When it comes to breakfast, few dishes are as satisfying and comforting as a classic breakfast casserole. But what if you could elevate that classic with a generous serving of creamy sausage gravy and crispy tater tots? Well, youโre in for a treat! This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Gravy is a hearty, mouthwatering dish that will soon become your go-to for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any time youโre craving a comforting start to your day. Whether youโre feeding a crowd or just craving something indulgent, this recipe has you covered.
A Savory Breakfast That Stands Out
Letโs face it: breakfast can often be a rushed affair. Between scrambling to get the kids out the door or trying to get some extra sleep, itโs easy to resort to something quick and not-so-satisfying. However, when you make a Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Gravy, you take breakfast from mundane to extraordinary. Itโs packed with flavor, and texture, and, best of all, itโs easy to prepare. You wonโt have to spend hours in the kitchen, but the end result will feel like a restaurant-quality dish you spent all day on.
Imagine crispy tater tots baked to perfection, golden cheddar cheese, savory sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, and a rich sausage gravy that ties everything together. You get all the classic breakfast flavors, with a touch of indulgence.
Why Youโll Love This Breakfast Casserole
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Gravy is more than just a meal; itโs an experience. Here are a few reasons why youโll love it:
- Simple Ingredients: You donโt need anything fancy to make this dish. The ingredients are staples that are likely already in your kitchen or pantry.
- Big on Flavor: From the hearty sausage to the rich cheese and flavorful gravy, every bite is packed with comfort.
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: With its hearty ingredients and generous servings, this casserole is perfect for brunches, holiday mornings, or a family gathering.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the casserole ahead of time and bake it when youโre ready, making mornings easier and stress-free.
- Kid-Friendly: Tater tots and cheese are a hit with kids, and the sausage gravy will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients for the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Gravy
Letโs talk ingredients! For this recipe, youโll need a mix of savory breakfast essentials like sausage, eggs, and cheese. Hereโs what youโll need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: The foundation of this breakfast casserole, breakfast sausage adds a savory flavor that pairs perfectly with eggs and cheese.
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots: These crispy golden bites add a satisfying crunch and texture to the casserole.
- 1 ยฝ cups shredded cheddar cheese: The cheese melts beautifully and brings richness to every bite.
- 6 large eggs: These will bind the casserole together and provide a fluffy texture.
- 1 cup milk: A little milk helps make the eggs more creamy and gives a smooth texture to the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon salt: For seasoning the egg mixture and enhancing the overall flavor.
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of seasoning without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Used for greasing the baking dish.
For the Sausage Gravy:
- 1 tablespoon butter: Melted to start the gravy base.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This will help thicken the gravy and create that luscious, creamy texture.
- 2 cups whole milk: For a rich and creamy gravy.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Seasoning the gravy.
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper: Balances the flavors.
- ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a little extra depth to the gravy.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things firstโpreheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease a 9ร13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent the casserole from sticking and ensure easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat. Use a spatula to crumble the sausage as it cooks. Once itโs fully browned and cooked through, drain any excess grease and set it aside. This will be the savory base that adds loads of flavor to your casserole.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Next, layer the frozen tater tots in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the top of the tater tots. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, cheesy layer that will bind all the ingredients together.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper. Once combined, pour this mixture over the tater tots, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish. The egg mixture will soak into the tater tots, creating a custardy base that brings all the flavors together.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Youโll know itโs done when the casserole is golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Make the Sausage Gravy
While the casserole is baking, itโs time to prepare the sausage gravy. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, and add the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Continue to cook the gravy, whisking constantly until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. The result will be a creamy, flavorful gravy perfect for drizzling over the casserole.
Step 7: Serve
Once the casserole is out of the oven, drizzle the sausage gravy over the top. Serve the casserole while itโs hot, and enjoy this comforting, indulgent breakfast.
Notes for Perfecting Your Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Gravy
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep the casserole the night before by assembling it and refrigerating it overnight. In the morning, simply bake it, and youโre good to go!
- Variations: If you want to spice things up, try adding chopped bell peppers, onions, or jalapeรฑos to the casserole before baking. You can also switch out the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
- Vegetarian Version: For a meatless version, simply skip the sausage and use a plant-based sausage alternative or add extra vegetables like spinach and mushrooms.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.
Why This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Gravy is a Must-Try
If youโre someone who loves indulgent, hearty breakfasts, this casserole is a must-try. It combines all your breakfast favorites into one easy-to-make dish: crispy tater tots, savory sausage, gooey cheese, fluffy eggs, and creamy sausage gravy. Whether youโre serving it for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself on a lazy weekend morning, this casserole delivers on all fronts flavor, texture, and satisfaction.
Perfect for Feeding a Crowd
Planning a brunch with friends or family? This recipe is perfect for serving a crowd. With 8 servings, it can easily feed everyone and then some. You can double the recipe if you have a larger group or want leftovers for later.
Pairing Suggestions
While this casserole is a meal in itself, you can also pair it with some tasty sides to round out the breakfast:
- Fresh Fruit: A light, refreshing fruit salad will balance the richness of the casserole.
- Biscuits or Toast: Serve with warm, buttered biscuits or toast to add a little extra crunch.
- Coffee or Juice: A freshly brewed cup of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice would pair wonderfully with this breakfast.
FAQs About Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Gravy
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it the next morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
Can I use frozen sausage?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the sausage before cooking it.
What if I donโt have whole milk?
You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk or half-and-half for a creamier texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
More Delicious Breakfast Ideas
If you loved this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Gravy, donโt forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes youโre sure to enjoy:
- Sweet Maple Bacon Chicken Pops โ The Perfect Snack Recipe
- Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes โ A Fun Twist on a Classic Meal
- Bacon Tortellini Alfredo โ Creamy Cheesy Perfection
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
PrintTater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Gravy combines golden tater tots, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and creamy gravy for an irresistible breakfast dish your whole family will love.
Ingredients
- Casserole:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 ยฝ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
- Sausage Gravy:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease a 9ร13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Cook breakfast sausage in a skillet until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease.
- Spread frozen tater tots evenly in the baking dish. Top with sausage and sprinkle cheddar cheese.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour over the tater tot mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted.
- For the sausage gravy, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, then add salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until thickened.
- Serve the casserole topped with warm sausage gravy.
Notes
- To save time, prepare the sausage and gravy ahead of time.
- Customize by adding veggies like bell peppers or onions to the casserole.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
Keywords: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole, sausage gravy breakfast casserole, cheesy breakfast casserole, easy breakfast recipe, tater tot casserole