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!
Variations & Tips
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.