Southern Breakfast Enchiladas: Prepare to ditch your usual breakfast routine because I’m about to introduce you to a flavor explosion that will redefine your mornings! Imagine the comforting warmth of Southern cuisine colliding with the zesty kick of Mexican flavors – that’s precisely what these enchiladas deliver. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience.
While enchiladas are traditionally a Mexican dish, this Southern twist is a delightful innovation, blending the best of both culinary worlds. Think creamy grits, savory sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, and a generous helping of cheese, all wrapped in warm tortillas and smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion.
People adore this dish for its incredible taste and texture. The combination of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy elements creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize the fillings to suit your preferences, adding your favorite vegetables, meats, or cheeses. And let’s be honest, who can resist a dish that’s both comforting and exciting? These Southern Breakfast Enchiladas are guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this unforgettable breakfast creation!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (I prefer Jimmy Dean’s regular)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Pinch of salt and pepper for the eggs
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado slices, hot sauce
Preparing the Sausage Filling
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. This is a crucial step for flavor, so don’t rush it! You want those nice browned bits.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The aroma at this point is just amazing!
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), chopped green chilies, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined and heated through. This is your creamy, flavorful enchilada sauce base. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – maybe a little extra chili powder if you like a kick!
Assembling the Enchiladas
- Warm the Tortillas: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly warm the corn tortillas. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for about 30 seconds, or by quickly heating them on a dry skillet. This makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking when you roll them.
- Fill and Roll: Spread about 1/3 cup of the sausage mixture down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with a little bit of cheddar cheese (save the rest for topping!). Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining sausage mixture evenly over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Don’t be shy with the cheese!
Baking the Enchiladas
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through. The cheese should be nicely browned and slightly crispy.
Preparing the Scrambled Eggs
- Whisk the Eggs: While the enchiladas are baking, prepare the scrambled eggs. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Cook the Eggs: Melt a tablespoon of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are set but still slightly moist. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll be dry. I like mine a little on the softer side.
Serving and Enjoying!
- Serve: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Plate and Top: Serve each portion of enchiladas with a generous helping of scrambled eggs on top.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and hot sauce. A dollop of sour cream is also delicious!
- Enjoy! Dig in and enjoy your delicious Southern Breakfast Enchiladas! This is a hearty and flavorful breakfast that’s perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and green chilies to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, use mild diced tomatoes and green chilies. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sausage mixture.
- Meat Options: You can substitute the breakfast sausage with ground beef, chorizo, or even shredded chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based sausage substitute and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the filling.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing: These enchiladas freeze well. Assemble them, but don’t bake them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
- Tortilla Tip: If your tortillas are still cracking even after warming them, try dipping them briefly in the enchilada sauce before filling and rolling. This will make them even more pliable.
- Egg Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of scrambled eggs, you can top the enchiladas with fried eggs or even a poached egg.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes about 6 servings. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd.
- Leftovers: Leftover enchiladas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven.
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 550-650 per serving
- Fat: 35-45 grams
- Protein: 30-40 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
Why I Love This Recipe:
This Southern Breakfast Enchiladas recipe is a family favorite for so many reasons! First, it’s incredibly delicious. The combination of savory sausage, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness is simply irresistible. Second, it’s relatively easy to make, especially if you prepare the sausage filling ahead of time. Third, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Everyone always loves these enchiladas, whether it’s for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a potluck gathering. And finally, it’s versatile. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your own tastes and preferences. So go ahead and give it a try – I’m sure you’ll love it as much as we do!
Conclusion:
So there you have it! These Southern Breakfast Enchiladas are more than just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavor, a comforting hug on a plate, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it effortlessly blends the familiar warmth of Southern comfort food with the exciting zest of Mexican cuisine. The creamy sausage gravy, the fluffy scrambled eggs, the melted cheese – it all comes together in perfect harmony, creating a breakfast (or brunch, or even dinner!) experience that you won’t soon forget.
But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to make it your own. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sausage gravy or use a hot breakfast sausage. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, swap out the sausage for black beans, corn, and bell peppers. You could even add some chopped avocado or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities! These enchiladas are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a side of fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad. A dollop of your favorite salsa or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a vibrant finishing touch. And for the ultimate Southern experience, serve them with a side of crispy hash browns or grits.
I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect dish for a weekend brunch with friends, a special family breakfast, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. The beauty of these Southern Breakfast Enchiladas lies in their ability to bring people together and create lasting memories.
Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly long list of ingredients or steps. I’ve broken it down into manageable chunks, and I promise, the end result is well worth the effort. Plus, the aroma that will fill your kitchen while these are baking is simply divine!
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. I’ve tried to make this recipe as easy as possible, but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below. I’m always happy to help!
And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories on social media using #SouthernBreakfastEnchiladas – I can’t wait to see your creations! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to improve and share recipes that you’ll love.
So go ahead, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. I promise, these Southern Breakfast Enchiladas will become a new favorite in your household. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.
Southern Breakfast Enchiladas: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Savory Southern Breakfast Enchiladas filled with sausage, onions, and peppers in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Topped with scrambled eggs and your favorite garnishes for a hearty and flavorful brunch!
Ingredients
Instructions
Recipe Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and green chilies to your liking.
- Meat Options: You can substitute the breakfast sausage with ground beef, chorizo, or even shredded chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based sausage substitute and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the filling.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing: These enchiladas freeze well. Assemble them, but don’t bake them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
- Tortilla Tip: If your tortillas are still cracking even after warming them, try dipping them briefly in the enchilada sauce before filling and rolling. This will make them even more pliable.
- Egg Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of scrambled eggs, you can top the enchiladas with fried eggs or even a poached egg.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes about 6 servings. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd.
- Leftovers: Leftover enchiladas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven.