This Easy Chilaquiles Recipe combines crispy tortilla chips coated in a rich, flavorful salsa and topped with fresh ingredients like avocado, cheese, and eggs. This classic Mexican comfort dish is simple to make, budget-friendly, and customizable to your taste preferences, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
There’s something beautifully comforting about a plate of chilaquiles, especially on a lazy weekend morning. If you’re craving something equal parts savory, spicy, and satisfying, this Easy Chilaquiles Recipe is a winner. Picture this: crispy tortilla chips coated in a smoky red or green sauce, topped with all the fixings – a sunny-side-up egg, crumbled cheese, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocado slices. In Mexico, chilaquiles are often enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch dish, and it’s a brilliant way to use leftover tortillas. With this easy recipe, you’ll get all those rich, authentic flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe takes just about 30 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making this a wallet-friendly meal.
- Versatile: Use red or green salsa, top with fried or scrambled eggs, and add or omit toppings to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Chilaquiles are a great way to use up stale tortillas or extra salsa.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Tortillas: Traditional chilaquiles use corn tortillas, but you can substitute them with flour for a slightly softer texture.
- Salsa: Go for salsa verde (green) for a tangy, zesty flavor or salsa roja (red) for a deeper, smoky taste.
- Cheese: Queso fresco is authentic, but feta or shredded cheddar also works well.
- Eggs: Fried eggs are the classic topping, but scrambled or poached eggs are also delicious.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Ingredients
- 8 corn tortillas, cut into triangles (or use store-bought tortilla chips)
- 1 cup salsa verde or salsa roja (choose your favorite)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (if frying tortillas)
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Easy Chilaquiles (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare the Tortilla Chips
- As detailed above, fry or bake the tortillas until crispy. This is a crucial step for creating a sturdy base.
- Heat the Salsa
- Warm your chosen salsa in a skillet, which softens its flavor and helps it meld better with the chips.
- Combine and Top
- Gently toss the chips in the warm salsa. Top with a fried egg, cheese, and your favorite garnishes.
- Serve Immediately
- Chilaquiles are best enjoyed fresh, so serve immediately to keep that balance between crisp and saucy.
Expert Tips for Success
- Avoid Soggy Chips: Serve immediately after coating the chips in salsa to retain some crunch.
- Use High-Quality Salsa: Fresh salsa or homemade salsa makes a big difference in flavor.
- Adjust Heat Levels: If you like your food hot, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra spice.
Variations and Customizations
- Protein Additions: For extra protein, add shredded chicken, black beans, or even cooked chorizo.
- Vegan Option: Substitute sour cream and cheese with vegan alternatives.
- Green or Red: Experiment with different types of salsas – tomatillo-based for green, tomato-based for red.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
While best enjoyed, fresh, leftover chilaquiles can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to help the chips regain some crispness. The texture may soften, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Chilaquiles pair wonderfully with:
- Refried Beans: A classic side that adds heartiness to the meal.
- Mexican Rice: For an even more filling plate.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing contrast to the savory, spicy chilaquiles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make chilaquiles without frying the tortillas?
A: Yes! Baking the tortilla chips is a lighter option that yields a delicious result.
Q: Can I use store-bought tortilla chips?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought chips save time and can be a convenient alternative.
Q: Are chilaquiles supposed to be crispy or soft?
A: Chilaquiles are ideally a mix – crispy in parts but softened by the sauce.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Easy Chilaquiles Recipe, you might also like:
- Huevos Rancheros: A hearty, egg-topped breakfast with similar Mexican flavors.
- Migas: Another tortilla-based breakfast dish with scrambled eggs and salsa.
- Chicken Enchiladas: Saucy, cheesy, and comforting.
Conclusion
Chilaquiles are more than just a breakfast – they’re a culinary experience that brings together crispy tortillas, bold salsa, and comforting toppings. This Easy Chilaquiles Recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, affordable, and flavorful dish that doesn’t skimp on authenticity. Whether new to chilaquiles or an experienced fan, this recipe will surely become a favorite for any time of day. Dive into the vibrant flavors and textures, and enjoy every bite!
Easy Chilaquiles
Ingredients
- 8 corn tortillas, cut into triangles (or use store-bought tortilla chips)
- 1 cup salsa verde or salsa roja (choose your favorite)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (if frying tortillas)
- ¼ cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chips
- Frying Method: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tortilla triangles until golden and crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Baking Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread tortilla triangles on a baking sheet, lightly brush with oil, and bake for 10-15 minutes or until crispy.
- Cook the Sauce
- n a medium skillet, heat your chosen salsa over medium heat until warm. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to thin it slightly.
- Combine Chips and SauceAdd the chips to the skillet with the warm sauce, tossing gently to coat without breaking the chips.
- Add ToppingsWhile the chilaquiles are simmering, fry the eggs in a separate pan. Top the chilaquiles with fried eggs, crumbled cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices.
- Serve ImmediatelyServe hot with extra salsa on the side, if desired.