful veggies in decorative patterns under the tater tots for a festive look. You can also sprinkle a little edible gold dust on top for a truly glam holiday presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers I cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pro tip: cutting into smaller portions before refrigerating makes it easier to reheat just what you need without fuss.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well! I usually assemble the entire dish but don’t bake it, then cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap before popping it in the freezer. When you’re ready, bake it from frozen—just add extra baking time (about 20-25 minutes) until heated through and bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat leftover Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe, I find baking it at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes works best to keep the tots crispy and the inside warm and moist. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the tots soggy, and the texture just isn’t quite the same.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that’s simple to make, festive enough for holidays, and comforting enough for any weekend. Honestly, it’s a staple in my kitchen when I want to impress guests without hours of cooking. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the way it brings everyone together around the breakfast table—with golden tots, cheesy layers, and all that savory sausage goodness, it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Happy cooking and Happy Holidays!

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