The crispy golden tater tots form the perfect base for this hearty breakfast bowl, soaking up the savory goodness of the creamy sausage gravy thatās rich with flavor. Each bite delivers a satisfying contrast between the crispy, fluffy texture of the tots and the smooth, spiced warmth of the gravy. The sausage gravy, made from scratch with juicy sausage, a dash of black pepper, and just the right amount of cream, has this comforting, almost nostalgic quality that takes you straight back to those cozy mornings spent at the diner. I love how the warmth of the gravy melds perfectly with the crispy tater tots, creating a bite that feels indulgent yet oh-so-comforting. And, if youāre in the mood for a little extra kick, a sprinkle of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper can easily elevate this dish to new levels of flavor. Itās a bowl thatās not just about filling you up but about treating yourself to something that feels both satisfying and special.
Key Ingredients in Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy
Each ingredient in this dish serves a unique purpose, bringing together a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Hereās a closer look at what makes this breakfast bowl so irresistible:
* Frozen tater tots
These golden little bites serve as the crispy base for the bowl. Their crunch adds texture and holds up beautifully against the creamy gravy.
* Olive oil
Used to lightly crisp up the tater tots, olive oil brings a subtle, smooth flavor that complements the rich gravy.
* Breakfast sausage
The star of the sausage gravy, breakfast sausage adds savory, juicy goodness. The spices in the sausage help create the flavor foundation of the gravy.
* All-purpose flour
Flour is key for thickening the gravy, giving it that perfect creamy consistency that coats every bite of the tater tots.
* Milk
The milk brings a smooth, velvety texture to the gravy, allowing all the ingredients to come together into a deliciously creamy sauce.
* Black pepper
A classic seasoning, black pepper gives a subtle heat and enhances the overall depth of flavor in the gravy.
* Garlic powder
A dash of garlic powder brings a mild yet aromatic flavor, adding richness without overpowering the sausage gravy.
* Onion powder
The onion powder helps round out the savory profile of the gravy, giving it a comforting, homey taste.
* Cayenne pepper
A pinch of cayenne adds a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overwhelming the dish, giving it a nice kick.
* Salt
Essential for bringing out the full flavor of all the ingredients, salt balances the richness of the gravy and enhances the other spices.
* Shredded cheddar cheese
The cheese melts beautifully on top, adding a gooey, salty richness that ties everything together in each spoonful.
* Large eggs
Eggs, when cooked sunny-side-up or scrambled, add an extra layer of protein and a delightful creaminess that complements the dishās texture.
* Chopped green onions
A sprinkle of fresh green onions brings a burst of color and a mild, crisp flavor that cuts through the richness of the gravy, adding a touch of freshness.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your tater tots cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.
2. Spread the frozen tater tots evenly on a baking sheet. Try not to overcrowd them; you want them to crisp up without sticking together.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the tater tots, tossing them gently to coat them evenly. This helps them get that golden-brown crispiness.
4. Bake the tater tots in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
5. While the tater tots are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Add the breakfast sausage to the skillet, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
7. Cook the sausage for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it is browned and fully cooked through. You’ll want it to be crispy and flavorful.
8. Once the sausage is cooked, sprinkle the flour over the sausage in the skillet, stirring to combine. This will help thicken the gravy as it cooks.
9. Cook the flour and sausage mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step helps eliminate the raw flour taste, ensuring a smooth, velvety gravy.
10. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The key here is to pour the milk slowly and keep stirring to keep the gravy smooth.
11. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency, about 5 minutes. The gravy should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready.
12. Season the gravy with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
13. Reduce the heat to low and keep the sausage gravy warm while you prepare the eggs. Stir occasionally to prevent the gravy from thickening too much.
14. In a separate non-stick skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. This will help you cook the eggs without sticking.
15. Crack the eggs into the skillet, cooking them to your preferred doneness (fried, scrambled, or poached). For a runny yolk, sunny-side-up eggs work beautifully.
16. Once the eggs are cooked, remove them from the heat and set them aside. Keep them warm while you finish assembling the bowls.
17. Remove the tater tots from the oven and transfer them to individual serving bowls. They’re the crispy foundation of this dish, so pile them high!
