Cheese, Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

For Christmas morning breakfast, I made ahead a Cheese, Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole. It is super easy to make ahead. I actually think it tastes better left overnight because all of the cheese sauce really seeps into the tater tots. Yes that is correct the potato in the recipe is tater tots! Yummy! I have got to come up with a snazzier name for this recipe - any ideas, let me know!

Cheese, Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

1 bag frozen Tater Tots (hash browns work too)
1 lb Smoked Sausage (I used a smoked turkey polish sausage)
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
12 oz cheddar cheese
Paprika

Grease a 9 x 13 pan and put the frozen tater tots in the pan. Cut the sausage into half moons and mix into the pan with the tater tots. Note: If the sausage you are using is not smoked or pre-cooked, definitely cook the sausage first!

Mix all of the remaining ingredients (except for the cheese and paprika) in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed and smooth. Use a whisk to ensure the flour and ingredients do not clump together by constantly stirring it. Then add the cheese and whisk under cheese is melted and smooth. Pour the cheese sauce over the potato/sausage mix in the pan. Then sprinkle the desired amount of paprika on top.

If you bake right away, bake in a preheated oven set to 350 for 35-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Then enjoy nice and hot!

I wish I had a picture of the casserole because it looks scrumptious - maybe next time!