Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole is a bold and comforting twist on the classic Mexican breakfast. Made by layering tortilla chips with red enchilada sauce, cheese, eggs, and flavorful toppings, this baked dish brings together the essence of chilaquiles in an easy-to-make format that’s perfect for sharing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines classic chilaquiles flavor with casserole convenience
- Baked, not fried—easy and mess-free
- Feeds a crowd, perfect for brunch or holidays
- Customizable with proteins or extra toppings
- Make-ahead friendly for busy mornings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Red enchilada sauce
- Chopped green chiles
- Green onions
- Taco seasoning
- Tortilla chips (sturdy variety recommended)
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Eggs
- Avocado
- Queso fresco
- Fresh cilantro
- Cooking spray
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, combine enchilada sauce, chopped green chiles, sliced white parts of green onions, and taco seasoning.
- Spread 1 cup of the sauce mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish. Add a layer of tortilla chips, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Add the remaining tortilla chips and pour the rest of the sauce mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and carefully make 6 shallow wells in the casserole. Crack one egg into each well.
- Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until egg whites are set and yolks are cooked to your preference.
- Garnish with green onion tops, diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Add meat: Mix in cooked chorizo, bacon, or shredded chicken for extra protein
- Change the sauce: Use green enchilada sauce for a tangier flavor
- Cheese swap: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend
- Extra veggies: Add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or black beans
- Spice it up: Top with sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions tightly wrapped for up to 1 month
- Reheating: Microwave or reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through; cover with foil if reheating in the oven to prevent drying
FAQs
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole (without the eggs) the night before. Refrigerate, then bake and add eggs the next day.
What kind of tortilla chips should I use?
Use thick, restaurant-style tortilla chips. Thin chips may get soggy quickly.
Can I use green enchilada sauce instead of red?
Absolutely. It changes the flavor profile but works just as well.
How do I make sure the eggs are perfectly cooked?
Bake until the whites are set. For runny yolks, 15 minutes is enough. For firmer yolks, bake closer to 20 minutes.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! The base recipe is meat-free. Add beans or extra veggies for more bulk.
What toppings go well with this casserole?
Avocado, sour cream, radishes, jalapeños, lime wedges, and hot sauce are all great choices.
Will the chips stay crispy?
Some chips will soften, others stay a bit crisp, creating a great texture mix—just like classic chilaquiles.
Can I add beans?
Definitely! Black beans or pinto beans make great additions between the layers.
Is this casserole spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat. Use mild enchilada sauce for less spice or hot sauce to turn it up.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until hot.
Conclusion
Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole transforms a traditional dish into an easy, shareable meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you serve it for a weekend brunch or prepare it ahead for busy mornings, this casserole is always a hit. Packed with cheesy, saucy goodness and topped with perfectly baked eggs, it’s a new breakfast favorite waiting to happen.
Print
Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish made with crispy tortilla chips, eggs, cheese, and a zesty red or green enchilada sauce. It’s perfect for brunch or a make-ahead breakfast.
Ingredients
- 10 oz tortilla chips
- 2 cups red or green enchilada sauce
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for serving)
- Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the tortilla chips in the bottom of the dish. Pour half of the enchilada sauce over the chips, then sprinkle with half of the onion, cilantro, and cheeses.
- Repeat with the remaining chips, sauce, onion, cilantro, and cheeses to form layers.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered chips and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until eggs are set and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with sour cream, avocado slices, and hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought enchilada sauce, red or green depending on your preference.
- Add cooked chorizo or bacon for a meatier version.
- Great for meal prep—store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 215mg