As the sun peeks through the kitchen window, the mouthwatering scent of sausage gravy wafts through the air, instantly transporting me to cozy family breakfasts filled with laughter and love. Today, I’m thrilled to share my Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage, a dish that wraps all those warm memories into one delicious bite. Not only are these enchiladas quick to prepare, but they’re also customizable to suit every palate, whether you’re craving a meaty delight or a meatless version filled with veggies. It’s the perfect comfort food to impress your guests at brunch or simply to indulge on a laid-back weekend morning. Are you ready to discover the secrets to crafting these irresistible enchiladas that will become a staple in your breakfast repertoire? Let’s dive in!

Why Are These Breakfast Enchiladas Irresistible?

Comforting Flavors: The savory blend of sausage and creamy gravy brings a taste of the South right to your table.

Customizable Goodness: With options for meatless, spicy, or low-carb variations, these enchiladas cater to everyone’s preferences, making them ideal for any brunch gathering.

Time-Saving Delight: They can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer, ensuring delicious breakfasts even on the busiest mornings.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Serve them at your next gathering and watch as family and friends savor every bite, feeling satisfied and happy.

Easy Cleanup: With just one baking dish involved, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal, just like with my Breakfast Protein Biscuits.

Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Ingredients

• Time to gather what you need for these delightful enchiladas!

For the Filling

Eggs – Provide protein and richness. Can be swapped with egg substitutes for a vegan version.
Sausage – Adds savory flavor and heartiness. Replace with plant-based sausage for a meatless option.
Cheese – Offers creamy texture and enhances flavor. Dairy alternatives can be used for lactose-free diets.
Hash Browns – Contributes texture and a hearty bite. Can substitute with roasted potatoes for variation.
Tortillas – Essential for wrapping up the filling. Gluten-free tortillas are an option.

For the Gravy

Sausage (for Gravy) – Creates the creamy sauce that binds the dish. Mushroom-based gravy works well for vegetarian variation.
Flour – Thickens the gravy. Use gluten-free alternatives if necessary.
Milk – Key for the gravy’s creaminess. Plant-based milk can be utilized for a vegan version.
Seasonings – Adjust to taste for added flavor.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage

Step 1: Prep the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, scramble 6 eggs for about 5 minutes, stirring until they’re just set but still creamy. Once cooked, add in 1 pound of crumbled sausage, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and 1 cup of drained hash browns. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined, and remove from heat.

Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay 8 tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon an adequate amount of the filling down the center of each tortilla. Carefully roll each tortilla up tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Ensure they are snug for better support while baking.

Step 3: Make the Gravy
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook 1/2 pound of sausage until browned. Stir in 1/4 cup of flour until well-mixed and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, continuing to cook and stir until the gravy thickens, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Add seasonings to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the rich sausage gravy evenly over the assembled enchiladas in the baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the enchiladas are bubbly and the tops are golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once baked, allow the breakfast enchiladas to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or additional cheese, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures that make these breakfast enchiladas with sausage a comforting dish!

What to Serve with Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage

Elevate your breakfast experience with these delightful accompaniments that perfectly complement the flavors of your enchiladas.

Crispy Bacon: This savory side adds a satisfying crunch and smokiness, enhancing the richness of the sausage gravy. The combination is truly a breakfast lover’s dream.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty enchiladas, bringing a pop of color and a burst of natural sweetness to your plate.
Zesty Salsa: A spoonful of vibrant salsa brightens up every bite of your breakfast enchiladas, adding a tangy kick that complements the creamy gravy beautifully.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado offers a luxurious texture that pairs wonderfully with the enchiladas’ savory flavors, making each mouthful a rich delight.
Buttermilk Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits are perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy, creating a classic Southern breakfast experience that your family will adore.
Mimosas or Coffee: A refreshing mimosa adds a bubbly toast to your meal, while a strong cup of coffee balances the flavors and keeps the brunch vibe cozy and cheerful.
Breakfast Potatoes: Roasted or seasoned breakfast potatoes provide a hearty, crispy balance to the soft enchiladas, ensuring no one leaves the table hungry.
Smoothies: A rich fruit smoothie can enhance flavors and textures, serving as a refreshing side that adds a healthy twist to your breakfast spread.

Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Variations

Feel free to explore delightful twists on this recipe, making it uniquely yours with every bite!

Meatless: Substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms and a robust vegetable gravy for a hearty vegetarian dish.
The Earthy richness of mushrooms pairs beautifully with a creamy sauce, giving you all the comfort without the meat!
Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for a warm kick.
This adds a lively zest that will ignite your taste buds and turn up the heat on your brunch spread.
Low-Carb: Swap out tortillas for thin slices of zucchini or eggplant to create a flavorful low-carb alternative.
This twist maintains the essence of an enchilada while aligning with your health goals, resulting in a fresh, light dish.
Breakfast Tacos: Serve the filling in soft corn tortillas topped with fresh salsa, avocado, and cilantro.
These tacos deliver a fun, handheld version that’s perfect for busy mornings!
Cheesy Delight: Go all out by adding an extra layer of cheese on top before baking for a gooey goodness.
Trust me, who can resist that golden, bubbly cheese tantalizing you from the oven?
Flavor Boost: Mix in cooked chorizo for an extra burst of flavor and complexity.
It’s a fun way to shake up the traditional filling and introduce a bit of brightness!
Herbed Variation: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or chives into the filling for a vibrant twist.
It’s a simple change that elevates the dish by adding freshness and aroma, making every bite delightful.
Sweet Touch: Add diced sweet potatoes or apples into the hash brown mixture for a hint of sweetness.
This adds a surprising element that contrasts beautifully with the savory gravy, offering a sweet-savory balance.

If you’re looking for more delicious breakfast recipes, don’t forget to check out my Breakfast Egg Muffins or enjoy a slice of Banana Bread with Pecans to round out your morning!

Expert Tips for Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage

Drain Hash Browns: Ensure hash browns are well-drained to prevent sogginess in your enchiladas, maintaining a delightful texture.
Gravy Consistency: Adjust the thickness of your sausage gravy by varying the flour and milk amounts; a thicker gravy enhances the flavors.
Avoid Overfilling: Don’t overstuff your tortillas; a modest amount of filling helps keep them intact while baking and allows for even cooking.
Make Ahead: Assemble the breakfast enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance, covering and refrigerating them. Just add gravy right before baking for fresh, easy timing.
Garnish Creatively: Add fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese on top after baking for an appealing presentation that enhances the dish’s flavor.

Make Ahead Options

These Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage are perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy mornings! You can assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance; simply prepare them, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Additionally, the sausage gravy can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, remove the enchiladas from the fridge, pour the chilled gravy on top, and simply add 10 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure everything heats through properly. This way, you enjoy delicious, restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage

Fridge: Store leftover breakfast enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked enchiladas covered tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking for best results.

Reheating: When reheating, ensure the enchiladas are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F to maintain flavor and safety.

Make-Ahead: These enchiladas can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking, making meal prep easy and convenient.

Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients, choose eggs that are fresh (check the sell-by date) and firm without cracks. For sausage, look for high-quality options with minimal additives. If using hash browns, ensure they are dry and not overly frozen—dark spots all over indicate they’re past their prime. Fresh cheese should smell pleasant and be free from mold.

What’s the best way to store leftover breakfast enchiladas?
After enjoying your wonderful breakfast enchiladas, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the microwave for an easy, tasty breakfast throughout the week, or pop them back in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Can I freeze these breakfast enchiladas, and how?
Definitely! To freeze your breakfast enchiladas, prepare them unbaked and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove from the freezer and thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. It’s perfect for meal prep!

What are common troubleshooting tips if my enchiladas turn out soggy?
Very common! If your enchiladas are soggy, it might be due to insufficiently drained hash browns or using too much gravy. To fix it, keep your hash browns well-drained and gently pat them dry before adding them to the filling. Additionally, ensure you’re not overfilling your tortillas; a modest amount of filling allows for better baking and texture.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Of course! For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute eggs with plant-based alternatives and use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free version. If you’re serving guests with lactose intolerance, opt for plant-based cheese and milk. Always double-check ingredient labels for potential allergens, as some brands may contain traces of dairy or gluten.

What can I do if I want to prepare these enchiladas in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble your breakfast enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. Add the sausage gravy right before baking to ensure freshness. This way, your meals are ready to go, and you can enjoy a lovely brunch without the last-minute rush!