CHEESY GRAVY HASH
For those local to WV, this is a copycat recipe of the Tudor’s Biscuit World “Big Tator.” (But better 😉) My husband and toddler LOVE this easy breakfast meal.
Ingredients:
4 large eggs
1lb ground sausage
Approx. 1/4 bag of frozen hashbrowns
2-3 cups of whole milk
8tbsp salted butter
1 cup fiesta cheese (or your favorite cheese)
1tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1tbsp salt
3tbsp black pepper
1tbsp dried thyme
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1. Brown the sausage. Do not drain.
2. Once the sausage is fully cooked, season it with the thyme, salt, and 2tbsp pepper. Add in 2tbsp butter and 1tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined.
3. Turn the heat to medium, and add in 2 cups of milk. Stir well.
4. Let the milk and sausage cook together for about 2-3mins, then add in half of your flour, so 1/8 cup. Stir often.
5. While the flour is cooking into the gravy, start on your hashbrowns. Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a pan or griddle.
6. Add in the hashbrowns, spread them out, and add in 4 additional tbsp of butter (cubed) and spread through the hashbrowns, so they’ll soften. Season them with 1tbsp black pepper.
7. Come back to your gravy. Add in the remainder of the flour and stir. If it is already thick, add in milk as needed. Stir. Bring to a simmer, and turn the heat to low.
8. By this time, everything should be almost done, so start on the scrambled eggs.
9. In a small bowl, mix together 4 eggs and a little bit of milk.
10. Melt 1tbsp butter in a pan. Cook and scramble the eggs until they’re fully cooked.
11. Once the eggs and hashbrowns are fully cooked, combine them together.
12. Line a baking dish with a little bit of gravy, layer it with your hash/egg mixture, add the remainder of the gravy, and top with cheese (as much or as little as you want).
13. Broil in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown just a little.
14. Enjoy!!
My family absolutely adores this Cheesy Gravy Hash, and honestly, it’s become our Sunday brunch staple. If you’re like me and have a soft spot for Tudor’s Big Tator, you’ll find this homemade version hits all the right notes – and then some! Making it from scratch means you get to control every delicious detail, ensuring a truly satisfying and heartwarming meal that tastes even better than the original. Let's talk about perfecting each component. For those crispy, golden shredded hash browns, don't overcrowd your pan. A single layer allows them to get that lovely crunch. And don't skimp on the butter! It's key for flavor and browning. Seasoning them with a generous pinch of black pepper and a dash of salt while they cook makes all the difference. The gravy is really the heart of this dish. Getting that perfect creamy consistency with the ground sausage is simpler than you think. After browning the sausage, the key is to really whisk in the flour until it’s fully incorporated before slowly adding the milk. If it gets too thick, a little extra milk will loosen it up. For an extra layer of savory depth, don't forget that Worcestershire sauce – it's a secret weapon! And of course, the fiesta blend cheese melts beautifully into it, creating that irresistible gooey texture. When it comes to the scrambled eggs, I find a small amount of milk whisked in makes them extra fluffy. Cook them gently over medium-low heat; you want them just set, not dry. They'll continue to cook slightly when baked in the baking dish. Want to customize your hash? Feel free to experiment! Instead of fiesta blend cheese, try sharp cheddar or a Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. You could also add some finely diced onions or bell peppers to the sausage while it browns for an extra veggie boost. For a spicier kick, use hot sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy. Some folks even like to crumble cooked bacon or ham in with the hash browns for even more meaty goodness. This recipe is also great for meal prepping! You can cook the sausage and gravy mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. The hash browns can be par-cooked, and the eggs scrambled, then everything assembled later. Just layer it all into your baking dish, top with cheese, and broil when you're ready for a fresh, hot meal. And for serving, while this Cheesy Gravy Hash is a complete meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit. I often serve it with a bowl of vibrant strawberries and blueberries – the sweetness and freshness cut through the richness of the hash beautifully. A simple side salad also works if you're leaning more towards a lunch or dinner option. Enjoy making this delicious, easy, and undeniably better homemade Big Tator copycat!