Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy recipe

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Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe: A Hearty Morning Delight

If you’re looking for a breakfast recipe that will fill you up and tantalize your taste buds, the Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy recipe is just what you need! This comfort food combines the rich, savory flavors of traditional Southern breakfast ingredients like sausage gravy, eggs, cheese, and tortillas in a unique and satisfying way. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special family gathering, these breakfast enchiladas are a mouthwatering twist on the classic Mexican dish, with a Southern flair. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

The Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy recipe is made with a combination of classic breakfast ingredients that bring together savory, creamy, and cheesy elements. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and their roles:

Breakfast Sausage: Adds the savory, meaty flavor that forms the base of the sausage gravy. You can use either spicy or mild sausage depending on your preference.
Eggs: Scrambled eggs are the perfect filling to pair with the sausage and cheese, providing a rich, fluffy texture inside the enchiladas.
Flour Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas hold all the delicious fillings and are baked to perfection, absorbing the creamy sausage gravy.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts perfectly in the enchiladas, adding a gooey, cheesy layer to each bite.
Milk & Flour: These ingredients are used to create the creamy sausage gravy. Milk adds smoothness, while flour helps thicken the gravy.
Sausage Gravy Seasoning: Typically includes salt, pepper, and sometimes a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat. These seasonings enhance the flavor of the gravy.
Butter: Used for cooking the sausage and making the gravy.

Recipe’s Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this hearty breakfast dish:

For the Enchiladas:

8 large flour tortillas
1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
6 large eggs (scrambled)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

For the Sausage Gravy:

2 tbsp butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

Preparation Time

Total Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat. Use a spoon to break up the sausage into small crumbles as it cooks. Once browned and fully cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, leave some of the sausage drippings to create a flavorful base for the gravy.

Step 2: Make the Sausage Gravy

In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the gravy thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper for heat. Once thickened, return the cooked sausage to the gravy and stir to combine. Set the gravy aside while you prepare the enchiladas.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

In a separate skillet, scramble the eggs over medium heat. Stir occasionally to cook evenly until the eggs are soft and fluffy. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place a tortilla on a clean surface and spoon some scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, and shredded cheddar cheese in the center.
Roll up the tortilla and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas until all the enchiladas are assembled in the dish.
Pour the remaining sausage gravy over the top of the enchiladas, then sprinkle with more shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve hot with extra sausage gravy or hot sauce on the side.

Expert Tips for the Best Southern Breakfast Enchiladas recipe

Don’t Overstuff the Tortillas: Make sure not to overstuff the tortillas with too much filling. If they are too full, they may burst during baking.
Add Vegetables: For added flavor and nutrition, consider adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the egg mixture or the sausage gravy.
Make it Spicy: If you like heat, use spicy breakfast sausage and add extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the gravy for an extra kick.

Presentation Tips

Garnish: Top your Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy recipe with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions to add a pop of color and freshness.
Serve with Sides: Serve with a side of crispy hash browns, fresh fruit, or a light salad to balance out the richness of the enchiladas.
Plating: Arrange the enchiladas neatly on a large platter or individual plates, with extra gravy on the side for dipping.

Creative Twists

Add Bacon: For even more Southern flavor, try adding crispy bacon to the filling or mix it into the sausage gravy.
Vegetarian Version: For a meatless version, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and onions for a savory, vegetarian-friendly filling.
Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a unique twist on the classic.

Pro Tip for Customization

If you want to make your Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy recipe ahead of time, you can prepare the enchiladas and gravy the night before. Assemble the enchiladas in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply bake them in the oven for 25-30 minutes, and they’ll be ready to serve in no time!

FAQ’s

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can substitute corn tortillas if you prefer. However, corn tortillas may not be as soft and may crack when rolled. To prevent this, warm them slightly before filling them.

2. Can I freeze the enchiladas?

Yes, you can freeze these enchiladas before or after baking. To freeze, cover the assembled, unbaked enchiladas tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as usual.

3. Can I make the sausage gravy without milk?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version of the sausage gravy. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

4. How can I make the dish less rich?

If you want a lighter version, you can use lean turkey sausage, skim milk, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also serve the enchiladas with a side of vegetables for added freshness.

Conclusion

The Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy recipe is the perfect way to start your day with a hearty, comforting meal. This recipe combines the best of Southern breakfast flavors in a fun and satisfying way. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a special family breakfast, these enchiladas will be a hit. With a creamy sausage gravy, fluffy eggs, and cheesy tortillas, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich, savory goodness today!

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