Breakfast Burritos: The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Morning Burritos

Breakfast burritos: the ultimate morning fuel, portable comfort food, and customizable culinary adventure all rolled into one! Forget boring toast or bland cereal; we’re diving headfirst into a world of savory goodness wrapped in a warm tortilla. Have you ever wondered how such a simple concept could become a global breakfast phenomenon?

The history of the breakfast burrito is a delicious blend of Mexican and American influences. While the exact origins are debated, many believe they emerged in the southwestern United States, drawing inspiration from traditional Mexican burritos. Over time, resourceful cooks began stuffing them with classic American breakfast staples like eggs, bacon, and cheese, creating the breakfast burrito we know and love today.

But what makes breakfast burritos so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors! Imagine biting into a soft, warm tortilla filled with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and maybe a kick of spicy salsa. The possibilities are truly endless! Plus, they’re incredibly convenient. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch, a breakfast burrito is a satisfying and easy-to-eat option. In this article, I’ll show you how to make the perfect breakfast burrito, tailored to your own unique tastes. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (I prefer Jimmy Dean regular)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for a little kick!)
• 10 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
• 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
• 10 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
• Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables:

1. Start by browning the sausage. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble the breakfast sausage and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
2. Drain any excess grease. Once the sausage is cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. You can use a spoon to scoop out the sausage, leaving the grease behind, or carefully pour the grease into a heat-safe container.
3. Sauté the vegetables. Add the olive oil or vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender, but not mushy.
4. Combine sausage and vegetables. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine everything evenly. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm while you prepare the eggs.

Scrambling the Eggs:

1. Whisk the eggs. In a large bowl, crack the 10 eggs. Add the milk or cream, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and slightly frothy. The milk or cream helps to make the eggs extra fluffy.
2. Cook the eggs. Pour the egg mixture into a clean skillet (or the same skillet after wiping it clean). Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently with a spatula, until the eggs are cooked through but still slightly moist. You don’t want to overcook them, or they’ll become dry and rubbery. Gently push the cooked egg from the edges to the center, allowing the uncooked egg to flow underneath.
3. Add cheese to the eggs. Once the eggs are almost fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your cheese blend) evenly over the top. Continue cooking for another minute or two, until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Assembling the Burritos:

1. Warm the tortillas. This is a crucial step! Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-20 seconds per side, or until they are pliable and easy to fold. You can also warm them in the microwave by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for about 30 seconds. Warming the tortillas prevents them from cracking when you fold them.
2. Spread refried beans. Lay a warmed tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of refried beans evenly over the center of the tortilla, leaving about an inch or two of space around the edges. The refried beans act as a “glue” to hold everything together and add a creamy texture.
3. Add sausage and vegetable mixture. Spoon a generous amount of the sausage and vegetable mixture over the refried beans. Don’t overfill the tortilla, or it will be difficult to fold.
4. Add scrambled eggs and cheese. Top the sausage and vegetable mixture with a scoop of the cheesy scrambled eggs. Again, be mindful of the amount you’re adding to avoid overfilling.
5. Fold the burrito. To fold the burrito, start by folding in the sides of the tortilla towards the center. Then, fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up and over the filling, tucking it tightly. Roll the burrito forward, keeping it snug and secure.
6. Repeat. Repeat steps 2-5 with the remaining tortillas and filling until all the burritos are assembled.

Optional: Grilling or Pan-Frying the Burritos:

1. Heat a skillet or grill pan. If you want to add a little extra flavor and crispness to your burritos, you can grill or pan-fry them. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Cook the burritos. Place the assembled burritos in the hot skillet or grill pan, seam-side down. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. Press down gently with a spatula to help them brown evenly.
3. Serve immediately. Remove the burritos from the skillet or grill pan and serve immediately.

Serving and Storage:

Serve your breakfast burritos hot with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce. These burritos are also great for meal prepping! You can wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for a minute or two, or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

For longer storage, you can freeze the burritos. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat frozen burritos, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then microwave or bake them as described above.

Tips and Variations:

• Customize your fillings. Feel free to customize the fillings to your liking. You can add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or diced potatoes. You can also use different types of meat, such as bacon, chorizo, or shredded chicken.
• Add some spice. If you like your burritos spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture. You can also use a spicier sausage or add more jalapeños.
• Make them vegetarian. To make vegetarian breakfast burritos, simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables or black beans. You can also use a vegetarian sausage substitute.
• Use different cheeses. Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or cotija cheese.
• Make them ahead of time. These burritos are perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble them the night before and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.
• Add potatoes. Diced and cooked potatoes are a great addition to these burritos. I like to use Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture.
• Don’t overfill the tortillas! This is the most common mistake people make when making burritos. If you overfill the tortillas, they will be difficult to fold and will likely tear.
• Warm the tortillas properly. As mentioned earlier, warming the tortillas is essential for preventing them from cracking. Make sure they are pliable and easy to fold before you start assembling the burritos.
• Use high-quality ingredients. The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your burritos will taste. Use fresh vegetables, good quality sausage, and your favorite cheese.

Enjoy your homemade breakfast burritos!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s your new go-to for a satisfying and customizable meal! These breakfast burritos are a game-changer, offering a delicious and convenient way to start your day, fuel a busy afternoon, or even enjoy a quick and easy dinner. The combination of fluffy scrambled eggs, savory fillings, and warm tortillas creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

But what truly makes these burritos a must-try is their incredible versatility. Feel free to experiment with different fillings to create your perfect burrito masterpiece. Craving something spicy? Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce, some diced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Prefer a vegetarian option? Load up on black beans, corn, bell peppers, and onions. The possibilities are endless!

Beyond the fillings, consider the serving options. These breakfast burritos are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a side of fresh salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside some crispy breakfast potatoes or a refreshing fruit salad. And don’t forget the drinks! A cup of coffee, a glass of orange juice, or even a refreshing smoothie will perfectly complement your burrito experience.

Here are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* The “Fiesta” Burrito: Add chorizo, black beans, corn, and a generous dollop of salsa.
* The “Veggie Lover’s” Burrito: Fill with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
* The “Spicy Southwest” Burrito: Incorporate diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a smoky chipotle sauce.
* The “Sweet and Savory” Burrito: Add a touch of sweetness with caramelized onions and a drizzle of maple syrup.
* Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the burritos ahead of time, wrap them individually in foil, and freeze them for a quick and easy breakfast on busy mornings. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s about creating something delicious and satisfying that you can enjoy on your own or share with loved ones. It’s about taking a few simple ingredients and transforming them into something truly special.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to create some amazing breakfast burritos! I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures. Don’t be shy – share your photos, variations, and feedback in the comments below. Let’s build a community of burrito enthusiasts and inspire each other with our delicious creations. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! I am sure you will love this recipe and make it your own. Remember to have fun and experiment with different flavors to find your perfect burrito combination. Enjoy!