Start your day with a comforting, Southern-style breakfast. Crispy Tater tots topped with creamy sausage gravy and perfectly cooked eggs. This easy recipe combines the best of breakfast favorites—tater tots, savory sausage gravy, and gooey cheese—into one satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for a filling breakfast tater tot casserole or a fun way to enjoy cheesy tater tots with sausage, this is the perfect recipe to fuel your morning. Serve it for brunch, weekend breakfasts, or as a hearty meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.

Last Updated February 27th, 2025.

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Why You’ll Love these Breakfast Tater Tots:

Crispy and Comforting – The golden, crispy tater tots form the perfect base for a rich, savory sausage gravy infused with a hint of garlic and nutmeg. This combination of textures and flavors creates a hearty breakfast that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
Customizable to Your Taste – Make this breakfast tater tot casserole your own! Top it off with a perfectly fried egg, melty cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh chives for a delicious, hearty meal. Whether you prefer a heavier breakfast or a lighter option, this dish is easy to adjust to fit your tastes and dietary preferences.
Quick and Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe brings the best of comfort food and convenience together. It’s perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunch, or any day when you crave a filling and flavorful meal.
Gluten-Free Option – No worries about dietary restrictions! You can easily swap in gluten-free ingredients, like gluten-free flour, to make this breakfast a safe, satisfying option without compromising on flavor.

Ingredient Notes:

Frozen Tater Tots:
- The key to getting crispy tater tots is to start with frozen extra crispy tater tots. They provide a crunchy base for the rich sausage gravy tater tots and eggs, making this dish irresistible. Choose your favorite brand for best results.
Breakfast Sausage:
- For maximum flavor, use ground breakfast sausage, preferably the sage variety, to create a flavorful gravy. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a spicy sausage for a kick.
Garlic:
- Freshly minced garlic adds depth and a savory flavor to the sausage gravy, complementing the richness of the dish. You can also use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
All-Purpose Flour:
- The flour is used to thicken the sausage gravy for these breakfast tater tots. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour to keep the dish safe for those with dietary restrictions.
Cream (Half & Half or Whole Milk):
- For a creamy, smooth sausage gravy, use half and half or whole milk. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with low-fat milk, but it may alter the richness.
Eggs:
- The eggs can be cooked to your liking, whether you prefer fried, scrambled, or poached. Fried eggs with runny yolks are a classic pairing for this tater tot breakfast bowl.
Cheddar Cheese:
- Grated cheddar cheese adds a cheesy, melty topping that balances the richness of the gravy. Feel free to swap with a different cheese like monterey jack or pepper jack for a unique twist.
Chives:
- Fresh chives provide a burst of color and a mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness of the gravy, adding a nice garnish to complete the dish.

tater tots with sausage gravy and fried egg

Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

To make gluten-free:
- To make this breakfast tater tot bowl gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that your frozen tater tots are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain traces of gluten ( I really like the ORE-IDA Crispy Crowns, which are the ones I used for this recipe). This simple swap ensures you can enjoy this indulgent sausage gravy tater tots recipe without compromising on flavor.
To make dairy-free:
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk or half and half with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. You can also replace the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative, such as vegan cheddar or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
To make low-carb:
- For a low-carb version, swap the frozen tater tots for cauliflower tots or zucchini tots. These vegetable-based options provide a similar texture and flavor while keeping the carb count lower.
To make vegetarian:
- To make this recipe vegetarian, simply swap the ground breakfast sausage with vegetarian sausage or a plant-based protein like crumbled tempeh or firm tofu. Or you can omit the meat entirely by mixing the flour with a plant-based fat, for a simple meat-free pepper gravy.

Additional Substitutions & Variations:

Add Veggies: Feel free to load up your breakfast tater tots with veggies like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for an extra nutritional boost. This variation will add color and flavor while making the dish even more satisfying.
Swap the Sausage: If you’re not a fan of sausage, try using crispy bacon or chopped ham for a different savory twist. You could also try chicken sausage for a leaner alternative without sacrificing taste.
Spicy Kick: For those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your sausage gravy. Jalapeños or chili flakes would also add a delightful spicy kick to these cheesy tater tots with sausage.
Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in the sausage gravy for a different flavor profile. You can also top the dish with fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
Cheese Options: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can try other meltable cheeses like monterey jack, pepper jack, or even Swiss cheese for a unique flavor.
Tater Tot Casserole: Turn this recipe into a tater tot casserole by layering the cooked tater tots, sausage gravy, and eggs in a casserole dish. Bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes for a baked version of this hearty tater tot with eggs dish.

Expert 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.
Get Extra Crispy Tater Tots:
- For the crispiest tater tots, bake them directly on the oven rack or a wire cooling rack. This allows air to circulate around them, ensuring they stay crispy and don’t get soggy. Make sure to follow the package instructions for the crispy tater tots texture you desire.
Make the Gravy Thick:
- If you prefer a thicker sausage gravy, you can increase the flour slightly or let the gravy simmer for a few extra minutes. Stir constantly to avoid clumping and ensure a smooth texture.
Customize the Eggs:
- If you want your eggs to have a soft runny yolk, cook them sunny-side-up or over-easy. If you prefer fully-cooked eggs, scramble them or cook them hard-boiled and chop them to add on top.
Don’t Skip the Nutmeg:
- A pinch of nutmeg is the secret ingredient that elevates the flavor of this southern-style sausage gravy. It adds a touch of warmth and depth that perfectly complements the savory sausage and crispy tater tots. Don’t skip it!
Make Ahead Option:
- If you’re planning ahead, you can prep the sausage gravy and tater tots separately and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving and top with freshly cooked eggs and cheddar cheese for an easy breakfast.
Adjust to Taste:
- Tater tots and gravy are versatile—feel free to adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or garlic powder. This dish is forgiving and can be adapted based on your flavor preferences.

Breakfast Tater Tot FAQ’s:

Can I make these breakfast tater tots ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prep the sausage gravy and cook the tater tots ahead of time. Store the gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the gravy and cook the eggs fresh before serving for a quick and easy breakfast.
Can I use frozen or store-bought sausage gravy for this recipe?
- While homemade sausage gravy adds the best flavor, you can absolutely use frozen or store-bought sausage gravy for convenience. Just be sure to warm it up thoroughly before adding it to the tater tots.
Can I make these tater tots without the gravy?
- Yes, you can serve the crispy tater tots topped with eggs, cheese, and chives without the gravy. For a lighter version, try using a bit of sour cream or avocado as a topping.
How can I make these tater tots spicier?
- To add some heat, try mixing in jalapeños or cayenne pepper with the sausage gravy. You can also drizzle your tater tots with hot sauce or use spicy breakfast sausage for an extra kick.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes! While cheddar cheese is the most popular option, you can swap it for pepper jack, mozzarella, or even Swiss cheese depending on your preference.
Can I make this gluten-free?
- Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your tater tots are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I serve this recipe as a brunch dish?
- Definitely! This hearty and filling breakfast tater tot recipe makes an excellent choice for brunch, especially when serving a crowd. Simply double the ingredients for more servings.

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Tried This Southern-Style Breakfast Tater Tots recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below—your feedback helps others discover this creamy, flavorful dish. Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.