Description
This Breakfast Shepherd’s Pie combines savory breakfast sausage, creamy scrambled eggs, rich cheese, and crispy tater tots baked together to create a comforting and hearty morning meal perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Gravy
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (or plant-based substitute)
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Eggs
- 6 eggs
- ½ cup milk
Assembly
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Sausage: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Gravy: Using the same skillet, add the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk to create a smooth gravy. Allow it to thicken while stirring often. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, mixing it into the gravy.
- Scramble the Eggs: In a bowl, whisk together the 6 eggs with ½ cup milk. Lightly scramble the eggs in a separate greased pan over medium-low heat, removing them from heat slightly before fully set to keep them moist and tender.
- Assemble the Layers: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the scrambled eggs evenly on the bottom of the dish as the first layer. Pour the sausage and gravy mixture on top of the eggs evenly. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage gravy layer.
- Add Tater Tots and Bake: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer covering the cheese completely. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute breakfast sausage with a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option.
- Do not overcook the scrambled eggs initially; they will finish cooking in the oven and remain moist.
- Adding garlic powder to the gravy is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the tater tots for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add additional baking time if baking from cold.
