Breakfast burritos have become a staple of morning meals across the globe, beloved for their versatility and convenience. Originally hailing from the Southwestern United States, the breakfast burrito made its debut as a quick, filling option for those on the go. Combining the hearty elements of breakfast—eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns—wrapped in a soft tortilla, this portable meal has been embraced by food lovers everywhere. Popularized in the 1970s by New Mexican cuisine, breakfast burritos have now become a widespread favorite, often personalized with regional ingredients and flavors.

But not all breakfast burritos are created equal. Enter The Only Breakfast Burrito recipe you’ll ever need. This isn’t your typical breakfast burrito; it’s a perfectly balanced meal that combines crispy bacon, savory sausage, creamy eggs, and crispy hash browns, all held together by a generous amount of cheddar cheese. What sets this recipe apart is the attention to detail—slow-cooked eggs for creaminess, crispy potatoes for texture, and the right balance of fats and seasoning to enhance every bite. Whether you’re making it fresh or freezing it for later, this recipe is designed for maximum flavor and satisfaction, making it the ultimate breakfast burrito experience.

Ingredients Breakdown

Bacon

Crispy bacon is essential for the perfect breakfast burrito, as it provides a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft eggs and creamy cheese. The key is to cook the bacon until it is crisp, which ensures it won’t get soggy inside the burrito. Oven-baking is a great method, as it allows the bacon to cook evenly without the hassle of a stovetop mess. Importantly, don’t discard the bacon grease! This rendered fat is a secret flavor booster. Saving bacon grease allows you to add rich, savory flavor to your hash browns or even your eggs, elevating the overall taste of your burrito.

Breakfast Sausage

For the sausage, you have several options to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Pork sausage is traditional, offering a rich, savory flavor, while turkey or chicken sausage provide lighter alternatives with less fat but still plenty of flavor. Crisping the sausage adds texture and small caramelized bits that enhance the bite. After cooking the sausage thoroughly, letting some parts brown in the pan without stirring creates these delicious, crispy pieces that add both flavor and texture to the burrito.

Cheddar Cheese

Shredding your cheddar cheese at home is one of the small but impactful steps that make this breakfast burrito truly exceptional. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which prevent it from melting as smoothly. When you shred cheese yourself, it melts more evenly, creating a creamy, cohesive layer that binds the other ingredients together—like a delicious, melty “glue” that holds the burrito in place.

Hash Browns

Frozen hash browns are perfect for this recipe because they save time and provide the ideal texture when cooked properly. There’s no need to thaw them—simply cook them straight from frozen for maximum crispiness. Cooking hash browns in a mixture of butter and bacon grease not only ensures they turn golden and crunchy but also infuses them with a rich, savory flavor. The key is to press the hash browns into a tight patty in the pan and cook undisturbed to achieve crispy, golden edges.

Eggs

Slow-cooking the eggs is crucial for this burrito, especially if you plan to reheat it later. Cooking the eggs gently over low heat ensures they remain soft and tender, avoiding the rubbery texture that can occur with high-heat cooking. Adding chunks of cream cheese during the cooking process adds richness and creaminess, helping the eggs stay moist and flavorful, even after reheating.

Tortillas

The best tortillas for breakfast burritos are large, 10-inch flour tortillas, as they are soft, pliable, and perfect for wrapping. Warm tortillas before assembling to make them easier to fold and less likely to tear. You can heat them in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel or briefly warm them in a skillet for the best results.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Cooking the Bacon

Oven-baking bacon is an easy way to achieve perfectly crispy results without the mess of stovetop splatters. To begin, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the rack, ensuring they do not overlap. Bake for 10-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon, checking occasionally to ensure it crisps without burning. Once fully cooked and crispy, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Saving bacon grease: Pour the hot bacon grease from the pan into a heat-safe jar or container for storage. Once it cools and solidifies, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a month. Bacon grease is a flavorful substitute for butter or oil when cooking hash browns, eggs, or even sautéing vegetables.

Cooking the Sausage

To cook breakfast sausage, start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken) directly to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue stirring until the sausage is no longer pink, which should take around 5-8 minutes.

For extra crispiness: After the sausage is fully cooked, push most of the meat to the edges of the pan, leaving a small amount in the center. Spread these pieces out in a thin layer and allow them to brown undisturbed for 1-2 minutes. This will create small, crispy bites that add texture to the burrito. Repeat the process with the remaining sausage to ensure all of it develops crispy edges. Once done, set the sausage aside.

Shredding the Cheese 

Shredding cheese by hand is a crucial step for the best melting results in your breakfast burrito. Unlike pre-shredded cheese, which contains additives like cellulose to prevent clumping, freshly shredded cheese melts smoothly and evenly. This is particularly important for breakfast burritos because the cheese acts as a “glue,” holding together the eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns.

Using a box grater or a food processor, shred the cheese into fine pieces, which will melt into the other ingredients, creating a gooey, cohesive texture that enhances the overall flavor of the burrito.

