Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy

There’s something deeply comforting about a Southern breakfast. When you combine hearty ingredients like sausage, eggs, cheese, and creamy gravy into one dish, you get the ultimate comfort food: Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy. This dish is the perfect fusion of Tex-Mex flair and Southern soul, making it a favorite at brunch tables across the region.

Unlike traditional casseroles, this recipe combines elements of classic Southern cooking with the rolled structure of enchiladas, offering a fresh spin on morning comfort food. It’s a bit like a savory twist on the breakfast grilled cheese but even more layered and luxurious.

Learn more about the origins of Southern breakfast traditions from Southern Living, where the culinary culture of the South celebrates heartwarming, soulful meals. And if you’re not familiar with how to perfect your gravy, here’s a guide on perfect sausage gravy tips that’ll help you nail the creamy texture and rich flavor every time.

🍽️ Ingredients: What You’ll Need For Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy

The magic of this dish lies in its combination of breakfast staples with Southern gravy traditions. Here’s what you’ll need:

6 large flour tortillas

1 tablespoon butter
6 large eggs, scrambled

1 lb breakfast sausage
1 cup frozen hash browns or tater tots
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

🔥 For the Sausage Gravy:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk
½ lb ground sausage
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

🍳 Cooking Method: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow this simple guide to assemble your Southern breakfast enchiladas with sausage gravy:

1. Prepare the Filling

Brown the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
In a separate pan, scramble the eggs in butter, seasoned with a bit of salt and pepper.

Cook the hash browns or tater tots according to package instructions.
In a bowl, mix the sausage, eggs, potatoes, and shredded cheese together.

2. Roll the Enchiladas

Spoon filling into each tortilla.

Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

3. Make the Sausage Gravy

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux.
Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Add browned sausage back in, season with salt and pepper.
Simmer until thickened and smooth.

4. Bake and Serve

Pour the sausage gravy over the enchiladas.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, and serve warm.

🌯 Why Use Enchiladas for Breakfast?

The use of tortillas gives this dish a Tex-Mex twist, while the ingredients keep it rooted in Southern tradition. It’s heartier than your average burrito, and the baked casserole-style makes it ideal for family brunches or meal prep.

This fusion isn’t new—Southern cuisine has long embraced cross-cultural influences. Combining tortillas and white sausage gravy might sound unconventional, but the result is irresistibly delicious.

For drink pairings, check out these brunch drink ideas to elevate your meal.

🔄 Variations & Customizations

This dish is super versatile. You can easily tweak the ingredients based on dietary needs or what you have in the fridge.

✅ Popular Variations:

One of the best aspects of Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy is how easily they can be customized to suit different tastes, dietary needs, and ingredient availability. Whether you’re feeding a crowd with mixed preferences or trying to change things up for your next brunch, these popular variations bring versatility and creativity to the table.

🌱 Vegetarian Version

Skip the sausage and replace it with:

Plant-based sausage crumbles

Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or spinach
Black beans or pinto beans for added protein

Use the same creamy gravy base with a vegetable broth or a mushroom-based gravy for a meatless yet savory result.

🌶️ Spicy Southern Style

If you like heat, kick it up with:

Hot or spicy breakfast sausage
Jalapeños or green chiles chopped into the filling

Pepper jack cheese for a zesty twist
A dash of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning in the gravy

These tweaks add bold Southern heat without overpowering the creamy texture.

🧀 Extra Cheesy Delight

Double down on cheese lovers’ dreams:

Use a mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack
Add a sprinkle of parmesan on top before baking

Incorporate cheese sauce into the filling for extra gooeyness

🥓 Bacon Lover’s Twist

Combine or replace sausage with:

Crispy bacon bits or bacon crumbles

Maple-glazed bacon for a sweet-savory profile
Even a mix of bacon and sausage for the ultimate indulgence

🥬 Low-Carb/Keto Option

Swap flour tortillas with egg wraps or low-carb tortillas

Replace hash browns with sautéed cauliflower or riced veggies
Use a cream-heavy gravy to maintain richness while lowering carbs

These variations ensure you never get bored and always have a way to adapt this dish to your lifestyle or cravings.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy are rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, so pairing them with the right sides and drinks can take your meal to the next level. Whether you’re planning a laid-back weekend brunch or a festive breakfast gathering, these suggestions will round out your menu beautifully.

