Loaded Tater Tot Breakfast Bowls

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Golden, crispy tater tots loaded with savory sausage gravy, melty cheddar, and perfectly cooked eggs — a hearty, diner-style breakfast you can make at home.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Servings: 4
Dietary: Comfort food, Make-ahead friendly

Ingredients

  • Frozen tater tots (32 oz / 900 g) – baked until golden and crispy

  • Beef breakfast sausage (1 lb / 450 g) – casings removed, crumbled

  • Unsalted butter (2 tbsp) – for the gravy base

  • All-purpose flour (2 tbsp) – for thickening

  • Whole milk (2 cups / 480 ml) – preferably warmed

  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper – to taste

  • Large eggs (4) – cooked your way (scrambled, fried, or poached)

  • Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup / 100 g) – for melty, cheesy goodness

  • Fresh chives (2 tbsp) – chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bake the tots – Preheat oven and cook frozen tater tots per package directions until golden and crisp. For extra crunch, use convection or broil settings for the last few minutes.

  2. Brown the sausage – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook crumbled sausage until no pink remains. Transfer to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

  3. Make the roux – Melt butter in the same skillet, stir in flour, and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.

  4. Make the gravy – Gradually whisk in warm milk, scraping up any browned bits. Cook 3–5 minutes until thickened. Return sausage to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and keep warm on low.

  5. Cook the eggs – In a separate pan, cook eggs to your liking (scrambled, fried, or poached). Season lightly.

  6. Assemble bowls – Divide crispy tater tots among 4 bowls. Top with eggs, ladle sausage gravy over, sprinkle with cheddar, and finish with chives. Serve hot.

Quick Notes & Pro Tips

  • Make ahead: Cook the gravy and sausage up to 2 days in advance. Reheat gently over low heat.

  • Milk tip: Warm milk before whisking into the roux to avoid lumps.

  • Eggs: For poached eggs, add a splash of vinegar to the water for perfectly set whites.

  • Extra crispy tots: Broil for 1–2 minutes after baking.

  • Assembly: Keep components separate until serving to maintain the best textures.

Why You’ll Love It

This dish is diner comfort food done right: crunchy tots, creamy sausage gravy, cheesy goodness, and eggs made just how you like them. It’s indulgent enough for weekend brunch but simple enough for a make-ahead weekday breakfast bowl.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Baking the Tots

  • Bake until deep golden brown — a crispy base is key for holding up the gravy.

2. Making the Sausage Gravy

  • Cook sausage until browned. Use its drippings for the roux for maximum flavor.

  • Gradually whisk in warmed milk to create a smooth, thick gravy.

3. Eggs Your Way

  • Scrambled for easy eating, fried for a runny yolk, or poached for elegance.

4. Building the Bowl

  • Tots first, then eggs, a generous ladle of gravy, and a cheesy-chive finish.

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Sausage: Use pork sausage for classic flavor or turkey for a lighter bowl.

  • Cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a little heat.

  • Eggs: Try soft-boiled eggs for a runny, jammy yolk.

  • Milk: Substitute with half-and-half for an extra rich gravy.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Spicy kick: Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or Cajun seasoning to the gravy.

  • Veggie boost: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.

  • Brunch spread: Serve with fresh fruit or a simple side salad for balance.

  • Crowd-style: Make it in a casserole dish with layers of tots, gravy, and cheese.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigeration: Store components separately for up to 3 days.

  • Freezing: Freeze gravy and sausage mixture for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.

  • Reheating: Warm gravy on the stovetop; bake tots in the oven for crispness.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes — use plant-based sausage and veggie gravy.

Q: How can I make this for a crowd?
A: Double the recipe and serve “buffet style” with toppings on the side.

Q: Can I use hash browns instead of tater tots?
A: Absolutely! Shredded or diced hash browns work well.

Personal Note

This bowl is my go-to for weekends when I crave a hearty breakfast that feels like a treat. It’s also one of my favorite “brunch-for-dinner” recipes — it never fails to hit the spot.

Your turn!
If you try these Loaded Tater Tot Breakfast Bowls, leave a review or share your creation — I’d love to see how you make it your own!

Do you want me to add a “crowd-sized casserole version” (for serving at brunch parties)?
Or keep it as individual bowls for a customizable breakfast setup?

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