Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Why These Southern Breakfast Enchiladas Are Special
What makes these Southern breakfast enchiladas stand out from your typical morning fare? It’s the perfect marriage of Southern comfort food with Tex-Mex flair. The star of the show is undoubtedly the homemade sausage gravy – that velvety, peppery sauce that blankets each enchilada like a warm hug. Combined with the hearty filling and the convenience of being able to prep ahead, these enchiladas are destined to become your go-to recipe for special occasions.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, feeding a hungry crowd, or simply want to treat your family to something special, these Southern breakfast enchiladas deliver on all fronts. Plus, you can assemble them the night before and simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
The Perfect Ingredients for Success
For the Enchilada Filling:
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (hot or mild, depending on your preference)
- 8 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups frozen hash browns or tater tots, cooked until crispy
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 8 large flour tortillas (fajita-size works perfectly)
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for extra kick)
For the Creamy Sausage Gravy:
- 1/2 pound breakfast sausage (reserve from the filling portion)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
- Hot sauce (we recommend a good smoky chipotle variety)
- Sour cream
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfection
Preparing the Filling
Step 1: Cook the Sausage Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. You want those beautiful, golden-brown crumbles that’ll add incredible flavor to your Southern breakfast enchiladas. Once fully cooked, remove half the sausage and set aside for the gravy. Keep the remaining sausage in the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Hash Browns While the sausage is cooking, prepare your hash browns or tater tots according to package directions. For the best texture, cook them until they’re golden and crispy – this adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy elements of the dish.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs In the same skillet with the remaining sausage, add the butter and let it melt. Pour in the beaten eggs and gently scramble them with the sausage. Here’s the key: don’t overcook them! You want them soft and slightly underdone since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and fold in the green onions and jalapeño if using.
Creating the Legendary Sausage Gravy
Step 4: Build the Gravy Base In a medium saucepan, cook the reserved sausage over medium heat until crispy. Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and stir constantly for about 1 minute – this creates a roux that’ll thicken your gravy beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Milk Gradually whisk in the milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. This is where patience pays off – take your time to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne. Let the gravy simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assembling Your Masterpiece
Step 6: Fill the Tortillas Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay out your tortillas and divide the egg mixture evenly among them, placing about 1/3 cup of filling down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle each with a handful of the mixed cheeses and a few crispy hash browns.
Step 7: Roll and Arrange Roll each tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you go, and place seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. They should fit snugly together, which helps them hold their shape during baking.
Step 8: The Final Touch Pour that gorgeous sausage gravy over the top of all the enchiladas, making sure each one is well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the gravy – this creates a beautiful golden top when baked.
Baking to Perfection
Step 9: Bake Slide your Southern breakfast enchiladas into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden. The enchiladas should be heated through and the gravy should be bubbling around the edges.
Step 10: Rest and Serve Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving – this allows the filling to set slightly and makes them easier to portion. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and serve with sliced avocado and hot sauce on the side.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the enchiladas the night before, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classics, don’t hesitate to experiment with pepper jack for heat or Colby for mildness.
- Tortilla Tip: Warm your tortillas slightly before filling to make them more pliable and prevent cracking.
- Gravy Consistency: If your gravy becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Southern Breakfast Enchiladas
These Southern breakfast enchiladas pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon strips, or even a simple green salad for those who want to balance the richness. For beverages, consider serving with fresh-squeezed orange juice, strong coffee, or even mimosas for a special brunch occasion.
Southern Breakfast Enchiladas
Internal Link Section: More Delicious Recipes to Explore
Since you’re already in the kitchen creating magic, why not explore more fantastic recipes that’ll complement your cooking repertoire? Check out our other amazing categories:
Southern Breakfast Enchiladas
- Breakfast Favorites – Start your day right with more incredible morning dishes
- Hearty Main Dishes – Discover satisfying meals that’ll feed the whole family
- Perfect Sides – Find the ideal accompaniments to round out your meals
- Tasty Snacks – Delicious bites for any time of day
- Flavored Dips & Marinades – Elevate your dishes with these flavor enhancers
- Refreshing Beverages – Perfect drinks to complement your meals
- Irresistible Desserts – Sweet endings to perfect meals
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover Southern breakfast enchiladas keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. For best results, add a splash of milk to prevent the gravy from drying out.Southern Breakfast Enchiladas
The Final Verdict
Southern Breakfast Enchiladas
These Southern breakfast enchiladas represent everything we love about comfort food – they’re hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing. The combination of creamy sausage gravy, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese wrapped in warm tortillas creates a breakfast experience that’s truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re planning a special weekend brunch, hosting overnight guests, or simply want to treat your family to something extraordinary, these Southern breakfast enchiladas deliver on every level. The best part? You can prep them ahead, which means more time to spend with the people you love and less time stressed in the kitchen.
Southern Breakfast Enchiladas
So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and prepare to fall in love with the most comforting breakfast you’ll ever taste. Your family will thank you, and you’ll have a new go-to recipe that’s guaranteed to impress every single time.
Southern Breakfast Enchiladas
heck out this comprehensive cheese guide.
