Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy

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A Hearty, Flavorful Breakfast Dish that Combines Crispy Tater Tots, Creamy Sausage Gravy, and Melted Cheese Wrapped in Soft Tortillas

Start your day with a breakfast that’s both comforting and indulgent. These Southern Breakfast Enchiladas stuffed with scrambled eggs, crispy tater tots, and smothered in rich, creamy sausage gravy create the ultimate brunch experience. Whether you’re hosting a weekend gathering, looking for a make-ahead breakfast, or simply craving a flavorful morning treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients (All US Measurements)

  • 1 lb ground breakfast sausage — choose your favorite mild or spicy variety for that classic Southern flavor

  • 1/2 cup diced onion — adds a touch of sweetness and depth

  • 1 jalapeño, minced — optional, for a slight kick of heat

  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour — helps thicken the sausage gravy

  • 2 3/4 cups whole milk — for a rich, creamy gravy base

  • 1/4 tsp salt — to season the gravy

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper — for balanced seasoning

  • 10 large eggs — the fluffy scrambled egg filling

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter — to cook the eggs gently

  • 2 cups cooked tater tots — crispy texture and classic comfort food element

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese — sharp and melty

  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese — for a creamy, slightly spicy contrast

  • 10 fajita-size flour tortillas — soft and flexible wraps

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large skillet or frying pan

  • Whisk and mixing bowls

  • 9×13 inch baking dish

  • Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)

  • Spatula and spoon for stirring and assembling

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions

Stage 1: Making the Sausage Gravy

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground breakfast sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it’s halfway browned — about 4-5 minutes.

  2. Add Aromatics: Toss in the diced onions and minced jalapeño (if using). Sauté with the sausage until the onions soften and the sausage is fully cooked and nicely browned, around 5 minutes more. This combination gives the gravy a wonderful depth of flavor.

  3. Create a Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sausage mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat all the meat and vegetables. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste — this forms the base for thickening the gravy.

  4. Add Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in the whole milk while stirring constantly. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth sauce. Continue cooking and stirring for 4-6 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

  5. Season: Add salt and pepper, adjusting to taste. Once the gravy is thick and creamy, remove from heat and set aside.

Stage 2: Preparing the Scrambled Eggs

  1. Heat the Butter: In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Butter adds richness to your eggs and prevents sticking.

  2. Whisk the Eggs: Crack the eggs into a bowl, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and whisk until well combined and slightly frothy.

  3. Cook the Eggs: Pour the eggs into the buttered pan. Let them sit undisturbed for a few seconds, then gently stir and fold with a spatula until the eggs are softly set but still creamy. Avoid overcooking — remove from heat while slightly runny since they will continue to cook inside the enchiladas.

Stage 3: Assembling the Enchiladas

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

  2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the scrambled eggs, cooked tater tots, and half of both shredded cheeses. This mixture will be the filling inside each tortilla.

  3. Fill Tortillas: Lay out a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the egg and tater tot mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Roll it up tightly, folding in the sides if needed, and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

  4. Top with Gravy and Cheese: Pour the sausage gravy evenly over the rolled enchiladas in the dish. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses on top for a gooey, bubbly finish.

Stage 4: Baking the Enchiladas

  1. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be fully melted and bubbly, and the gravy hot and slightly golden around the edges.

  2. Rest: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set a bit and makes serving easier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these enchiladas with a side of fresh salsa, hot sauce, or sliced avocado for a refreshing contrast. They pair wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage links for an even heartier breakfast feast.

Prep & Cook Time Summary

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories (Approximate)

  • About 470 kcal per serving, assuming 10 servings.

  • Calories may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Southern Breakfast Enchiladas

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the enchiladas the night before and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning—add 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure heating through.

  • Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount or type of peppers to your taste. Remove seeds from jalapeño for milder heat or swap for poblano peppers for a smoky twist.

  • Cheese Variations: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend cheese for different textures and flavors. Using freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.

  • Tater Tot Substitute: For a lower-carb option, swap the tater tots with roasted potatoes or omit altogether and add extra eggs and cheese.

  • Extra Flavor: Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the egg mixture for added nutrition and color.

  • Serving Ideas: Pair with fresh fruit salad or a light green salad to balance the richness.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The magic lies in the combination of textures and flavors. Crispy tater tots contrast with the creamy scrambled eggs, all wrapped snugly in soft tortillas. The rich sausage gravy, thickened just right, adds a hearty, savory coating, while the melted cheddar and pepper jack cheeses bring gooey indulgence. It’s a balanced dish with protein, carbs, and fats to keep you satisfied all morning.

Nutritional Breakdown (Estimated per Serving)

  • Calories: ~470

  • Protein: ~25g

  • Carbohydrates: ~30g

  • Fat: ~30g

  • Fiber: ~2g

  • Sodium: ~700mg (varies by sausage and cheese brand)

Final Thoughts

This Southern Breakfast Enchiladas recipe brings together classic comfort foods into one irresistible dish. It’s perfect for family breakfasts, brunch parties, or when you just want to treat yourself to something special in the morning. The best part? It’s simple enough for everyday cooking but impressive enough to wow your guests.

Try it this weekend and enjoy the satisfying flavors of Southern cooking with a twist!

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