Breakfast Sausage Gravy Sloppy Joes with Tater Tots

A hearty breakfast sandwich that transforms classic sausage gravy into a handheld meal. Creamy pork sausage gravy with cream cheese richness gets layered with scrambled eggs, melted American cheese, and crispy tater tots on hamburger buns. Perfect for weekend brunch or when you want breakfast flavors in sandwich form. The addition of ketchup adds a tangy contrast to the rich, peppery gravy, while the tater tots provide satisfying crunch that sets this apart from typical breakfast sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 24 tater tots
- 16 ounces pork breakfast sausageturkey sausage1:1healthier
slightly less rich
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 4 large hamburger bunsbrioche buns1:1upgraded
sweeter, richer base
Instructions
- 1
Cook tater tots according to package directions
- 2
Add pork sausage to large skillet and cook on medium high heat, breaking apart
- 3
Cook for 4-5 minutes until fully cooked
- 4
Drain most excess fat, add flour and whisk well until combined, cook for 30 seconds
- 5
Add salt, pepper, cream cheese and milk, whisk together until creamy and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened
- 6
Whisk eggs in small bowl
- 7
Heat large skillet on medium high and add butter
- 8
When melted add eggs and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring once until set
- 9
Flip and cook additional 15 seconds
- 10
Assemble with bottom bun, eggs, American cheese slice, scoop of sausage gravy, tater tots, ketchup, top bun
Tips
Drain excess sausage fat but leave some for flavor and to help the flour mixture cook properly.
Make sure cream cheese is softened or cut into small pieces so it melts smoothly into the gravy.
Toast the buns lightly to prevent them from getting soggy from the gravy and ketchup.
Good to Know
Assembled sandwiches best eaten immediately. Components can be stored separately in refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Sausage gravy can be made 1 day ahead and reheated. Tater tots and eggs are best made fresh.
Serve immediately while tater tots are crispy and cheese is melted. Provide napkins as these are messy.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining sausage fat or gravy will be greasy.
Don't overcook eggs to avoid rubbery texture.
Don't let gravy sit too long or it will thicken too much.
Substitutions
slightly less rich
FAQ
Can I make the sausage gravy ahead of time?
Yes, make it up to 1 day ahead and store refrigerated. Reheat gently and add a splash of milk if it gets too thick.
What if I don't have cream cheese?
You can substitute with 2 tablespoons of sour cream or just use extra milk, though the gravy won't be as rich and creamy.
How long will assembled sandwiches keep?
These are best eaten immediately. The tater tots will lose crispness and buns may get soggy if stored assembled.