Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe

If you are craving a hearty, comforting breakfast that marries rich, creamy flavors with satisfying textures, the Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe is going to be your new go-to. This dish brings together spicy breakfast sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy tater tots, and a blend of melted cheeses all wrapped in soft flour tortillas and smothered with luscious homemade sausage gravy. Every bite bursts with classic Southern charm and warmth, making it perfect for weekends, brunch gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly special. Trust me, once you make these enchiladas, they’ll become a beloved staple in your breakfast repertoire!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the ingredient list fool you—these are all simple, everyday staples, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe.

• 1 pound ground breakfast sausage: Adds savory, spiced meat richness to the dish.
• 1/2 cup diced onion: Provides sweetness and depth to balance the sausage.
• 1 jalapeno, minced: Offers a mild kick and fresh brightness.
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the creamy sausage gravy.
• 2 3/4 cups milk: Turns that flour into a smooth, luscious sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Just the right peppery bite to complement the gravy.
• 10 large eggs: Scrambled and fluffy, the heart of the breakfast filling.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the scrambled eggs.
• 2 cups cooked tater tots: Crispy on the outside, soft inside for amazing texture contrast.
• 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese: Brings a little spice and gooey fun.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Classic melty cheese for depth of flavor.
• 10 fajita-size flour tortillas: Soft wraps to hold everything together and soak up that gravy.

How to Make Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage Mixture

Start by placing the ground breakfast sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Break it apart as it cooks so it browns evenly. When it’s about halfway done, add the diced onion and minced jalapeno to infuse the mixture with lovely aromatic notes and a gentle heat. This combination forms the flavorful base that will carry through the entire dish.

Step 2: Separate Some Sausage for the Filling

Once the sausage, onion, and jalapeno are cooked through, use a slotted spoon to remove about 1 cup of this mixture and set it aside. This reserved portion will later blend with eggs, tater tots, and cheese to create a mouthwatering filling for the enchiladas.

Step 3: Make the Sausage Gravy

Return the skillet with the remaining sausage mixture to the heat. Sprinkle the flour evenly over it and cook while stirring for about one minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Then slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens into a creamy, dreamy gravy. Finish by seasoning it with salt and pepper, then remove it from the heat to keep warm.

Step 4: Prepare the Scrambled Eggs

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, whisk your eggs with a pinch of salt. Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, then pour in the eggs. Stir gently and remove them from heat while still slightly undercooked. This keeps them fluffy and ensures they won’t dry out while baking inside the enchiladas.

Step 5: Assemble the Enchilada Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the reserved sausage mixture, cooked tater tots, scrambled eggs, and half of your shredded Pepper Jack and cheddar cheeses. The mix generates an irresistible blend of creamy, cheesy, savory, and crispy components that will fill each tortilla perfectly.

Step 6: Roll and Arrange the Enchiladas

Divide about 1/2 cup of the filling along the center of each flour tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place them seam side down in your prepared baking dish. This simple step ensures every bite is packed with flavor and the tortillas hold their shape during baking.

Step 7: Smother with Sausage Gravy and Cheese, Then Bake

Generously pour your hearty sausage gravy over the rolled enchiladas, letting it ooze into every crevice. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top to create a golden, bubbly crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned, and all the layers have melded into the perfect breakfast comfort food.

How to Serve Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe even further, consider fresh garnishes such as chopped green onions, a dollop of cool sour cream, or a scatter of fresh cilantro. These add fresh pops of color and brightness that cut through the rich gravy and cheese beautifully. For some extra heat, a few dashes of hot sauce or sliced pickled jalapenos bring that bold Southern kick.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty, but pairing it with light and refreshing sides balances the meal perfectly. Consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, fresh fruit salad, or even some roasted veggies. Another Southern favorite that works wonders alongside is creamy grits or buttery biscuits for those who want to go all out with Southern comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or want your breakfast to look stunning, bake your Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe in a beautiful casserole dish and bring it straight to the table. You can also cut the enchiladas into smaller portions and serve them as bite-sized breakfast sliders at brunch parties. Wrapping individual servings in foil keeps them warm and portable, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover enchiladas with sausage gravy keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain the freshness and prevent the gravy from drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat gently to bring back that creamy richness.

Freezing

You can freeze these enchiladas either before or after baking. Wrap the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn, then store for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the leftovers in a 350-degree oven until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on portion size. Cover with foil to keep the moisture locked in, removing the foil near the end to allow the cheese to bubble and brown. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, but the oven method keeps the texture more intact.

FAQs

Can I make the sausage gravy ahead of time?

Yes, the sausage gravy can be made a day ahead and gently reheated before pouring over the enchiladas. Just give it a good stir and add a splash of milk if it seems too thick.

What can I substitute for tater tots?

If you prefer, diced and roasted potatoes work wonderfully too. The key is to have that crispy, tender texture that contrasts with the creamy filling.

Can I use premade breakfast sausage instead of ground sausage?

Pre-cooked breakfast sausage can work, but fresh ground sausage that you cook yourself will yield deeper flavors and better texture in the gravy and filling.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the breakfast sausage with plant-based sausage or seasoned mushrooms and use a vegetable broth-based gravy for a delicious vegetarian variation.

How spicy is the dish?

The dish has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the jalapeno and Pepper Jack cheese. You can adjust the amount of jalapeno or omit it if you prefer less spice.

Final Thoughts

Nothing quite compares to the cozy, indulgent joy of Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe for starting your day on a spectacular note. It combines bold, comforting flavors and irresistible textures that will impress anyone lucky enough to dig in. Whether for a family brunch or a special weekend treat, this recipe invites you to savor the best of Southern cooking in every cheesy, gravy-smothered bite. I can’t wait for you to make it and fall in love with it just like I did!

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