Serves: 6–8 | Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Hey, let’s make something easy and cheesy.
If you want breakfast that basically cooks itself, this Crockpot Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is the move. Tater tots? Yes. Sausage? Obviously. Eggs and cheese? Of course. Toss it all in the slow cooker and you’ll wake up to something hot, golden, and crazy delicious. I’ve made this for brunch potlucks and lazy Sundays, and there’s never a bite left.
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
This one hits all the cozy comfort food notes. I first made it for a weekend cabin trip, and now it’s a repeat favorite.
- Just layer and let the crockpot do the work
- Crispy-on-top tater tots make it next level
- You can prep it all the night before
- Feeds a crowd without any stress
- It reheats like a dream
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Eggs cook gently in the slow heat, creating a fluffy base. Tater tots hold their shape but absorb flavor, and the sausage adds just the right fat and seasoning to tie it all together. Cheese melts into everything and helps hold the layers together.
🧾 What You’ll Need
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (raw, mild or spicy)
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 10 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Butter or cooking spray (for greasing)
🍽️ Meal Plan Ideas
- Make it Sunday, reheat it Monday.
- Brunch with friends? Add fruit and muffins.
- Breakfast-for-dinner night? Toss on a side salad.
- Hosting guests? Prep it the night before and relax in the morning.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Not thawing the sausage before cooking – it’ll cook unevenly.
- Using too much milk – makes it soggy.
- Overcooking – check by hour 6 on LOW so the eggs don’t dry out.
- Forgetting to grease the crockpot – it will stick!
🍴 What to Serve With
- Fresh fruit or fruit salad
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Yogurt with granola
- Coffee or fresh juice
- Salsa or hot sauce on the side
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Crockpot (6 qt or larger)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Nonstick spray or butter
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap sausage with cooked bacon or diced ham
- Use pepper jack or mozzarella instead of cheddar
- Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach
- Try dairy-free cheese or oat milk for a lighter version
⏱️ Make Ahead Tips
- Cook and crumble the sausage the day before
- Whisk eggs and milk in advance and store in the fridge
- Assemble everything the night before, keep crockpot insert in the fridge, and start cooking in the morning
👨🍳 How to Make It
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Cook the raw breakfast sausage in a skillet until browned and crumbled.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Grease the Crockpot
Spray the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray or rub with butter.
Step 4: Layer Ingredients
Layer in this order:
- Half of the tater tots
- Half of the cooked sausage
- Half of the cheese
Repeat layers. Then sprinkle green onions on top.
Step 5: Pour in Egg Mixture
Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, letting it soak down into the layers.
Step 6: Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until eggs are set in the center.
Step 7: Serve
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then scoop out servings with a large spoon. The top should be cheesy and golden with crispy tater tots around the edges.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months (wrap well, reheat from frozen or thaw first)
❓ FAQ
Can I use a different meat?
Yes! Bacon, ham, or even plant-based sausage works great.
Can I bake this in the oven instead?
Sure! 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes in a 9×13 pan.
Do I have to thaw the tater tots first?
Nope! Use them straight from frozen — that’s the beauty of it.
Why is my casserole watery?
Too much milk or steam buildup. Vent the lid for the last 15 minutes if needed.
✅ Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is the definition of set-it-and-forget-it breakfast. It’s warm, hearty, and full of flavor — perfect for weekends, holidays, or feeding a hungry group. Try it, enjoy it, and let me know how it went in the comments! I’d love to hear your spin on it too.
