Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy

Introduction:
Kickstart your morning with a hearty and satisfying Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl topped with creamy sausage gravy! This recipe combines crispy tater tots with rich, flavorful sausage gravy, all topped with your favorite breakfast additions. Whether you’re gearing up for a busy day or enjoying a lazy weekend brunch, this breakfast bowl is sure to please everyone at the table. Read on to learn how to make this easy and delicious breakfast dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (32 oz) of frozen tater tots
• 1 pound of ground sausage
• 3 tablespoons of butter
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 3 cups of milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped chives, fried eggs

Instructions:

1. Cook the Tater Tots:

• Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the tater tot package (usually around 425°F).
• Spread the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake according to package instructions, typically for about 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through for even cooking.

1. Prepare the Sausage Gravy:

• While the tater tots are baking, cook the ground sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
• Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt the butter.
• Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
• Gradually add the milk to the roux while continuously whisking to prevent any lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens into a gravy, about 5-7 minutes.
• Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix into the gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat until ready to serve.

1. Assemble the Breakfast Bowls:

• Spoon a generous layer of crispy tater tots into each bowl.
• Pour the warm sausage gravy over the tater tots.
• Add optional toppings like a fried egg, shredded cheese, and chopped chives.

Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Bowl:

• For an extra crispy finish, broil the tater tots for the last few minutes of baking.
• If you prefer a spicier gravy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the gravy mixture.
• For a lighter version, you can substitute the milk with a lower-fat option or use turkey sausage instead of regular pork sausage.

Conclusion:
This Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s a perfect dish to serve for breakfast, brunch, or even as a comforting dinner. The combination of crunchy tater tots and creamy sausage gravy is a match made in heaven, ensuring this meal will be a hit with all who try it. So why wait? Whip up this easy and satisfying recipe today and indulge in a breakfast bowl that’s sure to start your day off right!

Serving and Storage Tips for Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Hot: For the best taste and texture, serve the Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl hot and fresh. The tater tots should be crispy and the sausage gravy warm and creamy.
2. Customizable Toppings: Allow your family or guests to customize their breakfast bowls. Set out toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, sliced jalapeños, and fried eggs so everyone can create their own perfect bowl.
3. Pair with Sides: To round out your breakfast or brunch, consider serving this dish with sides of fresh fruit, yogurt, or toast. These additions balance out the richness of the tater tots and sausage gravy.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerating Leftovers: If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store the tater tots and sausage gravy separately in airtight containers to maintain the best texture of the tater tots when reheating.
2. Reheating: To reheat, place tater tots on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F until they are crispy again, about 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, reheat the sausage gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot. If the gravy has thickened too much in the fridge, you can thin it with a little milk.
3. Freezing: Freezing this dish is possible but best done with the sausage gravy only. Freeze the gravy in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s best to make fresh tater tots rather than freezing them after baking, as they lose their crispiness.

Additional Tip:

• Avoid Sogginess: If you anticipate leftovers, consider storing components separately. This prevents the tater tots from becoming soggy from sitting in the gravy and keeps each element at its best quality.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy at its best, even if you’re indulging in leftovers the next day.

1. Can I make the sausage gravy ahead of time?

• Yes, you can definitely prepare the sausage gravy ahead of time. Simply make the gravy as directed and let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little milk if the gravy becomes too thick upon reheating.

1. What are some vegetarian options for this recipe?

• For a vegetarian version of this breakfast bowl, you can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu seasoned with traditional breakfast sausage spices like sage, thyme, and black pepper. You can also use a mushroom gravy instead of sausage gravy for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

1. How can I make this recipe healthier?

• To make a healthier version of the Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl, consider using turkey sausage instead of pork sausage, which has less fat. You can also use low-fat milk or an alternative like almond milk for making the gravy. Additionally, baking the tater tots in the oven or air frying them can be a healthier choice compared to deep frying.

1. Is it possible to make this dish spicy?

• Absolutely! If you enjoy a bit of heat in your meals, you can easily spice up the sausage gravy. Add spices like cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the sausage. Another option is to drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish or even incorporate chopped jalapeños into the gravy for that extra kick.