Making Crispy Hash Browns

For perfectly crispy hash browns, it’s best to start with frozen shredded potatoes, as they cook more evenly without the need for prep. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of bacon grease and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the fat is melted and hot, add about 2 cups of frozen hash browns to the pan. Spread them out into a thin layer, pressing them down with a spatula or the back of a measuring cup to form a compact patty.

Sprinkle the potatoes generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Let the hash browns cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and crispy. If the pan looks dry, add another small pat of butter or a spoonful of bacon grease to keep the hash browns moist and flavorful.

Once the bottom is crisp, use a spatula to cut the hash browns into manageable sections and carefully flip each section, just like flipping a pancake. Cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until both sides are golden and crispy. Repeat this process in batches until all the hash browns are cooked, adding more butter or bacon grease as needed between batches. Allow the hash browns to cool slightly before adding them to the burritos to maintain their crispy texture.

Cooking the Eggs 

For fluffy, soft scrambled eggs, start by cracking 15 eggs into a large bowl. Add 1 ¼ teaspoons of seasoning salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Whisk the eggs vigorously until they are frothy and bubbly. This breaks up the proteins, ensuring the eggs cook evenly and become soft and fluffy.

Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add ¼ cup of butter and let it melt, swirling the pan to coat the surface evenly. Pour the whisked eggs into the pan and immediately reduce the heat to low. Slowly cook the eggs, gently scraping the edges and bottom with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking. This slow-cooking method keeps the eggs soft and creamy, which is ideal for reheating later.

When the eggs are nearly set but still slightly runny, add 4 ounces of cream cheese, cut into chunks. Stir gently as the cream cheese melts into the eggs, adding extra creaminess. Remove the eggs from the heat when they are still a bit wet, as they will continue cooking off-heat. The creaminess of the eggs will help prevent them from drying out when reheated in the burrito.

Warming the Tortillas 

Properly warmed tortillas are essential for assembling burritos without tearing. You can warm tortillas in two ways:

Microwave method: Stack the tortillas and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds until soft and pliable.

Stovetop method: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for about 15-20 seconds per side until soft and warm.

To prevent the tortillas from breaking during assembly, ensure they are warm and flexible. This makes them easier to fold and helps them hold the burrito fillings securely without cracking.

Assembling and Wrapping Burritos

Creating the Assembly Line 

To streamline the burrito assembly process, set up a clean and organized station with all ingredients laid out and ready to go. Ensure that the hash browns, eggs, bacon, and sausage are cooked and at room temperature, as this makes them easier to handle and prevents the tortillas from becoming too warm. Place your shredded cheese, warmed tortillas, and optional toppings like avocado, cilantro, salsa, and chipotle mayo nearby. Arrange your ingredients in the order you plan to use them, starting with the cheese and hash browns, to make the layering process smooth and efficient.

Filling the Burrito

When filling the burrito, start with a warm tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Begin by sprinkling a layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the center, forming a solid base that will melt into the other ingredients. Next, add a layer of crispy hash browns, followed by the scrambled eggs, ensuring that they are spread evenly. Scatter the chopped bacon pieces and crispy sausage on top.

If desired, now is the time to add optional ingredients like slices of avocado, fresh cilantro, or a spoonful of salsa for added flavor. For a creamy kick, drizzle chipotle mayo across the top. Be mindful not to overfill the tortilla; aim for a compact yet generous filling that allows the tortilla to be folded easily without bursting.

Rolling the Burrito 

Folding the burrito correctly is key to keeping all the ingredients inside and ensuring a neat, handheld meal. Begin by folding the sides of the tortilla inward, covering the edges of the filling. Then, using your thumbs, fold the bottom of the tortilla up and over the filling, keeping the sides tucked in. As you roll the burrito tightly toward the top edge, continue tucking the sides inward to create a secure, compact roll. This technique ensures that no filling spills out.

Tips for preventing sogginess: If you’re worried about soggy burritos, you can add a layer of cheese directly to the tortilla and melt it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before adding the other ingredients. This melted cheese creates a barrier between the tortilla and the eggs, reducing moisture and keeping the burrito intact.

Optional Garnishes

No breakfast burrito is complete without the right garnishes. Serve the burritos with fresh salsa, sliced avocado, or a generous dollop of chipotle mayo for added flavor. These garnishes provide a burst of freshness and creaminess that enhances the richness of the burrito.

For those looking for more variety, consider offering alternatives like garlic aioli, pico de gallo, or a spoonful of sour cream on the side. These options add different textures and flavors, allowing everyone to customize their burrito to their taste. Garnishes also help balance the savory and creamy elements of the burrito.

Storing and Reheating Burritos

Refrigeration 

To store burritos in the fridge for up to 12 hours, wrap each burrito tightly in aluminum foil to preserve freshness and prevent the tortilla from drying out. Place the wrapped burritos in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container to further protect them from absorbing odors or moisture from the refrigerator.

