Brunch: always one of my FAVORITE things about the weekend! It’s always a treat to go out to a nice brunch, but sometimes even more enjoyable when you can make something just as nice, creative and delicious at home (and, of course, saving some money is never a bad deal!). This dish was inspired from my love of grits after having them in North Carolina last fall. One of my favorite ways they were prepared was with whole milk (instead of water) and with cheese incorporated in. This makes for a very rich and savory dish with a punch of great flavor. I really wanted to make grits for breakfast, but then was trying to make a decision: what do I pair with them? I got the idea to top them with two of my favorite breakfast things (and ones I don’t get to have all the time and it is always a treat): bacon and baked tater tots! So good! Pair with an avocado and egg on the side, and you get a very filling, satisfying and flavorful meal! So, if you are looking for something a bit creative and different for a delicious brunch, you should definitely give this a go! Enjoy! 🙂

Makes 1 Serving (Can easily be multiplied)

Recipe by © Alysha Melnyk 2018

Kitchen Tools:

Fry Pan

Baking Sheet

Oven

Small Sauce Pan with Lid

Ingredients:

2 Slices Bacon, Cooked (*You can cook the whole pack too for more servings or to save for later.)

1 Serving Tater Tots, Cooked to Package Instructions* (I used Alexia Crispy Seasoned Potato Puffs. You can also cook the whole bag and save these.)

1/4 Dry Corn Grits, Cooked According to Package Instructions* (I used Bob’s Red Mill Corn Grits but subbed 1/3 cup whole milk for water and didn’t add butter or salt.)

1/4 Cup Shredded Cheese of Choice (I used Asiago)

1 Large Egg, Cooked to Liking (I fried mine in olive oil and covered it until top was set slightly)

1/2 Avocado, Cubed

For Topping: Hot Sauce, Black Pepper

*Each brand is a bit different in terms of how to cook, so I find it’s best to refer to the package for optimal cooking.

Featured Artists/Products:

Square Platter by Jeremy Ogusky, Creater of Ogusky Ceramics (based in Jamaica Plan, MA)

Instructions:

1. First, fry bacon to liking and set aside.
2. Next, cook tater tots according to package instructions.
3. When tater tots have about 20 minutes left of baking, start cooking grits according to package instructions (*Just a reminder, I subbed milk for water for creamier grits. Remember to stir constantly while cooking to avoid burning).
4. Once grits are cooked, stir in 1/4 cup shredded cheese of choice, cover and set aside.
5. Cook egg to liking (I fried mine in olive oil).
6. Next, spoon grits on serving plate, top with tater tots, bacon and black pepper.
7. Pair with avocado and fried egg.
8. Drizzle with hot sauce and season with black pepper.
9. Enjoy! 🙂