Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy

Definition

A Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy is a hearty American breakfast dish featuring a base of crispy tater tots topped with creamy sausage gravy, eggs, cheese, and various toppings. This comfort food combines the beloved potato nuggets typically served as a side dish with classic breakfast components to create a satisfying, all-in-one morning meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of crispy potatoes with creamy gravy creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
• Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or what’s available in your kitchen.
• Family Favorite: Both kids and adults adore this hearty breakfast that feels like a special treat.
• One-Bowl Wonder: Everything you need for a complete breakfast in a single serving vessel.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Components can be prepared separately and assembled when ready to serve.

Perfect Ingredients

For the Tater Tot Base:

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Sausage Gravy:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (regular or sage-flavored)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 6 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon butter for cooking eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced
• Hot sauce for serving (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tater Tots

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or according to package directions.
2. Spread tater tots in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
3. If desired, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder for extra flavor.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden and extra crispy, turning halfway through.

Step 2: Make the Sausage Gravy

1. While the tots are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the breakfast sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
3. Cook until fully browned with no pink remaining, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir continuously for 2 minutes.
5. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
6. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne (if using).
7. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
8. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Cook the Eggs

1. In a separate non-stick skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Cook eggs to your preferred style (sunny-side up, over-easy, or scrambled).
3. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Breakfast Bowls

1. Divide the crispy tater tots among 4-6 serving bowls.
2. Ladle the hot sausage gravy over the tots.
3. Top each bowl with a cooked egg.
4. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Garnish with sliced green onions.
6. Offer hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Morning Feast: Pair with fresh fruit on the side for a complete breakfast.
• Brunch Spread: Serve alongside mimosas and a simple green salad for weekend entertaining.
• Hangover Helper: Add a bloody mary for the ultimate recovery meal.
• Family Style: Set up a breakfast bowl bar with all the toppings for customization.
• Dinner Option: This hearty dish works perfectly for breakfast-for-dinner nights.

Clever Variations

Tex-Mex Twist

Replace the sausage gravy with seasoned ground beef, black beans, and enchilada sauce. Top with pepper jack cheese, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream.

Veggie Lover’s Bowl

Substitute plant-based sausage and add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach to the gravy. Use dairy-free cheese for a completely vegetarian option.

Bacon & Cheese Edition

Swap the sausage for crispy bacon pieces in the gravy and use a blend of cheddar and smoked gouda cheese on top. Add caramelized onions for extra depth.

Southwest Style

Add diced green chilies and corn to the tots before baking. Top the assembled bowl with pico de gallo, avocado, and cilantro.

Mediterranean Inspired

Season the tots with oregano and top with crumbled feta cheese, diced tomatoes, and kalamata olives after assembly.

Storage Solutions

Refrigerator Storage:

• Tater Tots: Store leftover baked tots separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Sausage Gravy: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to thin as needed.
• Assembled Bowls: Not recommended for storage once fully assembled, as the tots will become soggy.

Freezer Options:

• Sausage Gravy: Freezes well for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep: Prepare and freeze individual portions of gravy in muffin tins, then transfer the frozen pucks to freezer bags for quick single servings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the sausage gravy up to 3 days ahead. The tater tots should be cooked just before serving for maximum crispiness.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Check that your tater tots are gluten-free (most are), and substitute the all-purpose flour in the gravy with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed. Warm the tater tots in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Assemble just before serving.

Can I use homemade tater tots?

Absolutely! Homemade tots will add an extra special touch to this recipe. Just ensure they’re cooked until very crispy.

What can I substitute for breakfast sausage?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well. Just adjust the seasonings accordingly, adding sage, fennel seeds, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to mimic breakfast sausage flavor.

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