Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy

Description

Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy

Ingredients:

4 cups frozen tater tots
1/2 pound sausage
4 eggs
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Bake the Tater Tots: Cook at 425°F until golden brown.
Brown the Sausage: Cook and crumble sausage in a pan.
Make the Gravy: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk. Stir in sausage.
Scramble the Eggs: Cook eggs separately until soft and fluffy.
Layer the Bowl: Add crispy tots, sausage gravy, eggs, and shredded cheese.
Final Touch: Let cheese melt naturally or place under broiler. Serve hot!

#SausageDelight #CheesyTots #BrunchTime

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof breakfast bowl.

1. Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and extra crispy. This texture is crucial for holding up under the gravy.
2. Cook the Sausage: While the tots bake, place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue until it is fully browned and crumbled. Remove the sausage from the skillet, leaving the rendered fat behind.
3. Craft the Gravy: In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, melt the 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the 2 tbsp of flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This is your roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then stir the cooked sausage back in.
4. Scramble the Eggs: In a separate non-stick pan, cook your eggs to your preferred style—soft scramble is recommended. Remove from heat just before they are fully set, as they will continue to cook from residual heat.
5. Assemble with Care: In individual serving bowls, start with a generous layer of crispy tater tots. Ladle the hot sausage gravy over the top. Add a portion of scrambled eggs and finish with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty bowl is a complete meal, but you can elevate it further. Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a spicy kick, offer hot sauce or sliced jalapeños on the side. It pairs perfectly with a cold glass of orange juice or a hot cup of coffee.

How-to Summary

Bake tots until crispy. Brown and crumble sausage. Use the drippings to make a simple gravy with butter, flour, and milk. Scramble eggs separately. Layer everything in a bowl: tots, gravy, eggs, and cheese. Melt cheese and serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep components separately, but assemble just before serving to keep the tater tots crispy. Reheat the gravy gently with a splash of milk.

Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely. Spicy Italian sausage or even turkey sausage are excellent alternatives that will change the flavor profile.

How do I prevent lumpy gravy? The key is to whisk constantly when adding the milk. Add it slowly, in a steady stream, while whisking the roux vigorously.

Is there a way to make this lighter? For a lighter version, use turkey sausage, low-fat milk, and bake the tater tots in an air fryer. You can also reduce the cheese or use a sharp cheddar for more flavor with less volume.

My gravy is too thick/thin. How can I fix it? If it’s too thick, whisk in additional milk, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or create a small slurry of equal parts flour and water and whisk it in.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Soggy Tots: Avoid pouring gravy over unbaked or under-baked tots. Ensure they are deeply golden and crispy before assembling.
• Burnt Roux: When making the gravy, keep the heat at medium and whisk the butter and flour constantly for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant. A burnt roux will ruin the gravy’s flavor.
• Overcooked Eggs: Scramble the eggs gently and remove them from the heat while still slightly wet. They will finish cooking in the bowl.
• Lumpy Gravy: Adding the milk all at once is a common error. Always add it gradually while whisking.

Conclusion

This Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast-for-dinner. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The combination of crispy tots, savory gravy, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese is guaranteed to become a new favorite.