Name: Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 8 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 32 oz frozen tater tots; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional); Optional: 1/2 cup chopped green onions or diced bell peppers

Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish packed with savory sausage, creamy cheese, and crispy golden tater tots—all baked together into one irresistible breakfast or brunch. It’s warm, filling, and a total crowd-pleaser. I love making it for holidays, weekend mornings, or anytime I want something rich and satisfying to start the day.

Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it’s easy to throw together, especially when I’m feeding a group. The creamy sausage mixture adds a ton of flavor and richness, while the tater tots get crispy and golden on top. It’s a hands-off breakfast once it’s in the oven, and it reheats beautifully. Whether I serve it for a casual brunch or prep it ahead for busy mornings, this dish never disappoints.

Ingredients

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

Breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
Cream cheese
Eggs
Milk
Shredded cheddar cheese
Frozen tater tots
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder (optional)
Optional: chopped green onions, diced peppers, or hot sauce for added flavor

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, I cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. I drain excess grease if needed.
I stir the cream cheese into the warm sausage and mix until fully melted and combined.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
I spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
I pour the egg mixture over the sausage layer.
I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over everything.
I bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
I let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 8 people. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 40–45 minutes to bake, so I have it ready in about 1 hour total.

Variations

I sometimes add sautéed bell peppers or onions to the sausage for extra flavor.
For a spicy version, I use hot breakfast sausage and stir in a little hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
I swap cheddar for pepper jack or Colby Jack for a different cheese profile.
To lighten it up, I use turkey sausage, reduced-fat cream cheese, and low-fat milk.
I’ve also made mini versions in muffin tins for grab-and-go breakfast bites.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This casserole also freezes well—just wrap it tightly and freeze after baking. I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it the night before and refrigerate it. I bake it in the morning, adding 5–10 minutes to the cook time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?

No, I use them straight from the freezer. They crisp up perfectly during baking.

Can I use bacon instead of sausage?

Absolutely. I cook and crumble bacon, then mix it with the cream cheese just like the sausage. It gives a smokier flavor.

What kind of cream cheese works best?

I use regular full-fat cream cheese for richness, but reduced-fat versions work too. I just make sure it’s softened or warm to blend easily with the sausage.

How do I know when it’s done?

I check that the eggs are fully set in the center and the tater tots are crisp and golden. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

Conclusion

Sausage Cream Cheese Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort breakfast. I love how the creamy, cheesy layers come together under that crispy tot topping. It’s easy, filling, and always a favorite—whether I’m serving guests or making a cozy weekend breakfast for my family. Once I tried it, it became a permanent part of my brunch rotation.