Introduction
Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy are the ultimate comfort breakfast, bringing together bold Southern flavors in a warm, satisfying baked dish. I first made these when I wanted something more exciting than the usual biscuits and gravy but still rooted in familiar comfort food. Wrapping classic breakfast ingredients in soft tortillas and baking them under a blanket of creamy sausage gravy felt like the perfect solution. The result is rich, savory, and deeply comforting without being complicated. Each bite delivers fluffy eggs, seasoned sausage, and melted cheese, all tied together with that unmistakable peppery gravy. This dish is ideal for slow weekends, brunch gatherings, or holiday mornings when everyone is craving something hearty and indulgent. It is filling, crowd-friendly, and guaranteed to become a repeat request once it hits the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines classic Southern comfort with an easy baked format. It is perfect for feeding a crowd, can be made ahead of time, and delivers bold, satisfying breakfast flavor in every bite.
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Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy: A Hearty, Comfort-Filled Morning Favorite
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiladas
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy are a comforting, hearty breakfast casserole featuring scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, and tortillas baked together and smothered in creamy Southern-style sausage gravy.
Ingredients
- 8 flour tortillas (medium size)
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- For Sausage Gravy:
- 1/2 lb breakfast sausage
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook breakfast sausage in a skillet until browned; remove and set aside.
- Whisk eggs with 1/2 cup milk, salt, and pepper, then scramble gently until just set.
- Mix scrambled eggs with cooked sausage and shredded cheese.
- Spoon mixture evenly into tortillas, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- To make gravy, cook sausage in a skillet until browned.
- Sprinkle flour over sausage and stir for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened; season with salt and pepper.
- Pour sausage gravy over enchiladas.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting.
- Can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning.
- Add diced green onions for garnish.
- Serve with fresh fruit to balance richness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Breakfast Sausage
Breakfast sausage provides the savory foundation for both the filling and the gravy. Its seasoning brings depth and classic Southern flavor.
Eggs
Eggs add structure, protein, and a soft, fluffy texture that balances the richness of the gravy.
Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas wrap the filling and hold everything together while baking. They remain soft and tender under the gravy.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar adds sharpness and meltability, complementing the sausage and eggs perfectly.
Butter
Butter helps build the sausage gravy and adds richness to the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour thickens the gravy, giving it a smooth, creamy consistency that coats the enchiladas beautifully.
Milk
Milk forms the base of the gravy, creating a classic Southern-style sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper
Salt and black pepper season the dish and give the gravy its signature savory bite.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder adds subtle warmth without overpowering the traditional breakfast flavors.
Green Onions
Green onions add freshness, color, and a mild bite that balances the richness of the dish.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by preheating the oven and lightly greasing a baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove half of the sausage from the pan and set it aside for the enchilada filling.
To the remaining sausage in the skillet, add butter and allow it to melt. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a roux. Cook briefly, then slowly whisk in the milk, stirring until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Remove from heat.
In a separate pan, softly scramble the eggs until just set. Combine the scrambled eggs with the reserved sausage and shredded cheddar cheese.
Fill each tortilla with the egg and sausage mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sausage gravy evenly over the enchiladas, covering them completely.
Bake until the enchiladas are heated through and bubbling. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, baking time is approximately 25 minutes, making the total time around 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Cover loosely when reheating in the oven to prevent drying.
Variations and Customizations
Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy are easy to adapt. For added vegetables, mix in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach with the egg filling. These additions add freshness and color.
For a spicier version, use hot breakfast sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy. You can also swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to introduce gentle heat.
If you prefer a lighter option, use turkey breakfast sausage and reduced-fat milk. The flavors remain satisfying while reducing richness slightly.
This dish can also be assembled the night before, covered, and baked in the morning, making it perfect for holidays or brunch gatherings.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is rich and filling, providing protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It contains dairy and gluten and is best enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or brunch meal.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do not overcook the eggs
Softly scrambled eggs stay tender after baking.
Whisk gravy continuously
This ensures a smooth, lump-free texture.
Let rest before serving
Resting allows the enchiladas to set and serve cleanly.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance and bake just before serving.
What sausage works best?
Classic pork breakfast sausage delivers the best flavor.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, use hot sausage or add cayenne.
Are corn tortillas suitable?
Flour tortillas work best for softness and structure.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended due to gravy texture.
Is this good for brunch?
Yes, it is ideal for brunch gatherings.
Can I add cheese on top?
Yes, extra cheese can be added before baking.
Does sausage gravy soak into the tortillas?
Yes, and it enhances flavor and tenderness.
Can I use store-bought gravy?
Homemade gravy is recommended for best results.
How do I prevent soggy enchiladas?
Avoid overfilling and bake just until heated through.
Conclusion
Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy are a comforting, crowd-pleasing way to elevate classic breakfast flavors into a hearty baked dish. With savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and rich gravy wrapped in tender tortillas, this recipe is perfect for weekends, holidays, or anytime you want a truly satisfying start to the day.
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