If you are craving a comforting, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy golden tater tots with savory sausage and gooey cheddar cheese, then this Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a dish that hits all the right notes—rich, hearty, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner. With its layers of flavor and irresistible textures, this casserole has become one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes whenever I want something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the list; these ingredients are simple staples that come together to create a stunning blend of savory, creamy, and crispy textures that make the dish shine. Each one plays an important role in building that perfect flavor balance.
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy): Provides the rich, meaty base with the option to control the heat level.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic layer that perfectly complements the sausage.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: Brings creamy moisture and a touch of earthiness to bind everything together.
- ½ cup milk: Helps loosen the mixture for creamy consistency without being runny.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Infuses cheesy goodness and melty texture, enhancing every bite.
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots: The crunchy, golden topping that makes this casserole so fun and delicious.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle but robust flavor boost throughout the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a hint of spice and depth to balance out the richness.
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional): Adds fresh color and a bright, mild taste to finish.
How to Make Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Onions
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and cooking the breakfast sausage along with the diced onion until everything is fully browned and cooked through. This combination releases delicious aromas and flavors that form the foundation of the casserole. Be sure to drain any excess grease—it keeps your dish from being too oily and helps the flavors stay balanced.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
Transfer your cooked sausage and onions to a large bowl. Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything until beautifully combined. This creamy mixture will soak into the tater tots and create the casserole’s classic cheesy, comforting texture.
Step 3: Layer and Bake
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the sausage and cheese mixture evenly along the bottom. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the entire surface. Pop it into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for about 35 to 40 minutes, until those tots are crispy and golden. This step is key to achieving that irresistible crunch.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Cheese
Once your tater tots are perfectly crispy, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt that cheese into a bubbly, melty crown. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
How to Serve Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions is a wonderful way to add a burst of freshness and a pop of color to your casserole right before serving. These simple garnishes lift the dish beautifully and make each serving feel special.
Side Dishes
To complement this hearty casserole, pair it with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or some fresh fruit for a balanced meal. The light, refreshing sides provide nice contrast to the rich and cheesy tater tot bake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. This presentation looks charming for brunch gatherings and keeps the crispy tops intact. You can also top servings with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat gently to retain that crispy topping and creamy filling to enjoy the same comforting flavors as the first time.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble as directed, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen with some extra time added for thorough cooking. For freezing after baking, cool completely, then cover and freeze in portions for convenient reheating later.
Reheating
To reheat, place your portion in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through and the tater tots regain some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tots soggy and dull the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage is traditional and flavorful, you can substitute with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a plant-based sausage to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Is there a dairy-free version of the Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, swap the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative and use a plant-based milk and cream of mushroom soup substitute. This way, you keep all the creamy, cheesy textures without the dairy.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based sausage alternative. This keeps the hearty aspect without compromising on flavor.
What can I add to make the casserole more colorful?
Adding diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or even some frozen mixed vegetables into the sausage mixture is a great way to brighten up the dish both visually and nutritionally.
How do I make the tater tots extra crispy?
The key is to bake uncovered and avoid overcrowding the baking dish so the heat circulates properly. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F for even browning.
Final Thoughts
This Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to prepare, irresistibly tasty, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just indulging in a cozy meal for one, it’s always worth making and sharing. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds—and maybe thirds!
Print
Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This hearty Tater Tot Sausage Casserole combines savory breakfast sausage, crispy tater tots, and creamy cheddar cheese into a comforting American breakfast or brunch dish. A simple, all-in-one casserole that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Meat and Produce
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
Dairy and Soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Frozen
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Spices and Garnish
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook the sausage and onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage along with the diced onion until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and onions with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is thoroughly mixed.
- Assemble in baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread the sausage mixture evenly across the bottom. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the mixture.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Add remaining cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cheddar soup for a different flavor.
- Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños to the sausage mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Drain excess grease thoroughly after cooking sausage to keep casserole from being greasy.
- Use mild or spicy sausage depending on your heat preference.