When it’s time to reheat, you have two options:

• Microwave: Unwrap the foil and heat the burrito on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Oven: Reheat the foil-wrapped burrito at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until warmed through.

Freezing

For long-term storage, freezing burritos is a great option. To freeze, allow the assembled burritos to cool to room temperature to avoid condensation, which can lead to sogginess. Wrap each burrito tightly in aluminum foil, ensuring no part is exposed. Once wrapped, place the burritos in a gallon-sized resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. This extra layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn and maintains the burrito’s quality for up to 3 months.

When freezing multiple burritos, label each one with a marker if they contain different fillings. By storing them in an organized manner, it becomes easier to select the one you want to reheat later.

Reheating from Frozen 

When reheating frozen burritos, both the microwave and oven offer convenient options:

• Microwave defrosting method: Unwrap the burrito and discard the foil. Place the frozen burrito on a microwave-safe plate and wrap it in a paper towel to retain moisture. Use the defrost setting (or 50% power) to microwave for 3-5 minutes. Halfway through, slice the burrito in half to ensure even heating, and continue microwaving until warmed throughout.
• Oven reheating method: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the foil-wrapped burritos directly on a baking sheet and bake for 45-55 minutes, depending on size. This method is ideal when you want to reheat multiple burritos at once and maintain a crispy exterior while ensuring the center is fully warmed.

Serving Suggestions

When serving The Only Breakfast Burrito, complement it with simple sides and beverages that enhance the flavors without overwhelming the meal. A fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the burrito, balancing the savory with a touch of natural sweetness. Freshly cooked hash browns can also be a great addition for those who love extra crunch, and a cup of hot coffee rounds out the breakfast experience with its bold, invigorating flavor.

For sauces and dips, provide a variety of options to cater to different tastes. Salsa adds a tangy, mildly spicy kick that pairs well with the creamy eggs and salty bacon. Guacamole or avocado slices bring a creamy, healthy fat to the meal, adding freshness to each bite. A dollop of sour cream can also add cooling creaminess, especially if you’ve added extra spice.

For drinks, orange juice is a classic breakfast choice, offering a refreshing citrus flavor that cuts through the richness of the burrito. Alternatively, a warm cup of coffee or tea makes a perfect pairing, whether you prefer a robust brew or a soothing herbal tea to start your morning right.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Alternative Proteins

One of the best things about this breakfast burrito recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit different dietary preferences. Swap the traditional bacon and sausage for chorizo, which adds a smoky, spicy depth of flavor. For a leaner option, substitute with turkey bacon or turkey sausage, which still provides plenty of savory richness but with less fat. For a vegetarian version, tofu scramble or tempeh bacon can replace the meat while still delivering texture and protein. Season the tofu with turmeric and nutritional yeast for added flavor and color.

Cheese Variations

While cheddar is the go-to for its meltability and sharp flavor, you can switch it up with other types of cheese. Pepper Jack offers a spicy kick that pairs well with other bold flavors like chorizo or jalapeños. Monterey Jack melts beautifully and provides a mild creaminess. For a more tangy option, sprinkle some feta into the burrito, especially if you’re adding Mediterranean-style vegetables like spinach and mushrooms.

Adding Vegetables

Incorporating vegetables into your burrito not only boosts nutrition but adds freshness and flavor. Bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch, while spinach wilts nicely into the eggs for a burst of green. Mushrooms add a savory, umami richness that pairs perfectly with eggs and cheese.

Adjusting Spice Levels

For those who like extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or drizzle hot sauce directly onto the fillings. Alternatively, use chipotle mayo for a smoky, spicy flavor, or mix in diced green chilies to the eggs for mild heat without overpowering the other flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can easily substitute the cheddar cheese in this recipe with other varieties. Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, Monterey Jack provides a creamy melt, and feta or goat cheese offer tangier flavors. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well to maintain the burrito’s cohesive, creamy texture.

How do I keep the burritos from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, start by cooking the ingredients until crisp, especially the bacon, sausage, and hash browns. Additionally, you can melt a layer of cheese onto the tortilla before adding the other ingredients. This creates a barrier that prevents moisture from soaking into the tortilla. Also, let the fillings cool slightly before wrapping the burrito.

What’s the best way to freeze burritos?

For freezing, first, let the burritos cool to room temperature to avoid condensation. Wrap each burrito tightly in aluminum foil, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Label them with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. This method helps maintain the burrito’s freshness and prevents freezer burn.

How do I reheat the burritos without making the tortilla hard?

For microwave reheating, wrap the burrito in a damp paper towel to keep the tortilla soft. In the oven, reheat foil-wrapped burritos at 350°F for 45-55 minutes from frozen, ensuring they stay moist and tender without becoming too hard or crispy.

Can I substitute the breakfast sausage with something else?

Absolutely! You can swap breakfast sausage for chorizo for a spicy twist or use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try tofu scramble or plant-based sausage.

Print