The Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy is a hearty, comforting dish that combines crispy, golden tater tots with creamy, flavorful sausage gravy. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, with a mix of crunchy textures and rich, meaty sauce that just makes mornings better.
I love making this breakfast bowl when I want something filling and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. The tater tots get perfectly crispy in the oven or a skillet, and the sausage gravy is so easy to whip up from scratch. It’s one of those meals where the simple ingredients come together to make something really special.
My favorite way to serve this is with a fried or poached egg on top, so the yolk adds a little extra creaminess that ties it all together. It’s a great dish to share with family or friends, especially on a lazy weekend morning when everyone wants something warm and tasty to start their day. If you’ve never tried tater tots with gravy, this bowl might just become your new favorite breakfast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These are the base and add great crunch. If you want a healthier twist, try roasting diced potatoes instead. They won’t be as crispy but keep a similar texture.
Breakfast Sausage: Pork sausage is classic, but turkey sausage works well for less fat and a milder flavor. Vegetarian sausage crumbles can be a great substitute too.
Butter & Flour (Roux): Butter adds richness, and the flour thickens the gravy. For dairy-free, swap butter with oil or vegan butter, and use a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy gravy. For lighter or dairy-free options, unsweetened almond or oat milk works, just watch the thickness and adjust accordingly.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds nice tang and meltiness. If you prefer, pepper jack or Monterey Jack are tasty swaps. For dairy-free, use your favorite vegan cheese.
How Do You Make Smooth, Creamy Sausage Gravy Without Lumps?
Making gravy without lumps can seem tricky, but a few simple steps make it easy:
- Cook the sausage fully first to release flavorful fat. Don’t drain the fat; it helps the gravy taste rich.
- Add butter to the sausage fat and melt it slowly over medium heat.
- Sprinkle flour evenly and stir constantly to make a smooth roux. Cook it for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Whisk in milk gradually, pouring a little at a time while stirring steadily. This helps prevent lumps from forming.
- Keep stirring as the gravy thickens. If lumps appear, use a whisk and break them up gently.
Patience with these steps will get you smooth, flavorful gravy every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I like it because it spreads the tater tots evenly and helps them get crispy.
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking the sausage and making the gravy in one pan.
- Whisk – keeps the gravy smooth and free of lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure milk, flour, and seasonings accurately.
- Serving bowls – for assembling and enjoying the hearty breakfast bowl.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch sausage for cooked bacon or ham for a different smoky flavor.
- Sprinkle blue cheese or pepper jack instead of cheddar for a tangy or spicy twist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or spinach to boost veggies and flavor.
- Spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper in the gravy.
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 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: Fried eggs to serve on top
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 35-40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 25-30 minutes baking the tater tots while preparing the sausage gravy on the stove. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for any morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Tater Tots
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or follow the package instructions. Spread the frozen tater tots evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through. When golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and keep warm.
2. Cook the Sausage
While the tots bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble the breakfast sausage into the pan and cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the flavorful fat in the skillet.
3. Make the Gravy
Add butter to the skillet with the sausage drippings and melt over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and stir constantly to create a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to keep the gravy smooth. Keep stirring as the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine and Season
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the gravy. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir well and taste, adjusting seasonings to your liking.
5. Assemble the Breakfast Bowl
Place a generous handful of crispy tater tots in each bowl. Spoon warm sausage gravy with sausage pieces over the tots, covering them nicely.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top so it melts from the warmth of the gravy.
6. Optional Additions and Serve
If you like, add a fried or poached egg on top for extra richness. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting breakfast bowl!
Can I Use Frozen Tater Tots Straight from the Bag?
Yes! There’s no need to thaw them. Just bake the frozen tots directly from the bag according to the package directions for the crispiest texture.
Can I Substitute Milk in the Sausage Gravy?
Absolutely. Whole milk gives the creamiest gravy, but you can use 2% milk, half-and-half, or even unsweetened plant-based milks like almond or oat. Just keep an eye on the thickness and adjust the flour slightly if needed.
How Should I Store Leftover Breakfast Bowls?
Store any leftovers separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the gravy gently on the stove and crisp up fresh tater tots in the oven before assembling again to keep textures delicious.
Can I Make the Sausage Gravy Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the gravy a day ahead. Reheat it slowly on the stove and whisk in a little extra milk if it gets too thick before serving.