Sausage, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Tater Tot Frittata
This tater tot frittata combines a crisped base of frozen potatoes with hot Italian sausage, spinach, eggs, half-and-half, and goat cheese. It serves six to eight and bakes in a 12-inch skillet. The tots bake briefly before the egg and topping mixture is added, so the potatoes begin crisping before the frittata finishes in the oven.
Cook and crumble the sausage while the tots bake, and squeeze excess water from the thawed spinach before assembling. Once the eggs are set and the tots are golden, Dr. J flips the frittata with a large plate so the browned tots sit on top. Use enough thawed tater tots to cover the bottom of your 12-inch skillet.

Sausage, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Tater Tot Frittata
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange enough thawed tater tots to cover the bottom of a 12-inch oven-safe skillet. Lightly press them with the back of a measuring cup. Bake on the middle rack for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, breaking it up, for 5–8 minutes. Squeeze the thawed spinach dry in a clean dish towel.
- Whisk the eggs with the half-and-half and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- Remove the skillet of tots from the oven. Spread the egg mixture, cooked sausage, spinach, and goat cheese evenly over the tots. Return the skillet to the middle rack and bake for 13–15 minutes, until the eggs are set and the tots are golden.
- To flip the frittata, cover the skillet with a large plate and carefully invert it so the crisp tater tots are on top. Serve.
Video
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!A Delicious Twist on Breakfast: Tater Tot Frittata!
I love a breakfast recipe that’s a little different from the usual eggs and toast, and this Sausage, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Tater Tot Frittata is definitely one of those recipes!
Instead of making a traditional frittata, I start with a layer of tater tots that become golden and crispy in the oven. Then I add hot Italian sausage, spinach, eggs, and creamy goat cheese.
And here’s the fun part: once the frittata finishes baking, I carefully flip it onto a large plate so those beautiful crispy tater tots are on top!
It’s a hearty breakfast that’s wonderful for a weekend brunch, a family gathering, or even breakfast for dinner.
My Tips for the Best Tater Tot Frittata
Use an oven-safe skillet. I use a 12-inch skillet for this recipe. Make sure yours can safely go into a 425°F (220°C) oven.
Thaw the tater tots first. This makes them easier to arrange and press into an even layer across the bottom of the skillet.
Give the potatoes a head start. I bake the tater tots for 15 minutes before adding the eggs and other ingredients. This helps them develop a crisp texture.
Cook the sausage separately. Brown and crumble the hot Italian sausage while the tater tots are baking.
Squeeze the spinach thoroughly. Frozen spinach holds a surprising amount of water. Removing that moisture helps keep the frittata from becoming watery.
Whisk the eggs and half-and-half together. This helps distribute the cream and seasonings evenly.
Spread the fillings evenly. You want a little sausage, spinach, and goat cheese in every serving.
Let the eggs set completely. The frittata is ready when the eggs are cooked through and the potatoes are golden.
Why Tater Tots Make Such a Great Frittata Base
One of the things I love about this recipe is the combination of crispy potatoes and creamy eggs.
Traditional frittatas are made primarily with eggs and fillings, but adding a layer of tater tots gives this version a wonderful texture.
I start by arranging thawed tater tots across the bottom of a 12-inch oven-safe skillet.
Then I gently press them with the back of a measuring cup to form a more even layer.
After 15 minutes in a 425°F oven, the potatoes have started to crisp and are ready for the egg mixture.
Once the finished frittata is flipped, that golden potato layer becomes the top.
It’s a fun presentation, and it tastes delicious!
The Secret to Using Frozen Spinach
Frozen chopped spinach is a convenient ingredient, but there’s one step you don’t want to skip.
You need to remove as much excess water as possible.
For this recipe, I use one 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach.
After thawing it, I place the spinach in a clean kitchen towel, gather the edges, and squeeze firmly over the sink.
You’ll probably be surprised by how much water comes out!
Removing that extra moisture helps the eggs set properly and keeps the frittata from becoming soggy.
It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
Why I Love Hot Italian Sausage and Goat Cheese Together
The hot Italian sausage gives this frittata a delicious savory flavor with a little spice.
