Start your day with a hearty and satisfying meal by making this Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy. This delicious breakfast dish combines crispy tater tots, savory sausage gravy, perfectly fried eggs, and melted cheddar cheese, creating a comforting and flavorful bowl that's perfect for any morning.
INGREDIENTS
- Breakfast Sausage: 1 pound. Adds a savory and hearty base to the gravy.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons. Used to create a rich and smooth gravy.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup. Helps to thicken the gravy.
- Milk: 2 cups. Forms the creamy base of the gravy.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Enhances the overall flavor.
- Frozen Tater Tots: 4 cups. Provides a crispy and crunchy base for the bowl.
- Large Eggs: 4. Adds a protein-packed element to the dish.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup. Melts over the hot tater tots and eggs for a gooey finish.
- Chopped Fresh Chives: For garnish (optional). Adds a fresh and colorful touch.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure that the tater tots bake to a crispy, golden perfection.
- Step 2:
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. This step provides the savory base for your gravy.
- Step 3:
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir until well combined. This step creates a rich, creamy gravy filled with savory sausage.
- Step 4:
- Cook the Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. This step ensures the tater tots are perfectly crisp.
- Step 5:
- Fry the Eggs: While the tater tots are baking, fry the eggs to your desired doneness in a separate skillet. This adds a protein-packed element to the dish.
- Step 6:
- Assemble the Bowls: To assemble the breakfast bowls, divide the tater tots among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with a portion of the sausage gravy, a fried egg, and shredded cheddar cheese. Garnish with chopped fresh chives, if desired, and serve hot. This step brings all the delicious components together in a comforting, hearty bowl.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl hot, right after assembly, to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
- For added freshness and color, garnish with chopped fresh chives.
- If you have leftovers, store the sausage gravy and tater tots separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm the sausage gravy in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Reheat the tater tots in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until crispy.
- Fry fresh eggs when ready to serve to ensure they are perfectly cooked.
Helpful Notes
- For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and low-fat milk in the gravy.
- Feel free to add your favorite breakfast vegetables, such as sautéed spinach or bell peppers, to the bowl for added nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage gravy.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend to make the gravy.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests using high-quality breakfast sausage for the best flavor.
- Chef Ina Garten recommends adding a splash of hot sauce to the sausage gravy for a little extra kick.
- Chef Jamie Oliver advises ensuring the tater tots are spread out evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they bake up crispy and golden brown.