This Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole is a bold, flavorful dish that layers crispy tortilla chips with melty Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses, all enveloped in a tangy, spiced sauce. Topped with fresh garnishes like avocado and cilantro, this dish offers an exciting mix of textures and tastes. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch or a hearty breakfast that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.
What makes this recipe a standout is the versatility—bake the eggs right on top for a one-dish meal, or serve it with a poached or fried egg for an extra touch. Either way, the combination of cheesy goodness, vibrant salsa, and the richness of a perfectly cooked egg will make this your new go-to breakfast dish.
Full Recipe:
- 1 (15-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 (4-ounce) can Hatch green chiles
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 (10-ounce) bag tortilla chips
- 6 large eggs (optional)
- Avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, sour cream, and hot sauce for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together enchilada sauce, salsa, Hatch chiles, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and green onions.
- Toss Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses together; set aside.
- Pour 1 ladle of the sauce mixture into the bottom of a 9×12-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the tortilla chips evenly over the sauce. Ladle over half of the remaining sauce, followed by half of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat with the remaining chips, sauce, and cheese.
- Bake the casserole in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until heated through and the cheese starts to brown.
- During the last few minutes of baking, prepare the eggs by frying, poaching, or baking them directly on top of the casserole (see note).
- Serve hot, garnished with avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, sour cream, and hot sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Delicious Origins of Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican dish, is a flavorful, hearty meal that has been enjoyed for generations across Mexico and beyond. The name “chilaquiles” comes from the Nahuatl language, which was spoken by the Aztecs, and it roughly translates to “chilis and greens.” The dish has historically been a way to use leftover tortillas, combining them with flavorful sauces and spices to create a vibrant, comforting meal.
Typically served for breakfast or brunch, chilaquiles feature lightly fried tortilla chips simmered in either red or green salsa, topped with a variety of garnishes such as cheese, crema, and sometimes eggs or meat. The result is a delightful balance of crispy, soft, tangy, and spicy, making it a versatile and deeply satisfying dish. The Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole builds on this traditional recipe by layering tortilla chips and cheese with a rich, spiced sauce and optionally adding eggs for a breakfast casserole that can feed a crowd with ease.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
The Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole is more than just a simple breakfast; it’s a celebration of Mexican flavors and comfort. Here are some key reasons why this casserole is a must-try:
- Perfect for Brunch Gatherings: This casserole is designed to serve multiple people, making it ideal for brunch gatherings, family breakfasts, or a festive weekend treat. It’s easy to make ahead and can be customized with various toppings to suit everyone’s preferences.
- A Twist on Traditional Chilaquiles: While traditional chilaquiles are often cooked on the stovetop and eaten immediately, this casserole version allows for a layered approach, baking the dish in the oven to create a cohesive and heartier meal. It brings together the elements of the classic dish but with a format that’s easier to serve to a group.
- Rich Flavors and Textures: The combination of crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and the warm, spiced sauce creates a delightful array of textures in each bite. With the addition of garnishes like avocado, sour cream, and queso fresco, you get creamy, tangy, and fresh notes that balance out the richness of the casserole.
- Customizable: One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your dietary needs or what you have on hand. Whether you prefer a red or green sauce, add some heat with jalapeños, or make it vegetarian, the options are endless.
- Easy and Convenient: This recipe allows you to make a delicious, hearty breakfast with minimal effort. By layering the tortilla chips, sauce, and cheese and baking everything in the oven, you can have a hands-off approach once it’s in the oven. This is perfect for those who want to entertain guests without spending all morning in the kitchen.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
The Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole was inspired by the need for a more filling and substantial breakfast dish that still honored the traditional Mexican flavors of chilaquiles. Chilaquiles, with their combination of fried tortilla chips, salsa, and toppings, are often served with eggs for a complete breakfast. By turning it into a casserole, it simplifies the cooking process and makes it easier to feed a group, while still offering the bold flavors that make chilaquiles so beloved.
The casserole version takes all the best aspects of chilaquiles—the crispy chips, the spicy sauce, and the cheesy goodness—and layers them into a dish that can be made ahead of time. This is especially useful for busy mornings or when you want to prepare a breakfast that can be baked while you handle other tasks.
Key Flavor Components of Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole
When it comes to flavor, this recipe delivers on several levels, combining traditional Mexican ingredients with some creative twists:
- Tortilla Chips: The base of any chilaquiles recipe is the tortilla chips, and in this casserole, they create a foundation that becomes both crispy and tender as they soak up the sauce. The layering of the chips ensures that you get a mix of textures, with some chips remaining crunchy and others becoming soft.
- Sauce: The sauce is where the dish truly shines. A combination of enchilada sauce, salsa, Hatch green chiles, and spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano creates a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that infuses the whole casserole with flavor. You can adjust the spice level based on your preference by using a milder or hotter salsa or adding fresh jalapeños for more heat.
- Cheese: The Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese combination gives the dish a creamy, melty quality that contrasts beautifully with the crispy chips. The cheese also helps to bind the layers together, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.
- Eggs (Optional): While the casserole can stand on its own, adding eggs on top takes it to the next level. Whether you bake the eggs directly on top of the casserole or serve it with a fried or poached egg, the runny yolk adds richness and brings all the flavors together.
- Garnishes: The fresh garnishes elevate the dish and add a bright, fresh contrast to the baked casserole. Avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, and sour cream all work together to balance the richness of the cheese and the heat of the sauce, while hot sauce adds an extra kick for those who love spice.
Tips for Customizing Your Casserole
While the recipe as written is delicious, you can easily tweak it to make it your own:
- Use Different Sauces: If you prefer green chilaquiles, swap the red enchilada sauce and salsa for a green salsa or tomatillo-based sauce. This will give the dish a different flavor profile that is a bit tangier and brighter.
- Add Protein: You can make the casserole heartier by adding cooked shredded chicken, chorizo, or even black beans between the layers. This makes the dish even more filling and perfect for those who want a protein-packed breakfast.
- Make it Spicier: If you like your food on the spicy side, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Options: This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the eggs and using a plant-based cheese. To make it vegan, be sure to use dairy-free cheese and leave out the eggs entirely.
- Gluten-Free: Since the recipe uses corn tortilla chips, it is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Perfect Pairings
The Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole pairs wonderfully with a few side dishes and beverages to complete your brunch menu:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: The acidity and sweetness of a fresh fruit salad with citrus, berries, and melon balance the richness of the casserole.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of Mexican hot chocolate with a hint of cinnamon and spice makes for a comforting and indulgent pairing.
- Coffee or Horchata: Serve this casserole with a bold cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of horchata for a truly satisfying brunch experience.
Conclusion
The Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole offers an exciting, flavorful twist on traditional chilaquiles, perfect for serving a crowd at brunch or enjoying as a filling breakfast with family. Its layers of crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and spiced sauce make it a satisfying dish that combines bold flavors and contrasting textures. Whether you choose to add eggs or customize it with your favorite toppings, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your breakfast or brunch rotation.