The Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl With Sausage Gravy is a hearty, comforting dish that mixes crispy tater tots, creamy sausage gravy, and usually some eggs for a fantastic breakfast combo. The tots add a crunchy, golden bite while the sausage gravy brings in that rich, peppery flavor that just feels like a warm morning hug.
I love making this bowl on a lazy weekend morning when I want something filling but not too complicated. It’s one of those dishes that feels special even though it’s super simple to pull together. My favorite twist is to top it with a fried egg so the runny yolk mixes with the gravy and tots, making every bite extra delicious.
This bowl is also a great crowd-pleaser at brunch gatherings. I often serve it with fresh fruit or a side of sautéed greens to balance out the richness. Whenever I make it, everyone always asks for seconds, and I don’t blame them—it’s a warm, satisfying start to any day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These are the base for that crispy, golden texture. If you want a twist, try sweet potato tots for a little sweetness and extra nutrients.
Breakfast Sausage: I like pork sausage for its rich flavor, but turkey sausage works well if you want something leaner. Vegetarian sausage crumbles could also work.
Milk & Flour: They make the creamy sausage gravy. Whole milk adds richness, but you can substitute with 2% or a plant-based milk (unsweetened) though gravy might be slightly lighter.
Eggs: Cooking eggs sunny side up or over easy lets the yolk mix with the gravy and tots. If you prefer, scrambled eggs would work too.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice tangy finish. You can swap cheddar with Monterey Jack or a mild Colby for a different melt and flavor.
How Do You Make the Creamy Sausage Gravy Without Lumps?
Making smooth gravy is all about gradually whisking and patient cooking:
- First, brown the sausage well to build flavor.
- Sprinkle flour evenly and stir, cooking it for 1-2 mins to get rid of the raw taste.
- Add milk slowly while whisking constantly to avoid lumps forming.
- Keep whisking and cooking on medium heat until it thickens nicely—about 5 mins.
- If gravy seems too thick, add a splash of milk and stir.
Whisking steadily and adding liquid gradually makes all the difference for smooth gravy ready to coat your tater tots perfectly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I find that baking the tater tots in the oven gives them a perfectly crispy outside.
- Large skillet – ideal for cooking the sausage and making the gravy, plus it keeps everything contained.
- Whisk – helps blend the milk into the flour and sausage smoothly without lumps.
- Frying pan or skillet for eggs – makes it easy to cook eggs sunny side up or your preferred style.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredients like milk, flour, and seasonings.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap sausage for cooked bacon or ham for different smoky flavors.
- Add sautéed peppers or onions to the gravy for more veggies and sweetness.
- Use shredded pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco instead of cheddar for a cheese twist.
- Top with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh feel.
Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl With Sausage Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
- Cooking oil or spray (for baking or frying tater tots)
- Butter or oil (for frying eggs)
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook the tater tots, plus about 15 minutes to make the sausage gravy and cook your eggs. Altogether, plan for roughly 40-45 minutes from start to finish, making it a great weekend breakfast or brunch option.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tater Tots:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or follow the package instructions. Spread the tater tots evenly on a baking sheet and bake until they’re golden and crispy – about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through for even cooking. If you prefer, you can also pan-fry or deep-fry them for extra crispiness.
2. Make the Sausage Gravy:
While the tots bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes more to cook off the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook and stir until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if you like. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. Cook the Eggs:
In a separate skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Cook the eggs sunny side up or to your liking. The runny yolk is especially delicious when mixed into the bowl later.
4. Assemble Your Breakfast Bowl:
Start by adding a generous layer of hot, crispy tater tots to each bowl. Spoon the sausage gravy over the tots to cover them well. Place one cooked egg on top of each bowl. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top so it melts just a bit from the warmth. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl warm and fresh. Feel free to add hot sauce or a side of fresh fruit to balance the richness and complement the savory flavors.
Can I Use Frozen Tater Tots Straight From the Freezer?
Yes! You can cook frozen tater tots directly from the freezer. Just follow the package instructions for baking or frying, and they’ll come out crispy and delicious without needing to thaw.
Can I Make the Sausage Gravy Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage gravy a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of milk if it gets too thick.
What Can I Substitute for Breakfast Sausage?
If you don’t have breakfast sausage, cooked bacon, ham, or even a plant-based sausage are great alternatives. Just cook them thoroughly before adding flour and milk for the gravy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the tater tots in the oven to keep them crispy, warm the gravy on the stove, and reheat eggs gently or cook fresh eggs for the best texture.