Introduction
When it comes to breakfast, we all crave something hearty, comforting, and satisfying to start the day off right. Whether you’re looking to fuel up before a busy day or treat yourself to a special weekend brunch, a Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy is the perfect choice. This indulgent dish is a hearty, mouthwatering combination of crispy tater tots, savory sausage gravy, and a variety of tasty toppings, all layered together in one bowl. It’s a breakfast that’s guaranteed to hit the spot and leave you feeling full and content.
Tater tots are a beloved comfort food on their own, with their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. When paired with a rich, creamy sausage gravy, they take on a whole new level of flavor and texture. Add in some scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, and perhaps a sprinkle of green onions or fresh herbs, and you have a breakfast that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
In this article, we will explore why this Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy is a must-try recipe, provide you with easy-to-follow instructions, and share helpful tips and variations to make this dish your own. Get ready to treat yourself to a breakfast you won’t soon forget!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying: This breakfast bowl is a complete meal in itself, providing a delicious balance of protein, carbs, and fats. It’s the perfect choice for anyone craving a filling, comforting breakfast.
- Simple and Quick: Despite its indulgent nature, this recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or a leisurely weekend brunch.
- Customizable: You can adjust the toppings and seasonings to suit your tastes. Add extra cheese, spicy sausage, or your favorite veggies to create a breakfast bowl that’s uniquely yours.
- Versatile: While this breakfast bowl is ideal for breakfast or brunch, it also works as a hearty lunch or dinner. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and can easily be made in large batches.
- Comforting and Delicious: The combination of crispy tater tots, creamy sausage gravy, and scrambled eggs creates a comforting, indulgent meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 30 minutes (10 minutes prep time, 20 minutes cooking time)
- Servings: This recipe serves 4.
- Nutrition Facts: Calories per serving: 550, Protein: 18g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 40g.
Ingredients
For the Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl:
- 1 pound (450g) frozen tater tots: Crispy, golden-brown tater tots are the base of the bowl and provide a satisfying crunch.
- 4 large eggs: Scrambled eggs add a creamy, protein-packed element to the bowl.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a savory, gooey texture to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons green onions: Sliced, for garnish and added flavor.
For the Sausage Gravy:
- 1 pound (450g) breakfast sausage: Choose a mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference. Ground sausage adds a rich, savory base to the gravy.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used to cook the sausage and create a flavorful base for the gravy.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: To thicken the gravy and give it that creamy texture.
- 2 cups milk: Whole milk is preferred for a rich and creamy gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: For seasoning the gravy.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle, savory heat to the gravy.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: For a mild garlic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the gravy.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a savory depth to the gravy.
First Step: Cook the Tater Tots
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the package of tater tots. Typically, you’ll want to heat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure they get perfectly crispy.
Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake the tater tots for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. You want them to be as crispy as possible to add that satisfying crunch to your breakfast bowl.
While the tater tots are baking, you can move on to preparing the sausage gravy.
Second Step: Prepare the Sausage Gravy
To make the sausage gravy, start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the type of sausage you’re using.
Once the sausage is fully cooked and browned, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet, leaving any rendered fat behind. Set the cooked sausage aside for later.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the flour to the pan and whisk it together with the butter. Cook the flour for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will help thicken the gravy.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking the gravy over medium heat, whisking frequently, until it thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the gravy has thickened, stir in the cooked sausage, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the seasonings to taste. Keep the gravy warm over low heat while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Third Step: Scramble the Eggs
While the sausage gravy is thickening, crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil. Once the skillet is hot, pour the eggs into the pan. Allow them to cook for a few seconds before gently stirring with a spatula, creating soft, fluffy curds. Continue cooking until the eggs are fully scrambled and cooked through, but still moist and tender.
Remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.
Fourth Step: Assemble the Breakfast Bowls
Once the tater tots are crispy, the sausage gravy is ready, and the scrambled eggs are cooked, it’s time to assemble the breakfast bowls.
Start by placing a generous serving of crispy tater tots at the bottom of each bowl. These will form the base of the dish and provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy gravy and eggs.
Next, spoon the scrambled eggs over the tater tots, followed by a generous ladle of the sausage gravy. The warm, savory gravy will soak into the tater tots, adding flavor and richness to every bite.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each bowl, allowing it to melt from the heat of the eggs and gravy. Finish the bowls with a sprinkle of sliced green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Final Step: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Tater Tot Breakfast Bowls immediately while they’re warm. This hearty dish is perfect for a family breakfast, a weekend brunch, or even a comforting dinner. You can serve it with additional toppings such as hot sauce, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor and richness. This is a breakfast that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table and keep them full for hours.
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Bowls with Sausage Gravy
Tater Tot Breakfast Bowls with Sausage Gravy are filling enough to be a complete meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with a few sides to round out the meal.
1. With Fresh Fruit
The rich, savory flavors of the breakfast bowl can be balanced with the freshness of seasonal fruit. Serve a side of mixed berries, sliced oranges, or a fruit salad to add a sweet contrast to the savory dish.
2. With Breakfast Pastries
If you want to go all out with a breakfast spread, serve your Tater Tot Breakfast Bowls with a few breakfast pastries such as muffins, cinnamon rolls, or croissants for a sweet and savory combination.
3. With a Fresh Salad
For a lighter option, serve the breakfast bowls with a side salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes, dressed with a simple vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl.
