Tot Waffle Breakfast Stacks Recipe

This hearty Tot Waffle Breakfast Stacks recipe is made with crispy tater tots pressed into a waffle, layered with savory sausage, melted cheddar cheese, and a fried egg. This recipe creates a perfectly cheesy and savory breakfast masterpiece, packed with amazing flavor. It’s a fun brunch for the weekend or a special breakfast-for-dinner treat, making 4 impressive stacks.

Tot Waffle Breakfast Stacks Ingredients

• 3 cups frozen tater tots, thawed slightly (about 15 minutes at room temperature)
• 1 lb (450g) ground breakfast sausage
• 4 large eggs
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• Cooking spray or a small amount of vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp sliced green onions or fresh chives, for garnish (optional)
• Hot sauce or maple syrup, for serving (optional)

How To Make Tot Waffle Breakfast Stacks

1. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground sausage until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Divide the cooked sausage into four portions and form them into thin patties. Keep them warm.
2. Preheat the waffle iron: Preheat your waffle iron to a medium-high setting. Once hot, lightly coat the top and bottom plates with cooking spray or oil.
3. Make the tot waffles: Arrange a single layer of the slightly thawed tater tots to cover the surface of the bottom waffle plate. Close the lid and press down firmly to smash the tots. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tots have formed a crispy, golden-brown waffle.
4. Melt the cheese: Carefully remove the hot tot waffle from the iron and place it on a plate. Immediately top it with a slice of cheddar cheese so it begins to melt. Repeat the process to make four tot waffles.
5. Fry the eggs: While the last waffle is cooking, fry the four eggs in the skillet to your desired doneness (sunny-side up or over-easy is recommended for a runny yolk).
6. Assemble the stacks: To build your stack, start with the cheesy tot waffle on the bottom. Place a warm sausage patty on top of the cheese, then finish with a freshly fried egg.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the stacks with sliced green onions or chives and serve immediately with a drizzle of hot sauce or maple syrup, if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Slightly Thaw the Tots: Don’t use the tater tots straight from frozen. Letting them thaw on the counter for about 15 minutes makes them much easier to smash together, which helps them form a solid, cohesive waffle.
• Press Firmly: When you first close the waffle iron lid, press down firmly for a few seconds. This is key to mashing the tots together and ensuring they get crispy all over.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Iron: For the crispiest results, place the tots in a single, even layer without overlapping them too much. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of getting that beautiful golden-brown color.
• Prep Your Toppings: The tot waffles cook relatively quickly. Have your sausage cooked and your cheese ready to go so you can assemble the stacks while everything is hot and the cheese melts perfectly.

What To Serve With Tot Waffle Breakfast Stacks

These Tot Waffle Breakfast Stacks are a full meal in one, but they pair nicely with a few simple breakfast sides. A side of fresh fruit like sliced melon, berries, or avocado slices can provide a refreshing and cool contrast to the hot, savory stack. For a true diner-style experience, serve them with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice.

How To Store Tot Waffle Breakfast Stacks Leftovers

Refrigerate: These stacks are definitely best enjoyed immediately while the waffle is crispy and the egg yolk is runny. If you do have leftovers, it is best to store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, crisp up the tot waffle in a toaster oven or an air fryer, and gently warm the sausage and egg in a skillet.

Tot Waffle Breakfast Stacks Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 stack
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Total Fat: 48g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 310mg
• Sodium: 1150mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 25g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this without a waffle iron? Yes, you can! Heat a non-stick skillet with a little oil over medium heat. Place the thawed tots in the pan and use a spatula to press them down firmly into a flat, round patty. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy, similar to a hash brown.
• What other meat can I use instead of sausage? This recipe is very versatile. You could substitute the sausage with a few strips of crispy bacon, a slice of Canadian bacon or ham, or even some leftover shredded barbecue pork for a fun twist.
• Can I make the tot waffles ahead of time? Yes. You can cook the tot waffles, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in a toaster, an air fryer, or a hot oven for a few minutes to get them crispy again.
• Are these breakfast stacks spicy? The base recipe is savory, not spicy. However, you can easily add some heat by using a spicy breakfast sausage, adding a slice of pepper jack cheese, or finishing your stack with a generous drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.

Try More Recipes:

• Turkey Bacon Wafflewich Recipe
• Ultimate Breakfast Bakes Recipe
• Vanilla Berry Yogurt Parfaits Recipe