What’s the ultimate morning comfort food? A hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with rich sausage gravy, made easy with homemade sausage and a quick skillet method. Save this idea for a delicious family favorite weeknight dinner solution. Try it soon!

Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy

Introduction

Imagine starting your day with a hearty, comforting bowl filled with crispy tater tots, savory sausage gravy, and your choice of scrambled eggs, cheese, and other breakfast favorites. The Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy is a creative twist on traditional breakfast dishes, combining everyday ingredients in a way that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe is perfect for weekends, special occasions, or even a quick weekday breakfast, thanks to its simplicity and the ability to customize it to your taste. Whether you’re a fan of spicy sausage, melted cheese, or fresh herbs, this dish can be adapted to suit your cravings.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe succeeds by balancing rich, savory flavors with the comfort of familiar breakfast ingredients, all of which are easily found in most supermarkets.
Ease of preparation: The steps involved are straightforward, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. From browning sausage to cooking tater tots, each component is simple to prepare.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the presentation and flavor of the Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy are impressive, making it suitable for serving to guests or enjoying as a special treat.

Key Ingredients

The foundation of this dish includes tater tots, sausage (you can use any variety you like, from classic pork to more adventurous options like chorizo or maple bacon sausage), eggs, and cheese. For the sausage gravy, you’ll need all-purpose flour and milk or cream, along with any desired spices or seasonings. Practical substitutions can enhance the dish: for example, using different types of cheese, adding diced veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sausage, or even substituting the tater tots with shredded hash browns for a different texture.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the sausage into small pieces if using links, scramble the eggs in a bowl and set aside, and shred any cheese you plan to use. Measure out the flour and milk for the gravy.
Step 2: Cook the tater tots according to the package instructions, usually baking them in the oven until crispy and golden brown. While the tater tots are cooking, brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Step 3: Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate. Leave the drippings in the skillet and add the flour to make a roux, cooking for about a minute before slowly adding the milk or cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens into a rich gravy. Add the cooked sausage back into the gravy and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
Step 4: To assemble the breakfast bowls, place a portion of the crispy tater tots at the bottom of a bowl, followed by a spoonful of the sausage gravy, some scrambled eggs, and any additional toppings you like such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or chopped fresh herbs. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Handy Tips

For an extra crispy coating on your tater tots, try soaking them in cold water for about 30 minutes before baking to remove excess starch. Pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.
When making the sausage gravy, whisk constantly when adding the milk to the flour roux to prevent lumps from forming. If you do encounter lumps, simply whisk a bit more vigorously or use an immersion blender to smooth out the gravy.
Consider preparing components of the dish ahead of time, like cooking the sausage or baking the tater tots, and then assembling the bowls just before serving for the freshest, most appealing result.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial, especially when cooking the sausage and making the gravy. For the sausage, use medium-high heat to achieve a good brown, but reduce the heat if necessary to prevent burning. When making the gravy, medium heat is ideal for whisking in the milk and achieving a smooth, thickened consistency without scorching the bottom of the pan. For the eggs, cook them over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, to prevent overcooking and to achieve fluffy, moist scrambled eggs.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the right crunch factor in this dish is largely about the tater tots and how you cook them. Baking them in the oven until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside is key. You can also enhance the crunch by sprinkling some grated cheese on top of the tater tots during the last few minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and crisp up. Additionally, adding some crunchy elements on top of the breakfast bowl, such as chopped nuts, seeds, or even crispy bacon, can add texture and depth to the dish.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature for cooking the tater tots, as this can affect their crispiness and cooking time.
For an extra rich sausage gravy, use a combination of milk and heavy cream, or add a spoonful of all-purpose flour to the sausage drippings before whisking in the liquid to enhance the gravy’s body and flavor.
Keep your workspace clean and organized by preparing each component of the dish in a separate area, and have all your ingredients measured out and ready to go before you start cooking.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the components separately for the best results: tater tots can be crisped up again in the oven, while the sausage gravy and scrambled eggs are best reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Consider using airtight, microwave-safe containers for reheating leftovers, as they can help retain moisture and flavor.
Freezing is also an option for the cooked sausage and gravy, which can be stored for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While the Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy is primarily a dish to enjoy at home, components of it can be gifted, such as jars of homemade sausage gravy or bags of freshly baked tater tots. For gifting, consider packaging the gravy in decorative glass jars with a ribbon and a gift tag, or placing the tater tots in paper bags with a personalized note. You could also prepare the entire dish in a disposable container and gift it to someone as a complete, ready-to-eat meal.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Experiment with various spice blends or herbs in the sausage gravy, such as smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or dried thyme for an earthy note.
Creative toppings: Add some diced ham, chopped fresh chives, or a dollop of sour cream on top of the breakfast bowl for added flavor and texture.
Ingredient swaps: Use different types of sausage, such as chorizo for a spicy kick or Italian sausage for an herby flavor, or substitute the tater tots with shredded hash browns or even roasted diced potatoes for a different base.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your gravy turns out too thick, whisk in a bit more milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes or whisk in a little more flour.
Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of a particular ingredient, consider what you can substitute it with. For example, if you don’t have heavy cream, you could use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter.
Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your tater tots while they’re baking, as they can quickly go from perfectly crispy to burnt. For the sausage, cook it until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, and for the eggs, stir frequently to prevent overcooking and scrambled bits that are too dry.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked sausage and gravy for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat as needed.
Is it gluten-free? The recipe as described is not gluten-free due to the use of all-purpose flour in the gravy. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, this recipe can be doubled or even tripled if you’re serving a larger crowd. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for the tater tots and the amount of gravy accordingly.

Conclusion

The Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy is a delicious, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of day. With its combination of crispy tater tots, savory sausage gravy, and customizable toppings, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own, and enjoy the process of creating a hearty, comforting meal that will leave you and your loved ones feeling full and happy. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a great way to explore the world of breakfast cuisine and discover the joy of cooking a delicious meal from scratch.

Crispy Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl