Hearty Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole

This hearty sausage gravy tater tot casserole transforms breakfast favorites into an irresistible comfort food masterpiece. The combination of creamy homemade sausage gravy, crispy tater tots, savory bacon, and melty cheddar cheese creates a dish that satisfies even the most demanding brunch cravings.

I first made this casserole when hosting an impromptu family brunch after my nephew's basketball game. Everyone was starving and the combination of savory gravy and crispy potatoes had them scraping their plates clean. Now it's requested at nearly every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Pork breakfast sausage Fresh ground sausage provides the best flavor base. Look for a good quality brand with visible herbs and spices for enhanced taste.
• Bacon crumbles Adds smoky depth and texture. Use thick cut bacon for more substantial pieces throughout the casserole.
• Frozen tater tots The crispy crown of the casserole. Choose a quality brand that crisps well for that perfect textural contrast.
• Shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar works best as it stands up to the rich gravy. Freshly grated melts more smoothly than pre shredded varieties.
• Unsalted butter Creates the base for the roux. Unsalted lets you control the seasoning level.
• All purpose flour Thickens the gravy perfectly. Measuring precisely ensures proper consistency.
• Whole milk Provides richness to the gravy. Full fat milk creates the creamiest result.
• Salt and black pepper Essential seasonings that bring everything together. Freshly ground black pepper makes a noticeable difference.
• Green onions optional Adds fresh color and mild flavor. Choose bright green stalks for the best appearance and taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:

Cook the pork breakfast sausage in a large oven safe skillet over medium high heat until completely browned with no pink remaining. Break it up well with a wooden spoon as it cooks for even browning and to ensure there are no large chunks that would disrupt the texture of your gravy.

Create the Roux:

Add the unsalted butter to the cooked sausage and allow it to melt completely. Sprinkle the all purpose flour evenly over the mixture and stir continuously until it is fully incorporated with the sausage and butter. This creates the foundation of your gravy so ensure everything is well coated.

Cook the Flour Taste Out:

Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring the roux occasionally for 2 3 minutes. This crucial step cooks away the raw flour taste that would otherwise give your gravy an unpleasant flavor. The mixture should become slightly darker and develop a nutty aroma.

Develop the Gravy:

Pour the whole milk into the skillet very gradually while whisking constantly. This technique prevents lumps from forming in your gravy. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Allow it to simmer for 4 5 minutes until it thickens to a proper gravy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.

Incorporate the Bacon:

Turn off the heat and stir most of the bacon crumbles into the gravy reserving some for the topping later. Mix thoroughly to ensure the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the gravy providing smoky flavor in every bite.

Assemble the Casserole:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. If not using an oven safe skillet transfer the sausage gravy mixture to a baking dish spreading it evenly across the bottom. Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the gravy ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle the remaining bacon crumbles and all of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 30 minutes until the tater tots are hot crispy and golden brown and the cheese has melted completely. The edges should be bubbling slightly indicating it's heated through.

Rest and Serve:

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period helps the layers set making it easier to serve without falling apart. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired before serving hot.

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The bacon crumbles are honestly what elevate this dish from good to spectacular. I discovered this accidentally when I had leftover bacon from breakfast the previous day and decided to throw it into the mix. The smoky flavor permeates the entire dish and creates little pockets of intense flavor that make every bite exciting. My son actually calls these bacon surprises and hunts for them with his fork.

Make-Ahead Options

This casserole works wonderfully as a make ahead meal. You can prepare the sausage gravy up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to bake simply reheat the gravy until just warm enough to spread easily then proceed with the tater tot and cheese topping. You can also completely assemble the casserole the night before baking. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate then add about 10 minutes to the baking time since youll be starting with cold ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe welcomes creative adaptations based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Turkey breakfast sausage works beautifully for a lighter option though the gravy might be slightly less rich. Plant based sausage substitutes can work but youll want to add extra seasonings and possibly a bit more butter to compensate for the lower fat content. For the dairy components dairy free butter milk and cheese substitutes perform surprisingly well especially cashew or oat based milk for the gravy. Hash browns can replace tater tots for a different texture though youll lose some of that delightful crispiness that makes the contrast so appealing.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with lighter sides to balance the meal. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette offers refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. Fresh fruit especially citrus or berries provides a sweet counterpoint that cuts through the savory flavors. For special occasions consider serving alongside mimosas or a spicy Bloody Mary. If serving for dinner rather than brunch roasted vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts complement the dish wonderfully while adding nutritional balance.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sausage gravy and assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then allow an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time when cooking from chilled. For best results, add the tater tots just before baking to maintain their crispiness.

→ What can I substitute for pork sausage?

Turkey or chicken breakfast sausage works well as a lighter alternative to pork. For a vegetarian option, use a plant-based sausage substitute and vegetable broth to enhance the flavor. Each alternative will slightly change the flavor profile but still create a delicious result.

→ How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?

The key to lump-free gravy is gradual incorporation and constant whisking. Make sure your roux (butter and flour mixture) is well combined before slowly adding cold or room temperature milk while whisking continuously. If you do get lumps, you can strain the gravy or blend it briefly with an immersion blender.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Cool completely, then portion and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20-25 minutes). The texture of the tater tots may be slightly less crispy after freezing.

→ What sides pair well with this breakfast casserole?

Fresh fruit, such as berries or citrus segments, provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the meal nicely. For a complete brunch spread, add some toasted English muffins or biscuits on the side.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add heat by incorporating hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños into the gravy mixture. You could also use hot or spicy breakfast sausage instead of regular. Another option is to top the finished casserole with sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper before serving.