This hearty casserole combines crispy tater tots, creamy sausage gravy, and eggs for a breakfast that’s warm and filling. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just yourself on a cozy morning!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: The star of the dish! Frozen tater tots save time and provide that crispy texture we all love. You could swap them with homemade tater tots for a fresher twist, or even use diced hash browns if that’s what you have on hand.
Breakfast Sausage: I use pork sausage for its flavor, but feel free to try turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option. Vegetarian sausage or even crumbled mushrooms can work for a meatless version!
Whole Milk: This adds creaminess to your gravy. You can substitute with 2% milk or even almond milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just note that the consistency of the gravy may be slightly different.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. If you want something milder, mild cheddar or Monterey Jack works too! Go for a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking to avoid dairy.
How Do I Make Sure My Gravy Is Smooth and Creamy?
Making the sausage gravy can feel tricky, but it’s easier than you might think! Here’s how to ensure a perfect texture:
- After cooking your sausage, sprinkle the flour evenly over it, stirring for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- When adding milk, do it gradually while whisking. This helps to avoid lumps!
- Keep stirring while cooking the gravy — it should thicken comfortably in about 5-7 minutes.
Remember, patience is key here! If it gets too thick, just add a splash of milk until you reach the right consistency.
Sausage Gravy Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or your preference)
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional for garnish)
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and 40-45 minutes for baking. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour for a delicious breakfast that everyone will love!
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven and prepare tater tots:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread half of the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom. This is your crispy foundation!
2. Cook sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s extra fat, feel free to drain it; we want to keep the gravy rich but not too greasy!
3. Make sausage gravy:
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the sausage bits in flour and cook for about a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring as the mixture simmers, and in about 5-7 minutes, it will thicken into a delicious gravy consistency. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then take it off the heat.
4. Mix eggs and cheese:
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until they are light and frothy. Mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese — this is going to add extra flavor and gooeyness!
5. Assemble casserole:
Now it’s time to layer! Pour the sausage gravy mixture evenly over the first layer of tater tots in the baking dish. Next, pour the egg and cheese mixture over the gravy. Top with the remaining tater tots in a single layer and sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
6. Bake:
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs are set, the tater tots are golden and crispy, and everything is bubbly!
7. Garnish and serve:
Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes. If you want, sprinkle some chopped fresh chives or green onions on top for a lovely garnish. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty breakfast masterpiece!
This Sausage Gravy Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole combines creamy sausage gravy with cheesy eggs and crispy, golden tater tots — a breakfast that’s truly irresistible and perfect for any brunch gathering!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for breakfast sausage, you can use turkey sausage for a leaner option or even vegetarian sausage for a meatless variant. Just adjust the cooking time based on the sausage type you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s going in cold.
What Can I Serve with This Casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can add some fresh fruit or a light salad on the side for a balanced breakfast or brunch spread. Enjoy it with your favorite coffee or tea for a perfect morning treat!
