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Start your morning off right with a crunchy, cozy bowl loaded with tater tots and creamy sausage gravy. It's simple to whip up and tastes like a warm hug, way better than plain toast or scrambled eggs. This meal brings the comfort of your favorite diner right into your kitchen, no hassle needed.
I whipped this up for brunch one chilly Saturday after a walk. My family went wild for it and now it’s a Sunday thing. The smell of the sausage cooking gets the kids running to the kitchen every time.
Yummy Ingredients
- Ground breakfast sausage: pick a classic blend that’s not too sweet or hot unless you’re into spice
- Frozen tater tots: use tots with the least extras for top-notch crunch
- All purpose flour: this helps your gravy thicken up; unbleached is great for that smooth, old-school feel
- Whole milk: fresh milk will make your sauce super creamy and rich
- Salt and pepper: crack some black pepper for more punch and taste as you go
- Optional toppings: sprinkle on grated cheese for tang or throw on green onions to make every bite bright
Easy Instructions
- Put It All Together:
- Fill your bowls with hot, crispy tater tots. Spoon on a nice big ladle of gravy, then toss cheese or the onions on top if you want. Grab a fork and dig in right away for the perfect bite.
- Simmer and Finish Up:
- Keep your sausage gravy bubbling on low for five to seven minutes, stirring every so often. It'll thicken and get silky. Add salt and pepper until it’s just how you like it.
- Whisk in the Milk:
- Pour in the milk bit by bit while mixing quick. Get all those flavorful bits off the bottom. Keep whisking and you’ll end up with a super smooth sauce.
- Make a Roux:
- Dust the sausage with flour. If there’s too much fat, leave just a little—it helps the flour cook in. Stir and cook that mix for two to three minutes until it bubbles a bit and smells kind of toasty.
- Brown Your Sausage:
- As the tots bake, cook sausage in a big skillet over medium. Chop it up as it cooks and let it go until brown and flavorful, with no pink left. Those bits in the pan bring out loads of taste for the gravy.
- Bake the Tots:
- Set your oven as the bag says. Spread tater tots single layer on a tray and bake ‘til super crispy. Flip halfway for extra crunch. This keeps them from turning soggy later.
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Honestly, there's nothing better than finding the crispiest tot tucked under a mountain of hot gravy. This always reminds me of slow, happy holiday mornings with the whole family laughing around the table.
Keeping It Fresh
Leftover sausage gravy stays good in the fridge for about three days. Warm it gently on the stove—add more milk if it gets thick. Tater tots are best when fresh, but to revive them, just pop them in an air fryer or reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes.
Swaps and Switches
No breakfast sausage? Go for spicy chorizo or a veggie substitute. Two percent milk or half and half works if that's all you've got. If you’re gluten-sensitive, use a gluten-free flour mix to make your gravy just as thick.
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Fun Pairings
This bowl fills you up by itself, but you can serve it with a fruit dish or crunchy salad if you want more. Feeling fancy? Add a fried or poached egg on top and a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
Background
People loved tater tots starting around the 1950s—easy to find and easy to love. They’re in casseroles, piled on diner plates, and eaten at home across America. Sausage gravy? That’s a Southern classic, part of hearty morning meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I get sausage gravy super thick?
Just simmer the gravy longer or shake in some extra flour, then whisk until you’re happy with how thick it gets.
- → Can I swap frozen tots for homemade ones?
Go for it! Homemade tots taste awesome—just bake ’em golden before piling on the gravy.
- → What other toppings taste good here?
Give shredded cheddar, green onions, tomato bits, or a fried egg a whirl for a new twist.
- → Is this something I can prep ahead?
Make your gravy before and reheat gently. The tots are best fresh from the oven so they stay crispy.
- → What’s good to eat with this bowl?
Grab some fresh fruit, toss together a green salad, or pour orange juice for a lighter sidekick.