Get Ready for a Hearty Morning: Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy
Hey there, breakfast lovers! If you’re anything like me, mornings can sometimes feel rushed, and you need something truly satisfying to kickstart your day. That’s where this Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy comes in! It’s the ultimate comfort food that I find myself craving anytime I want a hearty meal. Plus, it’s super easy to make, and I’m excited to share my version with you!
Nutritional Benefits of This Breakfast Bowl
Not only is this dish delicious, but it also brings some nutritional benefits to the table! The primary ingredient, tater tots, is mostly made of potatoes, which can provide you with a good source of carbohydrates to fuel your morning. The ground sausage adds protein, which will help keep you feeling full as you tackle your day. Adding green onions on top not only gives a fresh crunch but is also an excellent way to sneak in a bit of extra vitamins, namely Vitamin K! However, as with all comfort foods, it’s great in moderation!
Fun Variations to Customize Your Bowl
- Veggie Delight: Add some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sausage gravy for a veggie boost!
- Cheesy Goodness: Swap out sharp cheddar for pepper jack cheese if you want to add a little kick!
- Spice It Up: Incorporate some hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the gravy for those who like a spicy start to the day.
- Healthier Swap: Instead of tater tots, why not try using baked sweet potato cubes? They’re a tasty swap and come packed with nutrients!
Hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
- Frozen tater tots
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (preferably whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for added flavor)
This recipe serves about 4 people if you’re aiming for a hearty breakfast portion. You can stretch it to 5–6 smaller servings by adding extra tater tots or a side of fruit or toast.
Instructions
- First thing’s first—preheat your oven according to the tater tots package instructions. Typically, you’ll set it to around 425°F (220°C).
- Spread those frozen tater tots out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake according to package instructions until they turn golden and crispy—around 25-30 minutes. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through for that perfect crunch!
- While those tots are baking, grab a large skillet and heat it up over medium heat. It’s time to cook the ground breakfast sausage. Use a spatula to break it into crumbles as it cooks until it’s beautifully browned—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once that sausage is sizzling and looking fantastic, sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over it. Stir well to combine and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. This will help get rid of that raw flour taste.
- Now, slowly pour in the milk while stirring continuously. You want to avoid any lumps here! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens up. If it gets too thick, just add a splash more milk—I promise it’ll be worth it!
- Season that lovely gravy with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if you want). Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Deliciousness factor: high!
- By now, your tater tots are likely done baking! Remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl or plate to create a cozy base layer.
- Pour the sausage gravy generously over those crispy tater tots. Make sure they are thoroughly covered—every bite needs that yummy sauce!
- Next, it’s time for the best part! Top your dish with a good amount of shredded cheddar cheese, letting the heat from the gravy melt it slightly.
- Finally, sprinkle on those sliced green onions for that burst of color and flavor.
- Serve immediately and dig into your amazing Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- If you want super crispy tater tots, consider using a convection oven if you have one—it helps circulate the heat better!
- Leftovers? Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk to loosen it up again.
- You can also use turkey sausage for a lighter version of this breakfast bowl if you prefer! It will give you the same yummy flavor with fewer calories.
- Don’t worry if you don’t have all the spices—this dish will still be delicious! Feel free to play with what you have and make it your own!
- For a great presentation, consider layering the ingredients in a clear bowl to show off those beautiful colorful layers!
Equipment Needed
To whip up this tasty breakfast bowl, here’s what you’ll need:
- An oven for baking tater tots
- A baking sheet to spread the tots out on
- A large skillet for cooking the sausage and gravy
- A spatula for breaking up the sausage while cooking
- A whisk or wooden spoon for mixing the gravy
- A measuring cup for liquids
- Serving bowls or plates to dish out the breakfast!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! You can use vegetarian sausage or crumbles instead for a meat-free option.
- How can I make this a make-ahead breakfast? You can prepare the sausage gravy the night before and just reheat it in the morning while baking the tater tots!
- What other toppings can I use? Feel free to experiment with toppings, like avocado slices, salsa, or even a fried egg on top!
- Is this dish freezer-friendly? While the gravy can be frozen, the tater tots are best fresh. You can freeze the gravy in portions and reheat it when ready to serve!
- Can this be made for lunch or dinner, too? Of course! Who said you can’t have breakfast foods at any meal? This bowl is versatile and delicious anytime!
Now that you’re ready to whip up this cozy and hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy, I can’t wait to hear how it turns out! Feel free to share your delicious creations on Pinterest, and let’s connect over some breakfast fun!