18. Spoon the sausage gravy generously over the tater tots in each bowl. The creamy, savory gravy should cascade over the crispy tots like a warm, comforting blanket.
19. Top the gravy and tater tots with shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the hot gravy for a gooey, cheesy finish.
20. Place one egg on top of each breakfast bowl. Whether fried, scrambled, or poached, the egg adds richness and texture.
21. Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of color. This adds the perfect contrast to the richness of the dish.
22. Serve immediately and enjoy your Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy. Itās best enjoyed hot, with each bite offering a satisfying crunch, creamy gravy, and rich flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy
– Add a side of fresh fruit for a pop of color and natural sweetness. Sliced strawberries, a handful of blueberries, or a citrus salad make for a light, refreshing contrast to the rich, savory bowl.
– Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a freshly squeezed orange juice. The boldness of coffee complements the hearty breakfast, while the citrusy zing of orange juice brightens up the dish and cuts through the richness.
– Top with crispy bacon or sausage links for an extra boost of flavor and texture. The salty crunch of bacon or the juicy snap of sausage adds another layer of deliciousness that takes this bowl to the next level.
How to Store Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them to keep everything as fresh and tasty as possible:
– Refrigerating: Store the tater tots, sausage gravy, and eggs separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The tots can lose their crispiness, but they’ll still be delicious when reheated. The gravy will stay creamy, and the eggs can be gently reheated on low heat or enjoyed cold, depending on your preference. Leftovers will keep for about 3 days.
– Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the components individually. Let the gravy cool before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. The tater tots can also be frozen, but it’s best to freeze them uncooked if youāre planning to make a fresh batch later. Frozen sausage gravy should last for up to 2 months. When youāre ready to enjoy, simply reheat the gravy and bake the tots from frozen for a crispy treat.
– Reheating: To reheat the leftover bowl, place the tater tots on a baking sheet and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they regain their crunch. For the sausage gravy, warm it up in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of milk if it needs thinning out.
Conclusion
And there you have itāa warm, comforting Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy thatās perfect for any morning (or anytime youāre craving something indulgent). From the crispy tater tots to the creamy, savory sausage gravy, and the melt-in-your-mouth cheese and egg on top, every bite is a little piece of breakfast heaven. Whether youāre treating yourself to a cozy weekend breakfast or making it for family and friends, this dish is sure to be a hit.
I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I did! Itās one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. If you try it, Iād love to hear what you think. Any tweaks you made or favorite add-ins? Drop a comment or share your thoughtsāIām all ears! And if you need any help along the way, donāt hesitate to reach out. Happy cooking!

Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy
Description
Crispy, golden tater tots piled high and topped with savory sausage gravy, smothering every bite in creamy, peppery goodness. Itās a hearty, comfort-packed breakfast thatās as satisfying as it is deliciousāperfect for starting your day!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Spread the frozen tater tots evenly on a baking sheet.
-
Drizzle the olive oil over the tater tots, tossing them gently to coat them evenly.
-
Bake the tater tots in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through.
-
While the tater tots are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Add the breakfast sausage to the skillet, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks.
-
Cook the sausage for about 5 to 7 minutes or until it is browned and fully cooked through.
-
Once the sausage is cooked, sprinkle the flour over the sausage in the skillet, stirring to combine.
-
Cook the flour and sausage mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring frequently.
-
Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
-
Continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency, about 5 minutes.
-
Season the gravy with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt, stirring to combine.
-
Reduce the heat to low and keep the sausage gravy warm while you prepare the eggs.
-
In a separate non-stick skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
-
Crack the eggs into the skillet, cooking them to your preferred doneness (fried, scrambled, or poached).
-
Once the eggs are cooked, remove them from the heat and set them aside.
-
Remove the tater tots from the oven and transfer them to individual serving bowls.
-
Spoon the sausage gravy generously over the tater tots in each bowl.
-
Top the gravy and tater tots with shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the hot gravy.
-
Place one egg on top of each breakfast bowl.
-
Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh burst of flavor.
-
Serve immediately and enjoy your Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy.
Note
- To make tater tots extra crispy, bake them on a wire rack placed on the baking sheet.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or half-and-half in the sausage gravy.
- Feel free to add cooked bacon or ham to the gravy for extra protein.
- Top the eggs with hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with other meltable cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.