These Breakfast Enchiladas are a delightful southwestern twist on the classic egg casserole. Perfect for brunch gatherings or busy weekday mornings, this dish combines savory breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese all wrapped in warm tortillas. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also deliver on flavor and can be made ahead of time, making them a standout choice for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip these enchiladas up in no time.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare them the night before and let them sit overnight for a hassle-free morning.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sausage, peppers, and cheese creates a hearty and delicious meal everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Serving: Pair with salsa and sour cream for an extra kick or serve them as is for a comforting breakfast.
- Feeds a Crowd: With 10 servings per recipe, it’s perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into cooking your Breakfast Enchiladas, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9 x 13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking the sausage and veggies evenly without crowding.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly before filling the tortillas.
- 9 x 13 inch baking dish: Perfect size to fit all your enchiladas snugly as they bake.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth mixture when blending the eggs and half-and-half.
Ingredients
These breakfast enchiladas are a southwestern take on a classic egg casserole!
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb bulk breakfast sausage
- 1 medium red pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ½ cups Chopped Green Onions
- 2-½ cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Divided
- 10 whole Flour Tortillas
- 2 cups Half-and-half
- 6 whole Eggs
- 1 Tablespoon Flour
- Salsa and Sour Cream, To Serve
How to Make Breakfast Enchiladas
Step 1: Cook the Filling
In a large pan, cook the bulk breakfast sausage with chopped red pepper and onion until the sausage is fully cooked. Stir occasionally to combine flavors. Once done, let it cool slightly. Then:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the cooled sausage mixture with chopped green onions and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Using a 1/3-cup measuring cup, scoop out some of this mixture onto each flour tortilla.
3. Roll up each tortilla tightly and place them seam side down in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare Egg Mixture
In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, and flour until smooth.
2. Pour this mixture over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish.
3. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight.
Step 3: Bake the Enchiladas
On the day of serving:
1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
2. Bake the enchiladas covered for about 30–40 minutes or until the egg mixture is set.
3. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over top and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until melted.
Step 4: Serve
Once baked to perfection, remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing. Serve hot with salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping!
How to Serve Breakfast Enchiladas
Serving breakfast enchiladas can elevate your morning meal experience. These flavorful rolls are versatile and can be paired with various toppings and sides to suit your taste.
Fresh Toppings
- Salsa – Add a zesty kick with your favorite salsa, enhancing the flavors of the enchiladas.
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream provides creaminess that balances the dish perfectly.
- Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado adds richness and pairs well with the spices in the enchiladas.
Garnishes
- Chopped Cilantro – Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and color to your plate.
- Lime Wedges – Squeeze some lime over your enchiladas for a refreshing twist.
- Diced Tomatoes – Fresh tomatoes add a juicy texture and brighten up the dish.
Additional Sides
- Refried Beans – These are a hearty side that complements the main dish well.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad adds a sweet contrast to the savory enchiladas.
How to Perfect Breakfast Enchiladas
Making perfect breakfast enchiladas is easier than you think. With just a few tips, you can ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese make a significant difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overstuff Tortillas – Stuffing too much filling can cause them to break. Use just enough for easy rolling.
- Let Them Sit Overnight – Allowing the tortillas to soak in the egg mixture overnight helps achieve a creamy texture.
- Bake Covered First – Covering while baking ensures even cooking and prevents burning on top.
- Add Cheese at the End – For perfectly melted cheese, sprinkle it on during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Best Side Dishes for Breakfast Enchiladas
Pairing side dishes with breakfast enchiladas can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Refried Beans – Creamy and savory beans that add protein and fiber.
- Mexican Rice – Flavorful rice seasoned with spices complements the enchiladas beautifully.
- Fruit Salad – A mix of fresh fruits adds sweetness and balances out the savory flavors.
- Hash Browns – Crispy hash browns provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft enchiladas.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn is an excellent addition that pairs well with southwestern flavors.
- Mixed Greens Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette refreshes the palate between bites of rich enchiladas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making breakfast enchiladas can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the resting time: Allowing the enchiladas to sit overnight helps the flavors meld. Don’t rush this step!
- Overfilling tortillas: It’s tempting to pack them full, but too much filling can lead to messy enchiladas. Aim for 1/3 cup per tortilla.
- Not greasing the baking dish: A well-greased dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Use cooking spray or oil generously.
- Using low-quality tortillas: Fresh, soft tortillas hold up better during baking. Choose quality flour tortillas for the best results.
- Ignoring cheese distribution: Evenly distributing cheese ensures every bite is cheesy goodness. Sprinkle it on top after baking for a melty finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Breakfast Enchiladas
- Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- These enchiladas can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Breakfast Enchiladas
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and heat covered for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual servings on high for 1-2 minutes until heated evenly.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about breakfast enchiladas that might help you along the way.
What are Breakfast Enchiladas?
Breakfast enchiladas are a delicious twist on traditional enchiladas, filled with eggs, sausage, and cheese, making them perfect for morning meals.
Can I customize my Breakfast Enchiladas?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or swap out the sausage for bacon or chorizo based on your preferences.
How do I make Breakfast Enchiladas ahead of time?
Prepare them as instructed and let them rest overnight in the fridge. This allows flavors to develop and makes morning prep easy!
What toppings go well with Breakfast Enchiladas?
Common toppings include salsa, sour cream, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro. Feel free to get creative!
Final Thoughts
These breakfast enchiladas are not only comforting but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Whether you prefer classic flavors or want to try new combinations, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy Sunday brunches. Give it a try and enjoy customizing it with your favorite ingredients!
Breakfast Enchiladas
Breakfast Enchiladas are a delightful fusion of classic comfort food and southwestern flavors, perfect for brunch gatherings or busy weekday mornings. This easy-to-make dish features savory breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients
- 1 lb bulk breakfast sausage
- 1 medium red pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 10 whole flour tortillas
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 6 whole eggs
- 1 tablespoon flour
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage with the chopped red pepper and onion until fully cooked. Let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled sausage mixture with chopped green onions and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Scoop about 1/3 cup of the mixture onto each tortilla and roll up tightly. Place seam side down in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together half-and-half, eggs, and flour until smooth. Pour over the rolled tortillas.
- Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Bake covered for 30–40 minutes or until set. Add remaining cheese on top and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
