This lightened version of a classic tater tot breakfast casserole is loaded with sausage, eggs, and cheese. A new family favorite!
Let’s all thank my hubby for this one. We had a breakfast potluck to attend last week, and as we were trying to figure out what to make, Jeff said, “How about a tater tot casserole?” Mind. Blown.
At the time I hadn’t heard of tater tot casserole, although I now know it’s a pretty popular American dish with many variations. But as I skimmed through recipes, I found that every one had tons of cream, butter, and cheese in them. I love those things, but each serving would be around the 15-20 point range. Nope!
So here’s my lightened-up version. It’s absolutely heavenly! A real crowd pleaser, and one that I’m sure kids would love.
Lightening a Classic
You can’t have a tater tot casserole without tots – and even though there are plenty of ways to make my own, why mess with perfection? Frozen tater tots it was! The taste and convenience of using frozen tots to make breakfast just felt like the right direction.
Where I knew I could lighten up my tater tot casserole without compromising on flavor? Subbing in turkey sausage instead of traditional pork sausage was an easy way substitute. My personal favorite (when I have time to prep) is my Healthy Breakfast Sausage, but I will absolutely use store-bought turkey sausage when I don’t have time (or motivation) to make my own breakfast sausage.
Another way to lighten this casserole is to use reduced-fat shredded cheese. I like to use sharp cheddar when I want that punched-up flavor, but sometimes I’ll use a mild cheddar and jack cheese blend. You could even use mozzarella, if you want a milder flavor cheese – you do you!
I sub almond milk in a lot of my dishes in place of dairy milk, but feel free to use your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk.
Last but not least, I love using spices like garlic and onion powder to punch up the flavors so they really sing. I know a lot of chefs say “fat = flavor,” but I think herbs and spices can impart enough flavor that you don’t even miss the fat.
You can make this as is, or sneak in some veggies to make it a complete meal. I even threw some leftovers in a low-carb wrap for a delicious breakfast burrito the next day!
More Breakfasts to feed a crowd
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a weekend brunch, these recipes are sure to hit the spot!
- Peach Cobbler French Toast Bake
- Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
- Cinnamon Roll Baked Donuts
I’d love to hear from you if you make this recipe! Leaving a starred review and comment below helps my blog grow. I’m always grateful when you can take the time to do that!
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Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen tater tots
- 12 oz ground turkey breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 1 1/2 cups reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- optional: 2 cups chopped veggies of choice, like bell pepper, mushrooms, broccoli, etc
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a 13×9 baking dish, spread tater tots in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes.
- While tots are baking, cook your sausage in a large skillet. Drain on paper towels.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, almond milk, 1 cup cheese, and seasoning. If you’re using veggies, fold those into the egg mixture.
- Remove baking dish from the oven and pour egg mixture evenly over tots. Sprinkle top with sausage and remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
- Place back in the oven and cook for another 30-40 minutes, or until the center is just set when you pierce it with a knife. Cut into 8 squares.
Delicious!! Topped with homemade salsa verde. Delicioso 🤤
Yum! Glad you liked it!
Made the homemade sausage recipe to use in this and the dish was so flavorful! I added mushrooms and chopped onion to the sausage while browning and used mini tater tots. Wonderful for meal prep too!