This Sausage Gravy Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty dish that’s perfect for a family breakfast. It’s packed with crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and creamy gravy.
Who doesn’t love tater tots for breakfast? I like to add a sprinkle of cheese on top right before it’s done baking. The gooey cheese just makes everything better—trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These act as the crispy base of your casserole. If you want a healthier option, you can try using sweet potato tots or even cauliflower tots for a twist!
Breakfast Sausage: I recommend using pork sausage for the traditional flavor, but turkey sausage is a great lighter alternative. You could also try a plant-based sausage if you’re going meatless!
Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken the gravy. If you’re avoiding gluten, cornstarch can be a good substitute—just mix it with cold milk before adding to the sausage instead of cooking it directly.
Cheese: While sharp cheddar and mozzarella work beautifully together, feel free to switch it up. Pepper jack adds a lovely kick, or you can use any cheese you prefer, like gouda or Swiss!
How Do I Make Creamy Sausage Gravy Without Lumps?
Making the gravy smooth is essential for a great casserole. To avoid lumps:
- After browning the sausage, sprinkle the flour evenly over it and mix well—this ensures the flour coats the sausage properly.
- When you add the milk, do it slowly while constantly stirring. This helps everything combine smoothly.
- Cook the gravy on medium heat and keep stirring until it thickens. If it gets too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Sausage Gravy Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (preferably country-style or pork sausage)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 45 minutes to bake. So, you can have a delicious, hearty breakfast ready in about 55 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Don’t forget to lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or an oval baking dish to ensure nothing sticks!
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart while it cooks until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. After cooking, drain any excess fat, but leave about 1-2 tablespoons in the skillet for flavor.
3. Make the Sausage Gravy:
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage in the skillet. Stir well to coat the sausage and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes. This step helps get rid of the raw flour taste!
Next, slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens into a creamy sausage gravy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste!
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread that delicious sausage gravy evenly across the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. Now, take those tater tots and layer them evenly on top of the gravy. Make sure they cover the entire surface!
5. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy around the edges. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
6. Add Cheese & Finish Baking:
Once the tater tots are ready, take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Pop it back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish & Serve:
Remove your casserole from the oven and give it a freshness boost by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives on top. This not only adds flavor but also a beautiful pop of color! Serve it hot for a comforting breakfast or brunch that everyone will love.
Enjoy your hearty Sausage Gravy Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Tater Tots Directly in the Casserole?
Absolutely! There’s no need to thaw the tater tots before using them. Just layer them frozen on top of the sausage gravy, and they will cook perfectly while baking.
What If I Don’t Have Whole Milk?
No problem! You can substitute the whole milk with 2% milk or even almond milk. For a creamier texture, mixing in a little heavy cream or half-and-half can also work wonders!
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version! Just swap the breakfast sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a savory flavor. You can also add in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra texture and nutrition!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at a low temperature or microwave it in individual portions until warmed through. Enjoy it again for a quick breakfast!
