A bold, comforting, and easy Mexican breakfast that’s perfect for lazy weekends or brunch with friends.
If you’ve ever found yourself craving something hearty, spicy, cheesy, and satisfying first thing in the morning—or even for dinner—you’re in for a treat. Classic chilaquiles with eggs, salsa, and cheese is the kind of meal that hits every note. It’s crispy, saucy, savory, and customizable. What’s not to love?
This traditional Mexican breakfast dish is surprisingly easy to make and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting brunch, or just using up leftover tortillas, chilaquiles are your go-to comfort food.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make authentic chilaquiles, plus some fun variations, essential tips, and ideas for toppings to make them your own. Let’s dive in!
🌮 What Are Chilaquiles?
Chilaquiles (chee-lah-KEE-les) are a classic Mexican dish made from fried corn tortillas simmered in salsa and often topped with eggs, cheese, crema, avocado, and other delicious ingredients. Think of them as the love child of nachos and enchiladas—but with a breakfast twist.
There are two popular types of chilaquiles:
- Rojos (red): Made with red tomato-based salsa.
- Verdes (green): Made with tomatillo-based salsa verde.
You can use either one here—it’s all about what you’re in the mood for.
🥚 Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the most classic version of chilaquiles with eggs, salsa, and cheese, here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chilaquiles:
- 8 small corn tortillas (cut into triangles)
- 2 cups red or green salsa (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt to taste
For the Toppings:
- 4 eggs (fried, scrambled, or poached—your choice)
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar
- ½ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: sliced jalapeños, pickled onions, or radishes
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Crisp the Tortillas
Start by heating oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add tortilla triangles in batches and fry until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with a bit of salt.
🔄 Pro Tip: If you’re in a hurry, use thick-cut tortilla chips instead, but fresh-fried tortillas give the best texture and flavor.
2. Warm the Salsa
In a separate pan, warm your salsa until it begins to bubble. You can add a splash of water or broth to thin it out if needed.
3. Combine and Simmer
Add the fried tortillas to the pan with the salsa. Stir gently to coat every piece, then simmer for about 3–4 minutes. The key is to soften the chips slightly while still keeping a bit of crunch.
4. Cook the Eggs
Meanwhile, cook the eggs your favorite way—sunny side up, scrambled, or even poached all work. Chilaquiles are very forgiving.
5. Assemble and Garnish
Plate your salsa-coated tortillas, top with the eggs, and load up on cheese, crema, avocado, and cilantro. Don’t be shy—the more toppings, the better.
😋 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
- ✅ Perfect for leftovers: Use yesterday’s tortillas or extra salsa
- ✅ Customizable: Top with anything from beans to pulled chicken
- ✅ Comforting and filling: A true crowd-pleaser
🥑 Variations to Try
Don’t be afraid to make it your own! Here are a few delicious ways to switch it up:
- Chilaquiles with pulled chicken: Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a protein-packed meal.
- Spicy chilaquiles: Mix salsa with chipotle or chili flakes for a kick.
- Chilaquiles verdes: Swap in tangy green tomatillo salsa for a brighter flavor.
- Vegan chilaquiles: Skip the eggs and cheese, and use plant-based toppings.
🌞 When to Serve Chilaquiles
- Weekend brunches
- Lazy Sunday breakfasts
- Breakfast-for-dinner nights
- After a fun night out
Let’s be honest—chilaquiles are pretty much great any time of day. And because they’re made with pantry staples, you can whip them up whenever the craving strikes.
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t over-soak the chips: You want them soft but not mushy.
- Use thick tortillas: Thin ones break down too fast.
- Serve immediately: Chilaquiles taste best when fresh and warm.
- Garnish generously: Toppings add texture, color, and extra flavor.
📌 Pinterest SEO Tags and Keywords
Pinterest Title Ideas:
- “Authentic Chilaquiles with Eggs and Salsa – Easy Mexican Breakfast Recipe”
- “How to Make the Best Chilaquiles with Cheese and Fried Eggs”
- “Classic Chilaquiles Rojos – Simple, Cheesy, and Delicious!”
Pinterest Description: Learn how to make authentic Mexican chilaquiles with eggs, salsa, and cheese in under 30 minutes! This easy brunch or breakfast recipe is comforting, cheesy, and full of bold flavor. Perfect for using up tortillas and salsa. Includes step-by-step tips and delicious topping ideas!
Pinterest Hashtags: #Chilaquiles #MexicanBreakfast #EasyBrunchRecipe #SalsaEggs #AuthenticChilaquiles #WeekendBrunch #ComfortFood #TortillaRecipes #EggRecipes #CheesyGoodness #BrunchIdeas
🧀 Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a dish that’s both rustic and elegant, simple yet flavorful. Classic chilaquiles with eggs, salsa, and cheese checks all those boxes. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience.
So next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering what to cook, remember: tortillas + salsa + eggs = pure happiness.
Try this recipe, and don’t forget to share your version on Pinterest or Instagram! Tag @HealthyLifestyleAndBeyond and let us see your chilaquiles masterpiece.