4. With Coffee or Fresh Juice
A warm cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice pairs perfectly with this hearty breakfast. For an added touch, serve the coffee with a splash of cream or flavored syrup to match the indulgence of the meal.
Recipe Variations
While the classic Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.
1. Spicy Sausage Gravy
If you like a bit of heat, use spicy breakfast sausage or add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the gravy for an extra kick.
2. Add Veggies
Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the scrambled eggs or gravy for a veggie-packed version of this breakfast bowl.
3. Use Different Cheese
While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack adds a spicy flavor, while mozzarella offers a gooey, stretchy texture.
4. Make It Vegetarian
For a vegetarian version of this dish, swap the sausage for a plant-based breakfast sausage or sautéed mushrooms and onions in place of the meat.
5. Top with Avocado
For added creaminess and richness, top each bowl with sliced avocado. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the savory sausage gravy and crispy tater tots.
Tips for Perfect Tater Tot Breakfast Bowls
- Use Crispy Tater Tots: For the best texture, make sure your tater tots are crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan while baking them to ensure they get evenly crispy.
- Cook the Sausage Thoroughly: Be sure to cook the sausage until it’s fully browned and crumbly to ensure maximum flavor.
- Customize the Eggs: If you prefer your eggs a certain way, such as scrambled, fried, or poached, feel free to make that adjustment.
- Rest the Gravy: Allow the gravy to simmer for a few extra minutes to get it to the right consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the sausage gravy in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove when ready to assemble the bowls.
Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy: A Comforting, Hearty Breakfast
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy is the ultimate comfort food for breakfast lovers, combining crispy, golden tater tots with creamy, savory sausage gravy. The tater tots are baked to perfection, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, creating a hearty base for the bowl. On top, a rich, flavorful sausage gravy made with ground sausage, milk, and a touch of seasoning is generously poured over the tots, adding a creamy and savory layer. To complete the dish, the bowl is often topped with a fried egg or scrambled eggs, adding a nice richness and a bit of extra protein. The combination of crispy, tender tots with the rich, hearty gravy makes this breakfast bowl a satisfying and indulgent way to start the day. It’s a filling, comforting dish that’s perfect for brunch, a weekend treat, or even breakfast-for-dinner on a cozy evening.
Ingredients
For the Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl:
- 1 pound (450g) frozen tater tots: Crispy, golden-brown tater tots are the base of the bowl and provide a satisfying crunch.
- 4 large eggs: Scrambled eggs add a creamy, protein-packed element to the bowl.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a savory, gooey texture to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons green onions: Sliced, for garnish and added flavor.
For the Sausage Gravy:
- 1 pound (450g) breakfast sausage: Choose a mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference. Ground sausage adds a rich, savory base to the gravy.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used to cook the sausage and create a flavorful base for the gravy.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: To thicken the gravy and give it that creamy texture.
- 2 cups milk: Whole milk is preferred for a rich and creamy gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: For seasoning the gravy.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle, savory heat to the gravy.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: For a mild garlic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the gravy.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a savory depth to the gravy.
Instructions
First Step: Cook the Tater Tots
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the package of tater tots. Typically, you’ll want to heat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure they get perfectly crispy.
Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake the tater tots for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. You want them to be as crispy as possible to add that satisfying crunch to your breakfast bowl.
While the tater tots are baking, you can move on to preparing the sausage gravy.
Second Step: Prepare the Sausage Gravy
To make the sausage gravy, start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the type of sausage you’re using.
Once the sausage is fully cooked and browned, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet, leaving any rendered fat behind. Set the cooked sausage aside for later.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the flour to the pan and whisk it together with the butter. Cook the flour for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will help thicken the gravy.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking the gravy over medium heat, whisking frequently, until it thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the gravy has thickened, stir in the cooked sausage, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the seasonings to taste. Keep the gravy warm over low heat while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Third Step: Scramble the Eggs
While the sausage gravy is thickening, crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil. Once the skillet is hot, pour the eggs into the pan. Allow them to cook for a few seconds before gently stirring with a spatula, creating soft, fluffy curds. Continue cooking until the eggs are fully scrambled and cooked through, but still moist and tender.
Remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.
Fourth Step: Assemble the Breakfast Bowls
Once the tater tots are crispy, the sausage gravy is ready, and the scrambled eggs are cooked, it’s time to assemble the breakfast bowls.
Start by placing a generous serving of crispy tater tots at the bottom of each bowl. These will form the base of the dish and provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy gravy and eggs.
Next, spoon the scrambled eggs over the tater tots, followed by a generous ladle of the sausage gravy. The warm, savory gravy will soak into the tater tots, adding flavor and richness to every bite.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each bowl, allowing it to melt from the heat of the eggs and gravy. Finish the bowls with a sprinkle of sliced green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Final Step: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Tater Tot Breakfast Bowls immediately while they’re warm. This hearty dish is perfect for a family breakfast, a weekend brunch, or even a comforting dinner. You can serve it with additional toppings such as hot sauce, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor and richness. This is a breakfast that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table and keep them full for hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 18g
Conclusion
The Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy is a fun, indulgent twist on a classic breakfast. With crispy tater tots, creamy sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and fuel you for the day ahead. Whether you’re making it for a special brunch or treating yourself to a hearty breakfast, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy this comforting, flavorful breakfast bowl today!
