Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole With Sausage Gravy Recipe

Savory Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Gravy Recipe

Mornings demand a hearty breakfast that turns tater tot breakfast casserole with sausage gravy into a comforting culinary adventure.

Crispy potato nuggets nestled beneath creamy, savory layers promise pure satisfaction.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug.

Breakfast enthusiasts will appreciate the rich, indulgent flavors dancing across their palate.

Layers of melted cheese, crisp tots, and robust sausage gravy make every bite memorable.

Minimal prep time means you can savor deliciousness without spending hours in the kitchen.

Comfort food doesn’t get more inviting than this hearty morning delight, dig in and let the deliciousness begin!

Why Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole With Sausage Gravy Feels So Satisfying

Why Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole With Sausage Gravy Feels So Satisfying
  • Breakfast Bonanza: Transform your morning routine with this hearty, flavor-packed casserole that combines crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and creamy gravy in one satisfying dish.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for weekend gatherings, brunch parties, or family breakfast celebrations where everyone craves a delicious, filling meal that brings people together.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for make-ahead preparation, freezer-friendly options, and simple ingredient swaps to suit different dietary preferences and taste buds.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: One-pan cooking method means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delectable breakfast that feels like a restaurant-quality experience at home.

What You’ll Need For Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole With Sausage Gravy

For the Base:
  • Tater Tots: Frozen potato nuggets that create a crispy foundation for the casserole.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese that adds rich, melty flavor and helps bind the ingredients.
For the Protein:
  • Ground Breakfast Sausage: Savory meat that provides a hearty and flavorful protein component.
For the Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the casserole.
  • Whole Milk: Creates a creamy base for the sausage gravy.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the gravy and create a smooth consistency.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Add depth and aromatic seasoning to the dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
For the Garnish and Finishing:
  • Green Onions, Fresh Parsley: Provide a fresh, bright finishing touch to the casserole.

Easy Steps For Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole With Sausage Gravy

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set the oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Cook The Sausage

Brown ground breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until fully cooked with no pink remaining.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs and blend in:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 4: Create First Layer

Spread frozen tater tots across the bottom of the baking dish to form a crispy base.

Step 5: Add Cheese And Sausage

Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar cheese over tater tots, then distribute cooked sausage evenly.

Step 6: Pour Egg Mixture

Carefully pour seasoned egg mixture over sausage and cheese layer to cover completely.

Step 7: Make Sausage Gravy

Using the same skillet with sausage drippings, add flour and stir constantly to create a smooth roux.

Step 8: Create Gravy Consistency

Slowly pour whole milk into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and develop a creamy texture.

Step 9: Season Gravy

Add salt and black pepper to gravy, simmering until it becomes rich and velvety.

Step 10: Final Cheese And Gravy Layer

Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and pour sausage gravy evenly across the casserole surface.

Step 11: Bake The Casserole

Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until eggs are set and top turns golden brown and bubbly.

Step 12: Serve And Garnish

Sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh parsley over the casserole before serving hot directly from the baking dish.

Top Tips For Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole With Sausage Gravy

Top Tips For Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole With Sausage Gravy
  • Prevent Sticking Strategically: Generously grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
  • Sausage Browning Technique: Cook ground sausage over medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles to maximize flavor and texture throughout the casserole.
  • Egg Mixture Perfection: Whisk eggs thoroughly with seasonings, ensuring even distribution of garlic and onion powder for a well-balanced taste profile.
  • Gravy Smoothness Hack: Whisk milk into the roux slowly and continuously to prevent lumps, creating a silky, creamy sausage gravy that coats every bite.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making morning preparation a breeze.

Ways To Mix Up Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole With Sausage Gravy

  • Vegetarian Breakfast Bake: Replace ground sausage with crumbled plant-based sausage or seasoned mushrooms, maintaining the hearty breakfast casserole texture while offering a meat-free alternative.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Swap tater tots with roasted cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrates and adding nutritional value without compromising the comforting breakfast flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños, green chiles, and pepper jack cheese into the egg mixture, transforming the classic recipe into a zesty morning meal with a southwestern kick.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free flour for the gravy, substitute regular tater tots with gluten-free options, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for individuals with dietary restrictions.

Tasty Pairings With Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole With Sausage Gravy

  • Brew Fresh Coffee: Dark roast or french press coffee cuts through the casserole's richness, complementing its hearty savoriness with robust flavors that awaken morning senses.
  • Serve Zesty Side Salad: Crisp mixed greens with light vinaigrette provide refreshing contrast, balancing the heavy, creamy casserole and adding nutritional brightness to the plate.
  • Pair with Tangy Juice: Fresh orange or grapefruit juice offers acidic counterpoint, cleansing the palate between bites and bringing vibrant citrus notes that enhance the breakfast experience.
  • Garnish with Quick Fruit: Sliced fresh berries or melon wedges add natural sweetness and visual appeal, creating a well-rounded morning meal that feels both indulgent and balanced.

How To Store Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole With Sausage Gravy

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Ensure complete cooling before freezing to maintain texture and flavor.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
  • Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes on medium power, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

FAQs For Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole With Sausage Gravy

  • Is this breakfast casserole suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and follow the original baking instructions.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of breakfast sausage?

Absolutely! You can substitute breakfast sausage with ground turkey, bacon bits, or chorizo for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding to the casserole.

  • How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace the regular flour in the gravy with gluten-free flour or cornstarch. Use gluten-free tater tots and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole With Sausage Gravy Recipe

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole With Sausage Gravy Recipe


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4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Gravy promises a morning feast that blends crispy potato bites with rich, creamy layers. Comfort breakfast meets indulgence, delivering pure satisfaction for hungry souls craving a satisfying start to their day.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 bag frozen tater tots
  • 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Gravy Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Seasoning and Extras:

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Brown the ground breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces until fully cooked and no pink remains.
  3. Whisk the eggs in a large mixing bowl, incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
  4. Layer the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a crispy foundation for the casserole.
  5. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots, followed by the cooked sausage, distributing ingredients uniformly.
  6. Pour the seasoned egg mixture carefully over the sausage and cheese layer, ensuring even coverage.
  7. For the sausage gravy, use the same skillet with remaining sausage drippings and add flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux.
  8. Gradually pour in whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a creamy, thick gravy consistency.
  9. Season the gravy with salt and black pepper, simmering until it reaches a rich, velvety texture.
  10. Top the casserole with remaining cheese and pour the prepared sausage gravy evenly across the surface.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until eggs are set and top is golden brown and bubbly.
  12. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving hot directly from the baking dish.

Notes

  • Customize the tater tot layer by using sweet potato tots for a healthier twist or gluten-free tots for dietary restrictions.
  • Create a vegetarian version by substituting ground sausage with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for protein and texture.
  • Prep this casserole the night before by assembling all layers and refrigerating, then bake in the morning for a convenient make-ahead breakfast.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium sausage and controlling salt in the gravy, making this dish more heart-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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