This hearty casserole brings together crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and creamy gravy. It’s a comforting dish perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Honestly, it’s like a big hug on a plate! I love how easy it is to throw together. Just mix, bake, and enjoy the deliciousness with family. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: Pork sausage adds great flavor, but feel free to use turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage for a healthier or vegetarian option. Each will give a different taste but will still work well in this dish!
Flour: All-purpose flour is used to thicken the gravy, but you can swap it for whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Milk: I love using whole milk for richness, but you can use almond milk or oat milk for a lactose-free version. Just make sure it’s unsweetened!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is classic, but I sometimes mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit more kick. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses, just keep the total amount the same!
Green Onions: These add a nice fresh crunch on top. If you don’t have them, regular onions or chives can be a suitable substitute!
How Do You Make a Creamy Gravy Without Lumps?
The gravy can be tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy! Start by cooking your sausage well. After adding the flour, ensure you cook it briefly before adding the milk to get a nice base. When whisking in the milk, do it slowly and maintain a constant stir. This helps keep things smooth.
- Cook sausage well and drain excess fat.
- After adding flour, stir for 1-2 minutes before adding milk.
- Add milk gradually, whisking thoroughly to prevent lumps. Keep whisking till it thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
And, of course, always taste and adjust seasoning to keep every bite delicious!
Sausage Gravy Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or your choice)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (or a blend of Cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Time Needed
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying a delicious breakfast dish in about 1 hour total!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Use a spatula to break it up into crumbles. If there’s too much grease, drain the excess but leave about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
3. Make the Gravy:
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked sausage and give it a good stir to coat everything evenly. Cook this for about 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk while stirring constantly to keep it smooth and avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the gravy thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season the Gravy:
Once your gravy is nice and thick, season it with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give it a taste and add more seasoning if you like.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the sausage gravy into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the gravy. Don’t be shy; make sure they cover it nicely!
6. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tater tots. This will turn into a delicious, melty layer once baked!
7. Bake:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown and crispy tater tots along with nicely melted cheese.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh crunch.
Enjoy this rich, comforting breakfast casserole that combines savory sausage gravy with crispy, cheesy tater tots. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen sausage works great! Just make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking it straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of milk to keep it creamy!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground sausage for a meatless alternative, such as crumbled tempeh, mushrooms, or a plant-based sausage. Adjust the seasoning to ensure it’s flavorful and satisfying!