Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos

Introduction

Starting your day with a delicious and satisfying meal is essential, and make-ahead breakfast burritos are the perfect solution for busy mornings. These burritos are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and creativity, using everyday ingredients that you likely have in your pantry. The best part is that you can customize them to your taste preferences, adding your favorite fillings and toppings. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast on-the-go or a meal to fuel your family for the day, make-ahead breakfast burritos are the perfect choice.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, and your choice of fillings creates a harmonious balance of flavors, and the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: The beauty of make-ahead breakfast burritos lies in their simplicity. You can prepare the fillings and assemble the burritos in no time, making them perfect for busy mornings.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the ease of preparation, make-ahead breakfast burritos are impressive and satisfying, making them a great option for meal prep or brunch gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 dozen large tortillas
• 1 dozen eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked sausage, such as chorizo or breakfast sausage
• 1 cup cooked bacon, diced
• 1 cup black beans, cooked and seasoned
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup diced onions
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional fillings: diced ham, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, salsa

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your fillings. Cook the sausage and bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking them up into small pieces as they cook. Once cooked, set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and a pinch of salt. Add the shredded cheese and mix well. Pour the egg mixture into a greased skillet and scramble the eggs over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds. Assemble the burritos by spooning scrambled eggs, cooked sausage and bacon, and any desired fillings onto the center of a tortilla. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the burrito up tightly. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
4. Step 4: To freeze the burritos, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put the sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the burritos to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave a frozen burrito for 1-2 minutes or wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds.

Handy Tips

• Use a variety of fillings to keep the burritos interesting and tailored to your taste preferences.
• Don’t overfill the burritos, as this can make them difficult to roll and can lead to fillings spilling out during reheating.
• Consider using leftover cooked vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or onions, to add flavor and nutrients to the burritos.

Heat Control

When reheating the burritos, be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the tortillas to become tough and the fillings to dry out. Microwave the burritos for 30-45 seconds, or until they are warmed through and the cheese is melted. If you prefer to reheat the burritos in the oven, wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Crunch Factor

To add a satisfying crunch to the burritos, consider topping them with diced fresh vegetables, such as lettuce or tomatoes, or a sprinkle of crispy tortilla strips. You can also add some crunch to the filling by including diced cooked bacon or chopped nuts.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a thermometer to ensure the eggs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• Don’t overmix the eggs, as this can cause them to become tough and rubbery.
• Consider using a burrito-sized piece of parchment paper or a small piece of aluminum foil to wrap each burrito, making them easier to freeze and reheat.

Storage Tips

• Store the frozen burritos in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat the burritos as needed, or thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the morning.
• Consider labeling the bag or container with the date and contents, making it easy to keep track of how long the burritos have been frozen.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking to give make-ahead breakfast burritos as a gift, consider packaging them in a decorative tin or container, along with a packet of salsa or hot sauce and a few fresh tortilla chips. You could also include a gift card to a local coffee shop or café, making it a thoughtful and complete breakfast gift.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy: Add diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the filling for an extra kick of heat.
• Mexican-inspired: Add diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a sprinkle of queso fresco to the filling for a flavorful and authentic Mexican-inspired burrito.
• Breakfast-themed: Add diced cooked sausage or bacon, scrambled eggs, and shredded cheese to the filling for a classic breakfast burrito.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the burritos become tough or dry during reheating, try wrapping them in a damp paper towel or covering them with a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have a particular ingredient, such as cooked sausage or bacon, consider substituting it with a similar ingredient, such as diced ham or cooked vegetables.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the burritos are overcooked, they may become dry and tough. If they are undercooked, the eggs may not be set and the cheese may not be melted. Adjust the reheating time as needed to achieve the perfect texture and temperature.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, make-ahead breakfast burritos can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put the sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the burritos to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, make-ahead breakfast burritos can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free tortillas and fillings. Be sure to check the ingredient labels to ensure that all the ingredients are gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a large batch of make-ahead breakfast burritos. Simply multiply the ingredients and follow the same instructions for assembly and freezing.

Conclusion

Make-ahead breakfast burritos are a delicious and convenient meal solution for busy mornings. With their customizable fillings and easy reheating instructions, they’re perfect for meal prep, brunch gatherings, or a quick breakfast on-the-go. Whether you’re looking for a spicy kick or a classic breakfast flavor, make-ahead breakfast burritos are a versatile and satisfying option. So go ahead, get creative with your fillings, and enjoy the convenience and flavor of make-ahead breakfast burritos!