These Tater Tot Ranch Sausage Cups are a fun and savory breakfast or brunch option that combines crispy tater tots, seasoned sausage, and a flavorful ranch twist. They're easy to assemble and perfect for serving at a weekend gathering or a quick weekday meal.
Ingredients (Makes 12 cups)
- 24 frozen tater tots
- 1/2 lb breakfast sausage (crumbled and cooked)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
Prepare the Tater Tot Base:
- Place 2 tater tots in each muffin cup, arranging them in a way that forms a crust along the bottom and sides.
Bake the Tater Tot Crust:
- Bake the tater tots in the muffin tin for 10-12 minutes, until they're crispy and golden brown.
Cook the Sausage:
- While the tater tots are baking, crumble and cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Cups:
- Once the tater tots are ready, remove the muffin tin from the oven. Spoon the sausage mixture evenly into each tater tot cup.
Add Cheese and Bake Again:
- Top each cup with shredded cheese and return the muffin tin to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the cups cool for a minute or two. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Make it Spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sausage mixture if you like a bit of heat.
- Swap Ingredients: Feel free to customize the filling by adding veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the cups ahead of time and refrigerate them, then bake when you're ready to serve.
These Tater Tot Ranch Sausage Cups are a tasty, bite-sized breakfast option that’s crispy, creamy, and full of savory goodness—perfect for any time of day!
