If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels like a warm holiday hug, this Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s got everything you want in one dish—the crispy golden tater tots, savory breakfast sausage, and melty cheese all baked together with fluffy eggs. I’ve made this recipe for several family gatherings, and it never lasts long at the table. Honestly, it feels like the ultimate comfort food with a festive twist that’s perfect for Christmas morning or any cozy brunch.

What makes this Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe so special is how simple it is to throw together, yet how impressive it looks and tastes at the end. No complicated steps or fancy ingredients—just ingredients you probably already have and a result that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, the batch size is perfect for feeding a family or group, so it’s great when you want to treat your people without stressing out. Trust me, once you try it, this will be your go-to holiday breakfast for years to come.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe really comes from the balance of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays its part—spicy sausage, sweet bell pepper, creamy cheese, and those irresistible tater tots that give it crispness.

Ground breakfast sausage: Choose a quality sausage with good seasoning—it forms the savory base of the casserole.
Medium onion: Diced finely so it blends in and adds a subtle sweetness without overwhelming the dish.
Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a gentle crunch; you can substitute with green or yellow if you prefer.
Eggs: The binder of the casserole, providing fluffiness and richness.
Milk: Use whole or 2% milk for the best texture—this helps the eggs cook creamy and soft.
Garlic powder: A little depth of flavor without the harshness of fresh garlic.
Pepper: For subtle seasoning—add more if you love a bit of spice.
Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy taste that complements the sausage perfectly.
Frozen tater tots: The star crispy topping and important texture contrast, no need to thaw ahead.

Variations

I love making this Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe my own by tweaking ingredients depending on what’s on hand or my mood. Feel free to get creative or keep it classic—either way, it’s delicious.

Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms; it’s still hearty and flavorful.
Cheese Swap: I sometimes use sharp cheddar or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a different cheesy kick.
Add greens: Folding in some fresh spinach or kale adds color and a boost of nutrients without changing the texture much.
Spicy Kick: Toss in some chopped jalapeños or use spicy sausage if you like your breakfast with a punch.

How to Make Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Veggies

Start by browning the ground breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once it’s about halfway done, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook everything until the sausage is fully cooked through and the veggies have softened—usually about 7 to 10 minutes. I’ve learned it’s key to drain any excess grease here so your casserole isn’t too oily.

Step 2: Whisk the Eggs Mixture

While the sausage mixture is cooling slightly, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, and pepper in a large bowl. Make sure everything is well combined until the mixture is smooth—this helps ensure that every bite of your casserole has even seasoning and a beautiful fluffy texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the cooked sausage, onion, and bell pepper mixture evenly across the bottom. Next, pour the egg mixture over it. Then sprinkle about half of the Colby Jack cheese evenly on top. Finally, layer the frozen tater tots in a single layer to cover the entire dish. Don’t worry about thawing the tots—they’ll crisp right up in the oven.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set

Pop the casserole into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for about 45 minutes. After that, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the tops of the tater tots are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The eggs should be set but still tender. Pro tip: If the tots are browning too fast, lightly cover the dish with foil halfway through baking.

How to Serve Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

A silver pan with cooked ground meat mixed with small pieces of orange bell pepper and translucent white onion sits on a white marbled surface. Above the pan, a white carton holds six brown eggs in two rows of three. To the right of the eggs, there is a white bowl full of shredded yellow cheese, and next to it a small white bowl filled with granulated light brown seasoning, along with a clear pepper shaker. On the left side of the pan, a wooden spoon lies flat on the surface, and a blue and white striped cloth is partially visible on the lower right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving—it adds a burst of freshness and color that brightens up the dish. Sriracha or a drizzle of ketchup on the side also pairs perfectly if you like a little tang or heat with your breakfast.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but I often serve it with fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Sometimes, a side of homemade biscuits or warm cinnamon rolls rounds out the brunch beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For Christmas morning, I like to bake this casserole in a festive glass dish and set it on the table surrounded by holiday décor. Another fun idea is to portion it into mini casserole dishes or ramekins for individual servings—makes your guests feel special and makes plating a breeze!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe has cooled, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3-4 days. When I’ve leftovers, I make sure to portion it out into airtight containers so I can grab and go during busy mornings.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a few times without issue. To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it yet—wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as instructed. It’s handy to have on hand for a last-minute holiday breakfast.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through—about 15-20 minutes—or microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry. Reheating in the oven helps maintain the crispy tater tot topping, which is my favorite part.

FAQs

Can I make the Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and bake it fresh the next morning. This makes holiday mornings much less hectic.
What type of sausage works best in this casserole?

Breakfast sausage with seasoning like sage and pepper works best, but you can also use spicy sausage if you prefer a bit of heat or even turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Can I use homemade tater tots?

Yes! If you want to skip the frozen tots, homemade or shredded crispy potatoes will add that same satisfying crunch. Just make sure they’re cooked beforehand to avoid sogginess.
Is this casserole gluten-free?

It can be, as long as you choose gluten-free sausage and check that your frozen tater tots don’t contain any gluten additives. Always double-check ingredient labels if gluten is a concern.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! This recipe is very flexible. Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work well and add nutrients without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe is close to my heart because it takes the stress out of holiday mornings while delivering big on flavor and comfort. It’s the kind of recipe I keep coming back to year after year because it always brings everyone to the table hungry and happy. If you want a breakfast dish that’s both effortless and crowd-pleasing, give this recipe a go—you won’t regret it!

Tater Tot Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe