Start your day off right with this Ultimate Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Creamy Sausage Gravy—a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. This recipe combines crispy golden tater tots with a rich, savory sausage gravy, topped with optional extras like fried eggs, shredded cheese, and fresh chives. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this meal is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making this dish, from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to serving suggestions, storage tips, and answers to frequently asked questions. By the end of this post, you’ll be ready to create a breakfast bowl that’s as delicious as it is customizable. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
To make this mouthwatering breakfast bowl, you’ll need the following key components:
- Frozen Tater Tots: A 32-ounce bag of frozen tater tots serves as the crispy base for this dish. For best results, bake them until golden brown and perfectly crunchy.
- Ground Sausage: One pound of ground sausage adds a savory, meaty flavor to the creamy gravy. If you prefer a lighter option, consider substituting turkey sausage.
- Butter and Flour: These two ingredients form the roux that thickens the gravy, giving it a smooth and velvety texture.
- Milk: Three cups of milk provide the liquid base for the gravy. For a healthier twist, you can use low-fat or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk.
- Salt and Pepper: Seasoning is essential to enhance the flavors of both the tater tots and the gravy.
- Optional Toppings: Customize your bowl with toppings like shredded cheese, chopped chives, fried eggs, diced onions, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
Now that you know what goes into this dish, let’s move on to the detailed instructions for preparing it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Tater Tots
Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the tater tot package (usually around 425°F). Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space to crisp up evenly. Bake according to the package instructions, typically for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through for consistent browning. For an extra crispy finish, broil the tater tots for the last few minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Gravy
While the tater tots are baking, start working on the sausage gravy. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground sausage. Break it into small pieces as it cooks, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. Once the sausage is fully cooked and no longer pink (about 10 minutes), remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown. Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens into a creamy gravy (about 5-7 minutes).
Once the gravy has thickened, return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir it into the gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the gravy warm on low heat until you’re ready to assemble the bowls.
Step 3: Assemble the Breakfast Bowls
To assemble the bowls, start by spooning a generous layer of crispy tater tots into each serving bowl. Pour the warm sausage gravy over the tater tots, ensuring they’re generously coated. Add your favorite toppings, such as a fried egg, shredded cheese, chopped chives, diced onions, or sliced jalapeños, to customize the dish to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
This Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Serve a side of mixed berries, melons, or citrus fruits to balance the richness of the bowl.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and honey for a light and refreshing complement.
- Toast or Biscuits: Offer slices of buttered toast or warm biscuits for an extra carb boost.
- Hot Sauce or Salsa: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce or serve a bowl of salsa on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
For a brunch gathering, consider setting up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, diced vegetables, and herbs so guests can personalize their bowls.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers of this breakfast bowl are just as delicious the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
- Refrigeration: Store the tater tots and sausage gravy separately in airtight containers to maintain the best texture. The dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While freezing the entire dish isn’t recommended due to the tater tots losing their crispiness, you can freeze the sausage gravy alone. Transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the tater tots on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until crispy again. Meanwhile, reheat the sausage gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot. If the gravy has thickened too much, thin it with a little milk.
If you anticipate leftovers, consider storing the components separately to avoid sogginess. This ensures each element retains its ideal texture when reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:
- Can I make the sausage gravy ahead of time?
Yes! Simply prepare the gravy as directed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if the gravy becomes too thick upon reheating. - What are some vegetarian options for this recipe?
Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu seasoned with spices like sage, thyme, and black pepper. Alternatively, use a mushroom-based gravy for a delicious vegetarian alternative. - How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use turkey sausage instead of regular sausage for less fat. Opt for low-fat or plant-based milk when making the gravy. Additionally, bake or air-fry the tater tots instead of deep-frying them for a lighter option. - Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add spices like cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the sausage. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the finished dish or incorporate chopped jalapeños into the gravy for an extra kick. - Can I use other toppings besides cheese and chives?
Definitely! Try adding diced onions, sliced avocado, sautéed mushrooms, or even a dollop of sour cream for additional flavor and texture. - How do I keep the tater tots crispy when assembling the bowls?
To maintain crispiness, assemble the bowls just before serving. Avoid letting the tater tots sit in the gravy for too long, as they can become soggy. - Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Simply adjust the quantities of ingredients and use multiple baking sheets or skillets to accommodate the increased volume. - What sides pair well with this dish?
Fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, toast, or biscuits are excellent accompaniments that balance the richness of the breakfast bowl. - How do I prevent lumps in the gravy?
Whisk the flour and butter thoroughly to form a smooth roux before adding the milk. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid clumps. - Can I use pre-cooked sausage instead of raw sausage?
Yes! Simply crumble and reheat pre-cooked sausage in the skillet before adding it to the gravy.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Creamy Sausage Gravy is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. With its crispy tater tots, rich sausage gravy, and optional toppings, it’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a brunch, planning a holiday meal, or simply craving a comforting breakfast. Follow the detailed instructions, storage tips, and FAQs provided here to ensure your breakfast bowl turns out perfectly every time.
Try this recipe today and experience the delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite. It’s sure to become a family favorite!
Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz)
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- to taste salt and pepper
- optional shredded cheese (for topping)
- optional chopped chives (for garnish)
- optional fried eggs (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (or the temperature specified on the tater tot package). Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake the tater tots for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
- While the tater tots are baking, cook the ground sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until thoroughly browned, about 10 minutes.
- Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for 2 minutes until golden brown.
- Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens into a gravy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir it into the gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat.
- To assemble the bowls, spoon a generous layer of crispy tater tots into each serving bowl. Pour the warm sausage gravy over the tater tots.
- Add optional toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped chives, or a fried egg. Serve immediately and enjoy!
