Name: Chilaquiles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 10 corn tortillas, cut into triangles; 1 cup salsa verde or salsa roja (choose your preferred salsa); 1/4 cup cooking oil (for frying tortillas); 1/2 cup queso fresco or cotija cheese, crumbled; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup crema or sour cream; 2 eggs (optional, fried or scrambled); Lime wedges, for serving

Experience the bold, zesty flavors of authentic Chilaquiles, a classic Mexican breakfast dish that combines crispy tortilla chips simmered in vibrant salsa, topped with creamy cheese and fresh garnishes. This quick and satisfying recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making Chilaquiles an irresistible option whether you’re fueling up for a busy day or enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and satisfyingly hearty: Ready in under 30 minutes, Chilaquiles bring a warm, comforting start to your morning without long prep times.
Versatile and easy to customize: Swap salsas, toppings, or proteins to match your cravings or dietary needs effortlessly.
Utilizes simple pantry staples: With basic ingredients like tortillas, salsa, and cheese, you can whip up an authentic taste anytime.
Bright, fresh flavors: The combination of tangy salsa, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs wakes up your palate beautifully.
Perfect balance of textures: Crispy tortilla chips soften slightly in sauce but still maintain a satisfying bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients ensures your Chilaquiles capture the genuine taste and texture of this iconic Mexican brunch. Each component plays a key role, whether adding crunch, spice, creaminess, or brightness.

Corn tortillas: Traditionally cut into triangles, they form the crispy base of your dish.
Salsa verde or roja: Fresh, vibrant salsa gives your Chilaquiles their signature bold zest and color.
Cooking oil: Used to fry tortillas to crispy perfection before simmering in salsa.
Queso fresco or cotija cheese: Crumbled cheese lends a creamy, salty contrast that complements the salsa.
Onion and garlic: Sautéed flavors add depth and aroma to the sauce.
Fresh cilantro: Sprinkled on top for a refreshing herbaceous touch.
Eggs (optional): Fried or scrambled eggs add protein and richness, enhancing the dish.
Crema or sour cream: A drizzle adds smooth, tangy creaminess that balances the spice.
Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime brightens each bite with citrus zing.

Variations

Chilaquiles are wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different salsas, proteins, and toppings to suit your preferences, dietary choices, or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started.

Protein boost: Add shredded chicken, chorizo, or black beans for extra heartiness and flavor.
Vegetarian twist: Skip meat and incorporate sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for texture and taste.
Salsa variety: Swap salsa roja for a smoky chipotle salsa or tangy tomatillo salsa verde for new flavor profiles.
Alternative cheeses: Try melting mozzarella or pepper jack for a gooey, melty topping.
Spice level: Adjust the heat by adding fresh jalapeños, hot sauce, or using milder salsas as needed.

Easy Chilaquiles Recipe for a Flavorful Mexican Breakfast

How to Make Chilaquiles

Step 1: Prepare crispy tortilla chips

Cut corn tortillas into even triangles, then fry them in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, giving you that perfect crunchy base.

Step 2: Make the salsa base

Sauté finely chopped onions and garlic in a pan until translucent and fragrant. Add your choice of salsa verde or roja, simmering gently to blend the flavors into a rich sauce.

Step 3: Combine chips and salsa

Gently toss the crispy tortilla chips into the simmering salsa. Let them soak for a couple of minutes just until slightly softened but still retaining some crunch—this creates the signature texture contrast.

Step 4: Add toppings and finish

Transfer the sauced chips to plates, then top with crumbled queso fresco, chopped cilantro, and a drizzle of crema. Optionally, add fried eggs on top to make it an even more filling meal.

Pro Tips for Making Chilaquiles

Use day-old tortillas: Older tortillas crisp up better and soak sauce without becoming too soggy.
Temperature matters: Ensure your salsa is hot but not boiling to avoid making the chips soggy too fast.
Don’t stir aggressively: Toss chips gently to keep their texture intact throughout.
Customize heat levels: Mix mild and spicy salsas to balance flavor intensity.
Try baking instead of frying: For a lighter version, bake tortilla chips with oil and seasonings until crispy.

How to Serve Chilaquiles

Garnishes

Fresh toppings elevate Chilaquiles beautifully. Add sliced avocado for creaminess, radish for crunch, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for bright herbal notes that contrast the rich salsa.

Side Dishes

Serve Chilaquiles with refried beans, Mexican rice, or fresh fruit to round out the meal. A side of warm tortillas or a cold glass of horchata makes the perfect complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling Chilaquiles in a clear glass casserole or individual ramekins for a fun brunch presentation. Layering chips and salsa creates a colorful, inviting look that’s both beautiful and practical for serving guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chilaquiles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep toppings separate, such as crema and avocado, to retain freshness.

Freezing

While freezing Chilaquiles is possible, it can alter the texture of the chips and salsa. If freezing, store components separately and reassemble after thawing for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to prevent sogginess, adding a splash of water or salsa to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwave reheating which may unevenly warm and soften chips too much.

FAQs

What are Chilaquiles?

Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican breakfast dish made of crispy tortilla chips simmered in salsa and topped with cheese, crema, and often eggs or other garnishes.

Can I make Chilaquiles vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegetable-based salsa, skip cheese or replace it with vegan alternatives, and omit eggs or use tofu scramble for a delicious vegan version.

Is Chilaquiles spicy?

The spice level depends on the salsa used; you can easily adjust it by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa varieties to suit your preference.

Can I use store-bought tortilla chips?

While fresh, homemade fried tortillas provide the best texture and flavor, store-bought chips can be used for convenience, though texture may be less authentic.

What is the best salsa for Chilaquiles?

Both salsa roja and salsa verde are classic choices; pick one based on your flavor preference—roja offers a smoky tomato base, while verde has bright tomatillo tanginess.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting, and genuinely satisfying breakfast, you can’t go wrong with Chilaquiles. This recipe brings bold Mexican flavors right to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Give it a try and enjoy a deliciously colorful start to your day that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!

Chilaquiles

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 2-3 1x
Diet: Vegetarian (optional eggs; can be made vegan with substitutions)

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the bold, zesty flavors of authentic Mexican Chilaquiles, a quick and satisfying breakfast dish featuring crispy fried corn tortillas simmered in vibrant salsa, topped with creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and optional eggs. Perfect for a hearty start or leisurely brunch, this recipe balances textures and tastes with simple pantry staples and customizable ingredients.

Instructions

Prepare crispy tortilla chips: Cut the corn tortillas into even triangles. Heat the cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the tortilla pieces in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Make the salsa base: In a pan, sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add the salsa verde or roja and simmer gently to combine flavors into a rich sauce.
Combine chips and salsa: Gently toss the crispy tortilla chips into the simmering salsa. Allow them to soak for a couple of minutes until slightly softened but still retaining some crunch for the signature texture.
Add toppings and finish: Transfer the sauced chips to serving plates. Top with crumbled queso fresco, chopped cilantro, and a drizzle of crema. Optionally, add fried or scrambled eggs on top to make it more filling. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over before eating.

Notes

Use day-old tortillas for better crispiness and to prevent chips from becoming soggy too quickly.
Keep the salsa hot but not boiling to avoid making chips overly soggy.
Toss chips gently in the salsa to maintain a satisfying texture.
For a lighter version, bake the tortilla chips with oil and seasonings until crispy instead of frying.
Customize the heat level by mixing mild and spicy salsas or adding fresh jalapeños or hot sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Frying and Simmering
Cuisine: Mexican