Tater Tot Breakfast Bowls
Looking for a satisfying and delicious breakfast recipe? Tater Tot Breakfast Bowls are the perfect answer for anyone who loves a comforting, filling breakfast. This dish combines crispy tater tots, savory sausage gravy, fluffy scrambled eggs, and melted cheese for an irresistible meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a weekend brunch or a midweek treat, this easy breakfast bowl recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love Tater Tot Breakfast Bowls
- Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with protein, carbs, and fats, this breakfast bowl provides the energy boost you need to start the day.
- Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients or add toppings to suit your taste, such as spicy sausage, different cheeses, or extra veggies.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners or experienced home cooks.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The combination of crispy tater tots, creamy gravy, and melty cheese creates the ultimate comfort food experience.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Bowls
1. Bake the Tater Tots
The foundation of this breakfast bowl is crispy tater tots. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Spread tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
Pro Tip: For extra crunch, use an air fryer to crisp the tater tots in less time!
2. Cook the Sausage
While the tater tots bake, cook your favorite breakfast sausage. Use a large skillet over medium heat, breaking up the sausage as it browns. Once fully cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.
Tip: Experiment with spicy sausage or plant-based alternatives to switch up the flavors.
3. Make the Sausage Gravy
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour, whisking constantly to form a roux. Slowly add 2 cups of milk while continuing to whisk. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in the cooked sausage and season with salt and pepper. For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Custom Option: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the gravy!
4. Scramble the Eggs
For soft, fluffy scrambled eggs, crack 4-6 eggs into a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and whisk thoroughly. In a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, add a little butter. Pour in the eggs and cook slowly, stirring occasionally until just set. The key is to avoid overcooking the eggs, as the residual heat will finish them off.
5. Assemble Your Breakfast Bowl
Layer your breakfast bowl starting with the crispy tater tots. Add scrambled eggs on top, followed by a generous portion of sausage gravy. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred variety) and garnish with green onions, salsa, or fresh herbs for added flavor and color.
Nutritional Information & Healthier Variations
Nutritional Breakdown
Each serving of this Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl contains approximately 750-900 calories, depending on portion size and ingredients. You’ll get around 20-30 grams of protein, making this a high-protein breakfast. Be mindful of the high sodium content, especially if you’re using store-bought sausage and cheese.
Healthier Modifications
- Swap Pork Sausage for Turkey Sausage: Lower in fat and calories while still delivering great flavor.
- Use Vegetarian or Plant-Based Sausage: Perfect for meatless options.
- Opt for Dairy-Free Cheese: For a lactose-free version, use plant-based cheeses like almond or soy.
Flavor Variations
Tex-Mex Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl
For a Tex-Mex twist, add black beans, diced jalapeños, or bell peppers. Top with salsa and sprinkle with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of spice.
Spicy Sausage Gravy
Enhance your sausage gravy with cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot smoked paprika. For extra heat, try using spicy sausage and sauté diced jalapeños with the sausage.
Veggie-Packed Breakfast Bowl
Add more nutrition by incorporating sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can even top the bowl with sliced avocado or baby arugula for a fresh, light touch.
Serving Suggestions & Presentation
Toppings and Garnishes
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, pepper jack or Monterey Jack adds a spicy, creamy touch. Smoked gouda is also a fantastic choice for deeper flavor.
- Fresh Elements: Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or chives for a fresh contrast to the rich sausage gravy.
- Spicy Lovers: Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for an extra layer of heat.
Presentation Tips
Layer the components carefully, starting with the crispy tater tots. Add the scrambled eggs and pour the sausage gravy on top. Finally, sprinkle with cheese and garnishes for a beautiful, appetizing presentation.
Occasions to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Bowls
This recipe is perfect for weekend brunch, cozy breakfasts, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights. Its hearty nature also makes it a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings and special occasions.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Breakfast Bowls are a delicious, customizable, and satisfying meal perfect for any time of day. With endless variations and easy preparation, this breakfast bowl recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these bowls are the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and comfort.
FAQs
1. Can I Make This Breakfast Bowl Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the tater tots, sausage, and gravy in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat when ready to serve.
2. How Do I Make the Sausage Gravy Gluten-Free?
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch in place of regular flour to make the sausage gravy. Be sure to check that your sausage is also gluten-free.
3. What Other Cheeses Can I Use Besides Cheddar?
Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or smoked gouda for different flavor profiles.
4. What Can I Substitute for Sausage if I’m Vegetarian?
Option for plant-based sausage alternatives like Beyond Meat or Morning Star Farms for a delicious, vegetarian-friendly option.
Tater Tot Breakfast Bowls
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Bowls for serving
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen tater tots
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled (or 4 sausage links, cooked and sliced)
- 1/4 cup diced green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter or oil for scrambling eggs
- Hot sauce or salsa optional, for serving
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook the tater tots:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake according to the package instructions (usually 20-25 minutes), turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Cook the bacon or sausage:
- While the tater tots are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (about 6-8 minutes), then crumble. If using sausage, cook it in the skillet until browned and cooked through, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Set the cooked bacon or sausage aside.
- Scramble the eggs:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In the same skillet used for the bacon or sausage, melt the butter or add a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and cook, stirring frequently with a spatula, until the eggs are scrambled and fully cooked (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Assemble the bowls:
- Divide the crispy tater tots evenly among four serving bowls.
- Top each bowl with scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon or sausage, shredded cheese, and diced green onions.
- Add toppings and serve:
- Add any additional toppings such as sliced avocado, sour cream, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños.
- Drizzle with hot sauce or salsa for an extra kick if desired. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- You can substitute turkey bacon or vegetarian sausage for a lighter or meat-free option.
- Make the bowls your own by adding vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the tater tots and any toppings are labeled gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- If you’re short on time, you can cook the tater tots in an air fryer for even crispier results.