Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas
Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas: Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm, cheesy enchiladas, ready to be enjoyed without any morning fuss. This isn’t a dream; it’s the delicious reality you can create with this simple yet spectacular recipe! I’ve perfected this make-ahead marvel, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
While the concept of breakfast enchiladas might seem modern, the foundation of this dish draws inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Mexico. Enchiladas themselves boast a long and storied history, evolving from simple corn tortillas filled with various ingredients to the diverse and flavorful creations we know and love today. This recipe takes that heritage and gives it a convenient, delightful twist perfect for busy mornings.
What makes Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas so popular? It’s the perfect blend of convenience and incredible taste. The overnight preparation means you wake up to a hot, satisfying breakfast without lifting a finger before your coffee. The combination of fluffy eggs, savory chorizo (or your favorite protein!), and melted cheese creates a symphony of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible. It’s hearty enough to fuel you through a busy morning, yet comforting enough to make you feel like you’re indulging in a weekend brunch.
Forget about rushed mornings and complicated breakfast routines. This recipe is your secret weapon for a delicious and stress-free start to the day. Let’s dive in and create some magical Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chorizo sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
- Avocado slices, for serving (optional)
Preparing the Chorizo Filling:
- I always start by browning the chorizo. In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the chorizo and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and the fat is rendered. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for flavor!
- Once the chorizo is cooked, I add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. I like to stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, I add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Now it’s time for the flavor bomb! I stir in the undrained can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). I season generously with salt and pepper.
- I bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Preparing the Egg Batter:
- While the chorizo filling simmers, I whisk together the eggs and milk in a medium bowl until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps!
- I then stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. I reserve the other half for topping later.
Assembling the Enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important for perfectly cooked enchiladas.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use cooking spray, but you can also use a little oil or butter.
- Now comes the fun part – assembling! I take each corn tortilla and fill it with about 1/4 cup of the chorizo filling. Don’t overfill them, or they’ll be difficult to roll.
- I roll each filled tortilla tightly and place it seam-down in the prepared baking dish. I arrange them snugly together.
- Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, I pour the egg batter evenly over them, making sure they’re all coated. This is what makes them extra delicious and keeps them moist.
- I sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Don’t be shy with the cheese!
Baking and Serving:
- I bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
- Once they’re baked, I let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to cool slightly and makes them easier to handle.
- I garnish them with chopped cilantro and serve them hot, with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and avocado slices, if desired. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the chorizo filling.
- Feel free to substitute other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- If you don’t have corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas instead.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chorizo and use a mixture of sautéed vegetables instead.
- These enchiladas can be made ahead of time and baked the next morning. Simply assemble them the night before, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
So there you have it – my recipe for Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas! I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, the convenience is unparalleled. Preparing these the night before means you wake up to a warm, delicious breakfast ready in minutes, perfect for busy mornings. No more frantic scrambles to get breakfast on the table before rushing out the door! Second, the flavor profile is simply incredible. The combination of savory eggs, spicy chorizo (or your preferred protein!), and the rich, cheesy enchilada sauce is a symphony of tastes that will leave you completely satisfied. And third, the versatility is amazing! This isn’t just a one-trick pony; it’s a breakfast chameleon, adapting to your preferences and dietary needs.
Why You Need to Make These Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas
Let’s be honest, we all crave a breakfast that’s both delicious and easy. These Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas deliver on both fronts, making them a perfect addition to your weekend brunch repertoire or a weekday lifesaver. The make-ahead nature allows you to enjoy a truly satisfying and flavorful breakfast without sacrificing precious morning time. Imagine waking up to the aroma of warm, cheesy enchiladas – pure breakfast bliss! This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who wants to elevate their breakfast game without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and culinary excellence.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
While the recipe stands beautifully on its own, there are endless possibilities for customization and serving. For a spicier kick, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses would be fantastic. If you’re not a fan of chorizo, substitute with cooked bacon, sausage, ham, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. You can also add sautéed vegetables like onions, peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients. Serve these enchiladas with a side of fresh salsa, sour cream, avocado, or a simple side salad for a complete and balanced breakfast. For a truly indulgent experience, top with a fried egg just before serving!
Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!
I genuinely hope you give these Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas a try. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from a quiet morning to a lively brunch gathering. The recipe is incredibly forgiving, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you’ll be amazed at the endless variations you can create. After you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and feedback on social media using #OvernightBreakfastEnchiladas – I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Trust me, these Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas will become a staple in your breakfast rotation. They’re the perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and fun, making them a truly unforgettable breakfast experience. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas: A Make-Ahead Recipe for Busy Mornings
Savory chorizo and cheese enchiladas baked in a creamy egg custard. A flavorful Mexican-inspired dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chorizo sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
- Avocado slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the chorizo and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and the fat is rendered (8-10 minutes).
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (5 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the undrained Rotel, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the filling simmers, whisk together the eggs and milk in a medium bowl until well combined and smooth.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Fill each corn tortilla with about 1/4 cup of the chorizo filling and roll tightly.
- Place seam-down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the egg batter evenly over the enchiladas.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with sour cream, Greek yogurt, and avocado slices (optional).
Notes
- Don’t rush the chorizo browning; it’s crucial for flavor.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas.
- Keep an eye on the enchiladas while baking to prevent over-baking.
- For spicier enchiladas, add more cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
- Feel free to substitute other cheeses.
- Flour tortillas can be used instead of corn tortillas.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chorizo and use sautéed vegetables.
- Enchiladas can be made ahead and baked the next day (add 5-10 minutes to baking time).
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.