Start your morning off right with these Sausage & Gravy Breakfast Tater Tots. Crispy tater tots topped with a savory sausage pepper gravy, accented with a hint of nutmeg and garlic. A fried egg, grated cheddar, and fresh chives complete this hearty, comforting breakfast dish. Perfect for brunch or a weekend treat, this recipe combines crispy, creamy, and savory flavors in every bite. Gluten-free options available, making it adaptable for various dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, these loaded breakfast tater tots are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love it:

Crispy and Comforting – The golden, crispy tater tots provide the perfect base for a rich, savory sausage pepper gravy that’s elevated with a touch of nutmeg and garlic.
Customizable to Your Taste – Top it off with a fried egg, melted cheddar, and fresh chives for a delicious, hearty breakfast that can be tailored to your preferences or dietary needs.
Quick and Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and easy prep, this dish brings together breakfast comfort and convenience, perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekends.
Gluten-Free Option – Easily adaptable for those with dietary restrictions, you can enjoy this mouthwatering breakfast with a gluten-free twist without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredient Notes:

Tater Tots: Frozen and pre-cooked, these crispy potato bites provide a crunchy and satisfying base for the dish. Their exterior crispiness contrasts beautifully with the creamy gravy, creating the perfect texture combination.
Ground Breakfast Sausage (sage variety): This sausage adds a savory, herbaceous flavor to the gravy. The sage variety enhances the richness of the gravy, making it a perfect complement to the crispy tater tots and the richness of the cream. You can also adjust the amount depending on your preferred level of seasoning.
Garlic: Adds a savory depth to the gravy with its aromatic, slightly sweet flavor when cooked. Garlic helps balance the richness of the sausage and cream, giving the dish a warm, savory complexity.
Ground Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg rounds out the flavor of the sausage gravy with a subtle warmth. It adds a slight sweetness that pairs well with the savory elements, giving the dish an unexpected yet delightful depth.
Flour: Used to thicken the sausage gravy, flour helps create the smooth, creamy texture. It acts as a base for the roux (flour and fat mixture), which helps the gravy stick to the tater tots and adds richness.
Cream (half & half or whole milk): The creamy texture is what makes the gravy rich and luscious. Half & half or whole milk both offer a smooth consistency that pairs well with the sausage and seasonings, making each bite extra comforting. You can also substitute with dairy-free options if needed.
Fresh Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of spice and sharpness to the gravy, balancing the richness of the cream and sausage. It also enhances the overall flavor profile, making it more well-rounded.
Large Egg: The fried egg serves as a perfect finishing touch, adding richness and protein to the dish. The runny yolk mixes into the gravy, adding even more creaminess and a deliciously satisfying flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Grated cheddar melts beautifully over the warm tots and gravy, adding a tangy and sharp flavor that balances the savory richness of the sausage. It also adds a gooey, indulgent texture that enhances the dish.
Chives: Fresh chives offer a burst of color and a mild onion-like flavor that contrasts the heaviness of the dish. They bring a touch of freshness, brightness, and a slight herbal note, making the whole meal feel more balanced.

tater tots with sausage gravy and fried egg

Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

To make Gluten-Free:
- Tater Tots: Use gluten-free tater tots or substitute with homemade crispy potato cubes or hash browns.
- Breakfast Sausage: Choose a gluten-free breakfast sausage (check labels to ensure it’s free of gluten-containing fillers).
- Flour: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend (such as rice flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose mix).
- Cream: If using a dairy free cream, opt for gluten-free alternatives like coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk.
To make Dairy-Free:
- Cream: Substitute half & half or whole milk with coconut milk (light version), oat milk, or almond milk.
- Cheddar Cheese: Use a plant-based cheddar-style cheese (e.g., Daiya or Violife).
To make Vegan:
- Tater Tots: Stick with vegan-friendly tater tots (check for non-dairy ingredients).
- Breakfast Sausage: Swap with a plant-based sausage such as Impossible Sausage or Beyond Sausage.
- Egg: Use a plant-based egg substitute such as JUST or scramble tofu as an egg replacement.
- Cheddar Cheese: Use vegan cheddar-style cheese (such as Daiya or Violife).
- Cream: Choose a non-dairy cream like oat milk or coconut milk.
To make Egg-Free:
- Egg: Replace the fried egg with a plant-based egg substitute or with a scrambled tofu for a similar texture.
To make Nut-Free:
- Flour: If also making gluten-free, use an alternative flour, such as rice flour or a certified nut-free gluten-free flour blend.
- Cream: If also making dairy-free, substitute cream with oat or rice milk for a nut-free alternative.
To make Soy-Free:
- Cream: If also making dairy-free, choose oat milk or coconut milk as a soy-free option.
- Breakfast Sausage: If also using vegetarian sausage, make sure the plant-based sausage is soy-free (e.g., Beyond Sausage is soy-free).

Optional Additions & Variations:

Spicy Sausage: For a kick of heat, swap the regular breakfast sausage for spicy sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy.
Sautéed Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms or onions to the gravy for an extra veggie boost and more flavor depth.
Bacon: Crisp up some bacon and crumble it over the top for an extra smoky crunch. Bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy gravy and tater tots.
Avocado: Add fresh avocado slices on top of the tater tots for a creamy, buttery addition that complements the richness of the gravy.
Hot Sauce: Drizzle a bit of your favorite hot sauce over the dish to add extra flavor and heat. A smoky hot sauce like chipotle works well with the sausage and gravy.
Cheese Variations: Switch up the cheddar cheese for other melting cheeses like pepper jack (for a spicy twist), Gouda (for a smokier flavor), or mozzarella (for extra meltiness).
Herb Variations: Mix up the fresh herbs by using parsley, thyme, or dill instead of chives for different flavor profiles.
Tomatoes: Dice up some fresh tomatoes or add a spoonful of salsa for a burst of freshness and acidity that balances out the richness.
Tater Tot Variations: If you’re looking to change things up, try sweet potato tater tots for a slightly sweeter and earthy flavor. Alternatively, swap in crispy hash browns for a different potato texture.
Shredded Chicken: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to the sausage gravy for added protein and to stretch the dish into a heartier meal.

Tips & Recipe Notes:

Air Frying the Tater Tots: If you have an air fryer, it’s a fantastic way to get the tater tots extra crispy without the extra oil. Simply preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer, and air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crispiness. Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer’s model.
Make-Ahead Gravy: You can make the sausage gravy ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to the desired consistency.
Gravy Thickness: If your gravy is too thick, simply add a little more milk or cream, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the perfect pourable consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken up.
Adjusting the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, go easy on the black pepper and nutmeg. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or use spicy sausage.
Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have cheddar on hand or want to try something new, any meltable cheese works. Pepper jack will give a little extra spice, while Gouda or fontina will add a rich, creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions: This dish is filling on its own but can also be paired with a simple side salad or fresh fruit to balance the richness.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The gravy will thicken as it cools, so be sure to add a little extra milk or cream when reheating. Store and reheat the tater tots separately in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

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