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A soul-satisfying breakfast dish that pairs crispy, golden tater tots with thick, luscious sausage gravy for the perfect morning treat. This hearty combo turns basic ingredients into a filling meal that'll keep you going all day. The crunchy potato bites make an ideal foundation for the smooth gravy, and you can add your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.
I came up with this dish one cold fall morning when we needed something different from our standard breakfast options. The second those crunchy tots connected with the velvety gravy, I realized we'd found our new weekend favorite.
Key Ingredients
- Frozen tater tots: Go for premium tots that'll give you that nice crunch outside and soft potato inside when cooked
- Breakfast sausage: Look for sausage with noticeable herbs and seasonings to make your gravy extra tasty
- All-purpose flour: This makes the perfect base that gives your gravy its wonderful thickness
- Whole milk: Adds a nice richness to the gravy, making it super creamy
- Fresh toppings: Bold cheddar brings some zip while green onions add a crisp freshness
Making Your Dish
- Get The Base Ready
- Spread tots in one layer on a hot baking tray.
- Cook until they're nice and golden, flipping the tray halfway to brown them evenly.
- Start The Gravy
- Break the sausage into tiny bits while cooking so it mixes well throughout the gravy.
- Look for that nice brown color to develop.
- Finish The Gravy
- Dust flour over the meat and keep stirring until you can't smell the raw flour anymore.
- Pour in warm milk gradually while stirring to get that super smooth texture.
- Put It All Together
- Put hot crispy tots in deep dishes, pour plenty of warm gravy on top, and finish with your favorite toppings right away.
I was raised in the Midwest where gravy was always part of breakfast at our house. My grandma always taught me her trick was warming the milk before adding it to the flour mixture, which made the smoothest gravy you've ever had.
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Delightful Breakfast Pairings
Make your morning meal even better by enjoying this filling bowl with some sweet fruit mix, extra crispy bacon, or buttered toast triangles. For special brunches, add a mimosa or some freshly squeezed orange juice to round things out.
Make It Your Own
Try a spicy version with chopped jalapeños and pepper jack cheese, or go for an herby twist with fresh thyme and sage mixed into the gravy. Want something lighter? Use turkey sausage and low-fat milk and you'll still get tons of flavor.
Storage Advice
You can keep leftover gravy in a sealed container for up to three days. Warm it slowly on the stove, adding a splash of milk to bring back its creaminess. Always cook new tots for each serving to get that perfect crunch.
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This breakfast bowl has become my go-to dish for hosting brunches, bringing warmth and happiness to so many weekend gatherings. The secret is caring about each part, from super crispy tots to velvety smooth gravy. When you make it with care and pay attention to the little things, it's more than just breakfast - it's a special food experience that brings friends and family around the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is there a vegetarian option for this?
- Sure, swap the sausage for plant-based or mushroom alternatives to keep it meat-free.
- → What if I’m out of milk?
- Feel free to use dairy-free substitutes like almond or oat milk—they work just fine.
- → What’s the best way to handle leftovers?
- Store the gravy and tots separately in sealed containers in the fridge—it’ll stay fresh up to 3 days.
- → Can I get some parts ready ahead?
- Make the gravy earlier and reheat it when it’s time to serve, then bake the tots fresh.
- → Any ideas for extra toppings?
- Add some avocado, diced tomatoes, or your favorite hot sauce to spice things up.