I use one pound of ground hot Italian sausage, which I cook and crumble before adding it to the eggs.
Then I add four ounces of goat cheese.
Goat cheese has a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor that balances the richness of the sausage.
The spinach adds freshness and color, while the eggs and half-and-half bring everything together.
It’s a wonderful combination of ingredients!
If your family prefers less heat, you could try mild Italian sausage instead. The flavor will be a little different, but the basic recipe will work the same way.
How to Flip a Tater Tot Frittata
This is probably the most memorable part of the recipe!
Once the frittata is fully cooked, I carefully remove the skillet from the oven.
Then I place a large plate over the top of the skillet.
The plate needs to be large enough to completely cover the frittata.
Using oven mitts and holding the plate securely against the skillet, I carefully turn everything over so the frittata releases onto the plate.
Now the crispy tater tots are on top!
Be careful: The skillet will be extremely hot, and the frittata is heavy. If you’re not comfortable flipping it, there’s nothing wrong with serving it directly from the skillet.
It will taste just as delicious!
What to Serve with Tater Tot Frittata
This frittata is hearty enough to serve as a complete breakfast, but I also like pairing it with something fresh.
Fresh fruit. Berries, melon, or orange slices add a nice contrast to the savory frittata.
A simple green salad. This is especially good if you’re serving the frittata for brunch or dinner.
Toast or homemade bread. A warm slice of bread is always welcome at breakfast.
Hot sauce. If you enjoy a little extra heat, add a few drops to your serving.
Sour cream. A small spoonful on the side adds a cool, creamy contrast to the sausage and potatoes.
It’s also a wonderful dish to serve when you’re having family or friends over for brunch.
Can You Make This Frittata Ahead of Time?
You can prepare several of the ingredients in advance to make assembly easier.
Cook and crumble the sausage, then refrigerate it in a covered container.
Thaw the spinach and squeeze out the excess water.
You can also measure the other ingredients ahead of time.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat the oven, prepare the tater tot layer, and assemble the frittata.
I recommend baking it just before serving for the best potato texture.
If you have leftovers, refrigerate them promptly in an airtight container and use within three to four days.
Reheat leftovers thoroughly to 165°F (74°C). An oven or air fryer can help restore some of the potatoes’ crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tater tots do I need?
Use enough thawed tater tots to cover the bottom of a 12-inch skillet in an even layer. The exact quantity depends on the size of the tater tots and your skillet.
Can I use mild Italian sausage?
Yes! I use hot Italian sausage, but mild Italian sausage is a good option if you prefer less spice.
Do I need to thaw the spinach?
Yes. Thaw the frozen chopped spinach and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the frittata.
Can I substitute a different cheese?
You can experiment with other cheeses, but I love the creamy, tangy flavor of goat cheese in this recipe. Feta would provide a different, saltier flavor.
How do I know when the frittata is finished cooking?
The eggs should be completely set, with no liquid egg remaining in the center. For food safety, egg dishes should reach 160°F (71°C).
Do I have to flip the frittata?
No. Flipping puts the crispy tater tots on top and makes a beautiful presentation, but you can serve it directly from the skillet if you prefer.
What size skillet should I use?
I use a 12-inch oven-safe skillet.
Can I serve this for dinner?
Absolutely! Breakfast for dinner is always a good idea, and this frittata is hearty enough to be the main course.
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy making breakfast at home, here are a few more recipes from my kitchen to try.
- Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole – Another hearty breakfast with eggs, sausage, cheese, and crispy tater tots.
- Homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties – Savory homemade sausage with maple syrup, fennel, and herbs.
- Make-Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches – A convenient breakfast option you can prepare ahead for busy mornings.
- Bread Machine Hawaiian Rolls – Soft, lightly sweet homemade rolls that are delicious for breakfast sandwiches or brunch.
I hope you’ll give this Sausage, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Tater Tot Frittata a try! It’s such a fun way to combine some of my favorite breakfast ingredients into one delicious dish.
And if you’d like to see how I prepare the layers and flip the finished frittata, be sure to watch the video!
Watch Dr. J Make Sausage, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Tater Tot Frittata
Watch Dr. J make Sausage, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Tater Tot Frittata and see how it comes together.
