Believe me, the sauce is what makes this recipe amazing.

There’s something incredibly comforting about starting your day with a hearty breakfast bowl. This southern style tater tot sausage breakfast bowl with gravy combines all of my favorite breakfast components into one delicious dish. I remember my grandma making something similar when I was a kid, and this is my modern twist on her classic recipe. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch or even a quick make-ahead option for busy weekday mornings.

This breakfast bowl is pretty hearty on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, consider serving it with a side of fresh fruit or a simple mixed greens salad to balance the richness. A glass of fresh orange juice or a cup of coffee also pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of this dish.

Servings: 4

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1 pound breakfast sausage
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

1. Preheat your oven according to the tater tots package instructions. Arrange the tater tots on a baking sheet and cook as directed until they are crispy and golden brown.

2. While the tater tots are baking, crumble and cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.

3. To the same skillet with sausage drippings, add the flour and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes a creamy gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the gravy. Keep warm over low heat.

5. In another skillet, cook the eggs to your preference (scrambled, sunny-side up, or over-easy).

6. To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked tater tots into four serving bowls. Top each with a generous portion of sausage gravy, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.

7. Place one cooked egg on top of each bowl and garnish with fresh chives if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage and low-fat milk or a milk alternative. If you prefer a bit of spice, try adding some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the gravy. You can also mix in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to add more texture and flavor. For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of sausage drippings for the gravy.