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This sausage gravy breakfast tater tot casserole is one-skillet comfort food at its finest. Creamy, peppery sausage gravy is buried under a crispy golden lid of tater tots, making it perfect for breakfast or dinner. It is the kind of crowd-pleasing dish that always disappears fast at my family brunches.
This casserole became a weekend favorite after I first whipped it up for a sleepover breakfast. Now my sister requests it every time she visits because everyone goes back for seconds.
Ingredients
- Breakfast sausage: choose gluten free for dietary needs. Use a flavor you love because it provides the backbone of the gravy
- Riced cauliflower: totally optional but sneaks in extra veggies without anyone noticing. I grab the fresh kind from the produce section for best texture
- Gluten free flour blend: helps thicken the gravy while keeping it celiac friendly. Use a fine milling so your gravy stays smooth
- Milk: select your favorite dairy or non dairy milk. Room temperature milk dissolves into the roux better for the creamiest gravy
- Homemade seasoned salt: brings savory flavor make your own or use a low sodium store bought version without anti-caking agents
- Fresh ground black pepper: the key to real country style sausage gravy. Adjust to your spice tolerance
- Frozen tater tots: classic potato crunch on top. Bake them straight from the freezer for best results and look for extra crunchy brands
- Chopped green onions: add fresh color and zippy flavor at the end. Pick crisp, bright ones and store them chilled until ready to garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage and Cauliflower:
- Crumble the sausage into a large oven safe skillet over medium high heat. Add riced cauliflower and cook everything together for five to seven minutes stirring often so you get little brown bits and there is no pink left in the sausage
- Make the Gravy Base:
- Lower the heat to medium. Sprinkle the gluten free flour blend evenly over the meat. Stir for one minute to cook off any raw flour flavor and make sure every piece gets coated so the gravy thickens evenly
- Add the Milk and Thicken:
- Pour in the milk a splash at a time whisking the whole time to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until all the milk is in then add seasoned salt and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for three to four minutes until it thickens just enough to coat your spoon
- Top with Tater Tots:
- Take the skillet off the heat and carefully arrange frozen tater tots on top of the gravy in a circular spiral for a pretty finish or just scatter them evenly for maximum crunch
- Bake to Finish:
- Move the skillet to your preheated oven and bake according to the tater tot package directions usually twenty to twenty five minutes at high heat until the tops are golden crisp and sizzling
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for five minutes after baking so the gravy sets up. Shower with green onions and a few extra cracks of black pepper if you like
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The sausage is my personal favorite part especially when lightly browned and tucked under that crispy potato crust. My family always gathers around the skillet and argues over who gets the crispiest edge pieces straight from the oven.
Storage Tips
This casserole keeps very well for up to three days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly and reheat low and slow in the oven to re-crisp the tater tots. You can even portion and freeze slices if you wrap them well. Just know that tots will lose some crunch after freezing but it is still delicious.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out breakfast sausage for ground turkey or spicy Italian sausage for a change. Omit the cauliflower if you prefer or use finely chopped mushrooms for more umami. If not gluten sensitive regular all purpose flour works perfectly. For dairy free try unsweetened almond milk and vegan butter for the roux.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hot from the skillet for a true comfort food meal. Top leftovers with a runny fried egg or hot sauce for a brunch upgrade. Pair with a crisp green salad or fresh fruit if you want to round out a heavier breakfast.
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Cultural and Historical Context
Tater tot casseroles rose in popularity thanks to American home cooks seeking quick hearty meals for busy mornings. Sausage gravy is a classic from the southern table and the combination celebrates that stick to your ribs tradition with a crispy golden twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use regular sausage instead of gluten-free?
Yes, any breakfast sausage works well. Choose your favorite variety for the base layer.
- → What milk is best for the gravy?
Whole, low-fat, or plant-based milks all provide creamy results. Room temperature milk blends most smoothly.
- → Do I have to include riced cauliflower?
No, cauliflower is optional. It adds subtle texture and nutrition, but can be omitted if preferred.
- → How can I ensure crispy tater tots?
Arrange tots in a single layer and bake as directed on the package for the best golden, crisp finish.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish in advance and bake just before serving to maintain crispness of the topping.