Introduction
Welcome to a cozy corner of comfort food heaven! This Sausage Gravy Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate dish for anyone who loves a hearty breakfast—served all in one glorious pan. Imagine crispy tater tots layered with a rich sausage gravy, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a dish that promises to delight your senses and bring everyone to the table, even those who usually skip breakfast. Perfect for a lazy weekend or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and crumbly. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and layer half of the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom.
- Pour the savory sausage gravy mixture evenly over the first layer of tater tots, spreading it out so every bite is packed with flavor.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage gravy—this will melt into gooey perfection!
- Top with the remaining tater tots, creating a crispy crown for your casserole.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and pour the mixture over the top layer of tater tots, ensuring an even distribution.
- Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese generously over everything.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and inviting.
- Once done, allow the casserole to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes or Tips
Feel free to customize this casserole by adding your favorite breakfast ingredients, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or even a sprinkle of cooked bacon for extra flavor. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a homemade cream sauce for a fresh twist!
Cooking Techniques
This casserole is a simple yet effective one-pan meal that combines basic cooking techniques like browning sausage and layering ingredients. Make sure to keep an eye on the tater tots during the final baking phase to achieve that perfect golden brown color. If you want to get a little adventurous, try broiling it for a minute or two at the end for an extra crispy finish!
FAQ
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Absolutely! You can dice fresh potatoes into small cubes, parboil them until slightly tender, and use them instead of tater tots for a homemade touch.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can assemble it ahead of time and freeze it before baking. Just be sure to bake it from frozen; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
This Sausage Gravy Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, sure to satisfy the whole family. With its delightful combination of textures and flavors, it’s perfect for lazy mornings or any gathering where comfort food is on the menu. Try it out and embrace the magic of tater tots and savory sausage—deliciousness awaits!