Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos

Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos are the ultimate solution for busy mornings. These delightful taquitos are perfect for any occasion, from family brunches to quick weekday breakfasts. With their crispy exterior and flavorful filling of eggs, sausage, cheese, and veggies, they make a delicious and portable meal that can be enjoyed anytime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 26 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for busy mornings.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out the cheese to suit your taste.
• Crispy Texture: Baking instead of frying keeps these taquitos lighter while still delivering that satisfying crunch.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch in advance, freeze them, and simply reheat when you’re ready to eat.
• Family Approved: Kids and adults alike will love these tasty bites, making breakfast time fun!

Tools and Preparation

To create your Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick skillet
• Foil-lined baking sheet
• Wooden spoon
• Tongs
• Microwave-safe plate

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick skillet: Prevents sticking and makes cooking eggs and sausage easy without excessive oil.
• Foil-lined baking sheet: Simplifies cleanup while allowing for even heat distribution during baking.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping the taquitos halfway through cooking without damaging them.

Ingredients

For these Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos, gather the following ingredients:

Eggs & Sausage

• 8 large eggs (whisked)
• ½ pound bulk breakfast sausage (beef or turkey)

Vegetables & Seasoning

• 1 small red bell pepper (diced)
• 3 cremini mushrooms (chopped)
• ⅓ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
• salt and fresh ground pepper (to taste)

Cheese & Tortillas

• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 16 6-inch flour or corn/flour blend tortillas

How to Make Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Generously coat a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a nonstick skillet over medium heat:
1. Cook the breakfast sausage until crumbled and completely browned.
2. Transfer the cooked sausage onto paper towels to drain excess fat.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Wipe out the skillet clean and spray it with nonstick cooking spray again.
2. Add diced bell pepper and sauté for about two minutes until softened.
3. Add chopped mushrooms and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

1. Lower heat to medium-low and add whisked eggs into the skillet with vegetables.
2. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until eggs are just set. Season with salt and pepper; add cilantro if desired.
3. Remove from heat and mix in cooked sausage along with 1 cup of cheese.

Step 5: Prepare the Tortillas

Warm all tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds until slightly softened.

Step 6: Fill the Taquitos

1. Place a tortilla on a work surface; add a couple tablespoons of egg mixture down the center.
2. Sprinkle some of the remaining cheese on top.
3. Roll tightly and place seam side down on prepared baking sheet.
4. Repeat with remaining tortillas; spray tops with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 7: Bake Until Crispy

Bake taquitos for about 8 minutes. Carefully flip each one using tongs, then return to oven for an additional 3 minutes or until both sides are golden brown.

Now you can enjoy your delicious Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos

Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them for a brunch gathering or a quick weekday breakfast, these delicious taquitos are sure to please.

With Fresh Salsa

• Pico de Gallo: A fresh mix of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a zesty kick.
• Chunky Avocado Salsa: Creamy avocado combined with diced onions and tomatoes offers a rich texture.

With Dips

• Guacamole: This creamy dip enhances the flavor with its rich texture and fresh taste.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or yogurt provides a cool contrast to the warm taquitos.

In Breakfast Bowls

• Taquito Bowl: Cut taquitos into bite-sized pieces and serve them over scrambled eggs or a bed of greens for a hearty breakfast bowl.
• Layered Taquito Bake: Layer chopped taquitos with salsa, cheese, and avocado for a fun twist on traditional nachos.

How to Perfect Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos

To achieve the best results with your Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos, follow these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Tortillas: Fresh tortillas roll better and hold up nicely during baking.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the tortillas; this helps in rolling them tightly without breaking.
• Spray Generously: A good coat of nonstick spray ensures they bake evenly and achieve that crispy texture.
• Flip Halfway Through: Turning the taquitos halfway through baking ensures both sides are golden brown and crispy.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos

Pair your Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos with delicious side dishes to make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your plate.
2. Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned roasted potatoes give a hearty complement to your taquitos.
3. Mexican Street Corn Salad: This creamy corn salad enhances the meal’s flavor profile with its sweet and spicy notes.
4. Black Bean Salad: A protein-packed black bean salad provides an earthy balance to the meal.
5. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime juice and cilantro makes for a refreshing side.
6. Simple Green Salad: A light green salad dressed with vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast to the warm taquitos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the nonstick spray: Not coating the baking sheet or taquitos can lead to sticking and tearing. Always use a generous amount of nonstick spray for easy removal.
• Overfilling the tortillas: Adding too much filling can cause the taquitos to burst during baking. Stick to a couple of tablespoons of filling per tortilla for perfect rolling.
• Not warming the tortillas: Using cold tortillas can make them brittle and hard to roll. Warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds to keep them pliable.
• Underbaking or overbaking: Timing is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. Bake until golden brown, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
• Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season the egg mixture can result in bland taquitos. Don’t forget salt and pepper in your egg and filling mix for added flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag after they are frozen solid.
• They will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 30-45 seconds; this may soften them, so use sparingly if you prefer crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos:

Can I make Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble them ahead of time. Store them in the fridge overnight before baking.

What kind of sausage can I use?

You can use either beef or turkey sausage as a substitute for pork sausage in this recipe.

How do I customize my taquito filling?

Feel free to add your favorite veggies like spinach, zucchini, or even beans. The recipe is versatile!

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas work well but may require careful handling as they tend to be more fragile.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Baked Breakfast Taquitos offer a delightful start to your day with their crispy exterior and flavorful fillings. They are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to customize with your favorite ingredients while maintaining convenience. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a tasty breakfast on-the-go!