Big Breakfast Box With Tots Recipe

Preheat and season

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss frozen tater tots with 2 tbs vegetable oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.

Bake

Spread seasoned tots in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or a lightly oiled sheet. Bake 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. If you prefer extra crisp, broil 1–2 minutes at the end watching carefully.

Optional cheese finish

If using shredded cheddar, sprinkle it over the hot tots immediately after they come out of the oven so it melts. Keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) while finishing other components.

Mix eggs

Crack 6 eggs into a medium bowl. Add 3 tbs whole milk, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and the chopped chives (if using). Whisk vigorously until homogeneous and slightly frothy; this adds lightness to the scramble.

Cook gently

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and add 2 tbs butter. Once the butter foams but before it browns, pour in the egg mixture. Let sit undisturbed for 10–15 seconds, then gently push and fold cooked edges toward the center with a silicone spatula, tilting the pan to let uncooked egg flow underneath. Continue folding every 10–15 seconds until mostly set but still slightly glossy — about 3–4 minutes total depending on heat.

Finish and rest

Remove the skillet from heat when eggs are slightly underdone; residual heat will finish them. Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Cover loosely and keep warm while assembling boxes.

Cook sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tsp olive oil. Add the breakfast sausage links or patties in a single layer (do not overcrowd). Cook links turning frequently for 12–15 minutes, or patties 6–8 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and exterior is browned. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to rest.

Alternative: bacon

If using bacon instead, lay strips in a cold skillet, turn heat to medium, and cook 8–12 minutes until crisp, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels.

Toast bread

While sausage cooks, toast 8 slices of bread in a toaster or oven until golden and crisp at edges (about 3–5 minutes in toaster, 6–8 minutes at 400°F in oven).

Butter

Spread remaining 2 tbs butter on the hot toast so it melts in. Keep warm in a low oven if needed.

Divide hot tater tots among 4 serving boxes or plates (about 1 cup tots per serving).

Portion scrambled eggs into each box (about 1.5 eggs per serving, i.e., 1.5 egg equivalents — practically divide into four equal portions).

Add two sausage links or two small patties (or 2 slices bacon) to each box.

Place two slices of buttered toast alongside the eggs and sausage (or cut into halves to fit boxes).

Garnish with chopped parsley or extra chives and serve ketchup and hot sauce on the side for dipping.