This hearty casserole is packed with tasty sausage, creamy gravy, and crispy tater tots—you won’t want to miss breakfast! It’s like a cozy hug on a plate!
Whenever I make this dish, it disappears fast! I love serving it with a side of fresh fruit to balance out all that yummy goodness. Who can resist tater tots for breakfast? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots are the star of this dish! They give a crunchy texture. If you can’t find them, you can use hash browns instead for a different twist.
Breakfast Sausage: I usually go for mild sausage, but spicy adds an extra kick! If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey sausage works great too.
Milk: Whole milk makes the gravy creamy, but you can switch to 2% or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to fit your dietary needs. Just be sure to choose unsweetened varieties!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for this recipe, but feel free to try other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little heat.
Why is It Important to Build the Gravy Correctly?
Making the gravy for this casserole is a crucial step. It adds flavor and a creamy texture. Here’s how to nail it:
- Cook the sausage well before adding flour. This ensures the meat is nicely browned.
- When you sprinkle in the flour, stir constantly. This helps it to cook evenly and prevents clumps.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, and keep stirring until it thickens. This step usually takes 4-6 minutes, so be patient!
By following these tips, your gravy will be smooth and delicious, making your casserole a hit!
Sausage Gravy Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 3 cups milk
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 35-40 minutes of cooking time in the oven. You’ll get a delicious meal ready in just under an hour—perfect for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives your casserole a nice cozy environment to cook in. While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Base Layer of Tater Tots:
Take half of the frozen tater tots and spread them evenly across the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. This is where all the yummy flavors will build up, so make sure they’re evenly placed!
3. Cooking the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the breakfast sausage. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks, stirring until it’s fully browned (about 7 minutes). Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep your dish from getting greasy.
4. Making the Gravy:
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage in the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes—this helps get rid of the raw flour flavor and starts thickening things up! Now, gradually whisk in the milk while stirring continuously. Keep it going until the mixture thickens to a gravy consistency—this should take about 4-6 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste!
5. Assembling the Casserole:
Pour the delicious sausage gravy mixture evenly over the layer of tater tots in the casserole dish. Woohoo! Now sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the gravy for cheesy goodness.
6. Adding the Tater Tot Top Layer:
Next, take the remaining tater tots and evenly place them on top of the cheese, creating a nice layer. This will form a crispy topping once baked! Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top center to make it extra cheesy.
7. Baking It Up!
Pop your casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are a golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Final Touches:
Once it’s done baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows everything to set a bit. Before serving, garnish with lovely fresh parsley or chives to add a pop of color and extra flavor!
There you have it! A comforting, delicious breakfast casserole that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy and share the joy of cooking! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Tater Tots in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tater tots are perfect for this casserole. Just spread them directly from the bag onto your dish without thawing—they’ll cook up crispy in the oven!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Milk?
If you’re looking for a milk alternative, you can use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or even chicken broth for a savory option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and creaminess might vary slightly!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly.
