I recently created a Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole that takes classic breakfast flavors to a new level. Sizzling sausage, a silky sauce blended with whole milk and black pepper, plus crispy tater tots, fluffy eggs, and rich cheddar cheese combine to form a dish full of character. Intrigued yet?

Jump to Recipe

I’ve always been on a mission to find a breakfast that’s both filling and a little unexpected, and this Sausage Gravy Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole definitely fits the bill. I discovered that starting with 1 lb of breakfast sausage and crisping it up creates a solid base for the dish.

Then, mixing in some all-purpose flour (1/4 cup) with 2 1/2 cups of whole milk, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper brings an incredible sausage gravy flavor that ties the dish together beautifully. Layering this over 32 oz of frozen tater tots really made it stand out as the best breakfast casserole I’ve ever tasted.

I add in 6 large eggs and top everything off with a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. I sometimes throw in a bit of diced onion or a sprinkle of fresh chives for that extra kick.

This is one breakfast bake you dont want to miss.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it makes my mornings feel extra cozy and its a comfort food that always hits the spot. I really appreciate how easy it is to whip up even when I’m in a rush and dont have much time to spare. I also like that the mix of crispy tater tots, savory sausage gravy, and eggs creates a fun twist on a typical breakfast. Plus, i adore the way I can customize it with optional onions or herbs, making each serving feel a little bit more special.

Sausage Gravy Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole is one of those dishes that feels like home cooking done right. The process is simple: You start off by browning sausage (and even onions if you’re feeling it), then mix in flour before slowly stirring in milk until everything thickens into a rich, tasty gravy. After that, you layer up your frozen tots at the bottom of a greased casserole dish before spooning over the sausage gravy. Next, you beat eggs and pour them over the mix and top it all off with shredded cheddar cheese. Once its baked in the oven, everything comes together with a crispy edge on the tots and a smooth, savory finish from the eggs and cheese. I just cant get enough of how these flavors combine and remind me of a hearty, satisfying breakfast every single time.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Breakfast sausage gives a hearty protein punch and a salty, savory flavor that really makes the meal rich.
All-purpose flour adds body to the gravy with carbohydrates and acts as a thickening agent in the dish.
Whole milk offers creaminess and useful nutrients while balancing the savory notes with a smooth texture.
Frozen tater tots contribute crisp carbohydrates and a fun, golden crunch that contrasts the soft ingredients.
Eggs bind everything together with extra protein and a touch of rich taste.
Cheddar cheese brings a tangy, melty punch perfect for enhancing flavor and adding extra protein.
Optional onions and fresh herbs lend a slight sweet kick and a burst of aromatic freshness.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb breakfast sausage

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 1/2 cups whole milk

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Salt, to taste

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

6 large eggs

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional: 1/4 cup diced onion

Optional: Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish lightly.

2. In a large skillet set on medium heat, cook the sausage (and if youre using it, the diced onion too) until its browned and crumbled.

3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir it through for about a minute so it mixes well with the sausage fat.

4. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly, and let it bubble away until the gravy thickens a bit; add the ground black pepper and salt to taste.

5. Meanwhile, lay out the frozen tater tots evenly in the bottom of your greased casserole dish.

6. Once the gravy is ready, scoop the sausage with gravy over the tater tots making sure everything is covered nicely.

7. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs well and then pour them evenly over the sausage mixture in the dish.

8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top.

9. Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes until the eggs are fully set and the tater tots get a crispy edge.

10. If youre feeling fancy, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top as a garnish before serving. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 375°F)
2. 9×13-inch casserole dish (lightly greased)
3. Large skillet
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Stirring utensil (spoon or spatula)
6. Mixing bowl
7. Whisk or fork (for beating eggs)
8. Knife (for dicing the optional onion)
9. Oven mitts (for handling hot equipment)

FAQ

Can I sub regular sausage for breakfast sausage?

Yes you can, but keep in mind the flavor might be a bit different. Breakfast sausage gives the best taste for this dish.

Do I need to thaw the frozen tater tots before using them?

Nope, you can use them straight from the freezer. They cook just fine as is.

Is it ok to swap cheddar cheese for another kind?

Sure, you can use mozzarella or even pepper jack if you like a little kick, though the overall flavor will change a bit.

Why do we add the eggs at the end and not mix them with the gravy?

Adding the eggs on top helps to create a nice custardy layer when baked, plus it keeps the tater tots crispy underneath.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and pop it in the oven when ready, but it’s best to add the eggs just before baking if possible.

Sausage Gravy Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of the breakfast sausage, you can use turkey sausage or even a plant-based meat alternative if you want a lighter or different flavor.
If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you could try a gluten-free blend or even use a bit of cornstarch (mixed with water) to thicken the gravy.
Whole milk can be swapped with 2% milk or unsweetened almond milk if youre looking for a lighter or dairy-free option, though the casserole might be a little less rich.
If you arent a fan of cheddar cheese, try using pepper jack or mozzarella for a slightly different taste in the dish.

Pro Tips

1. Try cooking the sausage along with the onion till it’s really browned before adding the flour because that not only builds deeper flavors but helps the gravy thicken better.
2. When you gradually add the milk, make sure you keep stirring constantly so you don’t get any lumps – doing it too fast can ruin the consistency of your gravy.
3. Lay those tater tots in an even single layer, and if you wanna get them extra crispy at the edges, try pressing them down a little before you pour over the sausage mixture.
4. Lastly, beat your eggs well in a separate bowl and pour them over slowly so they mix evenly with the other ingredients this helps avoid having some parts too runny while others are set.

Sausage Gravy Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Recipe by Francis Mead

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

653

kcal

Equipment: 1. Oven (preheated to 375°F)
2. 9×13-inch casserole dish (lightly greased)
3. Large skillet
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Stirring utensil (spoon or spatula)
6. Mixing bowl
7. Whisk or fork (for beating eggs)
8. Knife (for dicing the optional onion)
9. Oven mitts (for handling hot equipment)

Ingredients

1 lb breakfast sausage
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Salt, to taste
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
6 large eggs
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: 1/4 cup diced onion
Optional: Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish lightly.
In a large skillet set on medium heat, cook the sausage (and if youre using it, the diced onion too) until its browned and crumbled.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir it through for about a minute so it mixes well with the sausage fat.
Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly, and let it bubble away until the gravy thickens a bit; add the ground black pepper and salt to taste.
Meanwhile, lay out the frozen tater tots evenly in the bottom of your greased casserole dish.
Once the gravy is ready, scoop the sausage with gravy over the tater tots making sure everything is covered nicely.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs well and then pour them evenly over the sausage mixture in the dish.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top.
Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes until the eggs are fully set and the tater tots get a crispy edge.
If youre feeling fancy, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top as a garnish before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.