🥗 Savory Sides

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of berries, melon, and citrus offers a bright, juicy contrast to the richness of the gravy.
Southern Grits: Creamy or cheesy grits complement the texture of the enchiladas while adding even more Southern charm.

Avocado Slices or Guacamole: Adds a fresh, buttery element that balances the spice and richness.
Sautéed Greens: Lightly cooked kale, spinach, or Swiss chard provide a nutritious and slightly bitter counterpoint.

🧁 Sweet Sides

Cinnamon Rolls or Mini Muffins: Sweet baked goods offer a comforting dessert-like option.

Fruit Smoothies: Try pairing with a tropical blend like a strawberry-banana or pineapple-coconut smoothie for a refreshing twist.
Yogurt Parfaits: Layered with granola and fruit, these are great for a lighter bite that still feels brunch-worthy.

🍹 Drink Pairings

Freshly Brewed Coffee or Sweet Tea

Mimosas or Bloody Marys for a boozy brunch
Orange or Grapefruit Juice for a classic touch

These serving ideas ensure your breakfast enchiladas shine as the centerpiece while giving guests a full, satisfying meal experience. Whether you go traditional or creative, this dish plays well with a wide range of Southern-inspired sides and drinks.

❄️ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

One of the best things about Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy is how easily they can be prepped ahead and stored — making them a perfect choice for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or weekend meal prep.

🕒 Make-Ahead Instructions

Assemble the night before: Prepare the enchiladas as directed, but don’t bake them yet. Instead, cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pour the sausage gravy over the top and bake as usual. This allows flavors to meld and saves time when you need it most.
Make-ahead gravy: The sausage gravy can also be prepared in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before pouring it over the enchiladas.

❄️ Freezing Instructions

Freeze before baking: Assemble the enchiladas (without gravy) in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Add freshly made gravy just before baking for best results.
Freeze leftovers: Baked enchiladas can also be frozen. Cool completely, wrap individual portions in foil or place in freezer-safe containers. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

🔁 Reheating Tips

Oven: Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until heated through.

Microwave: Reheat individual servings for 2–3 minutes on medium heat, covered loosely with a paper towel.

These make-ahead and storage strategies ensure your enchiladas stay delicious, creamy, and convenient.

⚖️ Nutrition & Allergen Info

Estimated per serving (1 enchilada):

Calories: 480–550
Protein: 20–25g
Fat: 30g

Carbs: 30–35g

Common Allergens:

Gluten: flour tortillas and roux
Dairy: cheese and milk

Eggs: in the filling

Use gluten-free tortillas, dairy alternatives, or egg replacers as needed.

❓ FAQs: People Also Ask About Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy

1. Can you freeze breakfast enchiladas with gravy?

Yes! Freeze after assembling (before baking), or freeze leftovers. Wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

2. How do you keep breakfast enchiladas from getting soggy?

Use slightly crisped hash browns and avoid overly wet fillings. Bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes for better texture.

3. What’s the difference between enchiladas and burritos?

Burritos are typically wrapped individually and eaten by hand. Enchiladas are baked in a dish with sauce, usually eaten with a fork.

4. Is sausage gravy only a Southern thing?

Mostly! Sausage gravy is a staple of Southern breakfasts, commonly served with biscuits. It’s known for its creamy, peppery flavor.

5. Can I use bacon instead of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely. Bacon adds a smoky depth. Try mixing both for the ultimate savory combo.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy are the ultimate comfort food fusion — bringing together the heartiness of a Southern morning meal with the bold, satisfying structure of enchiladas. Every bite delivers a comforting mix of cheesy eggs, crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and peppery gravy wrapped in warm tortillas. It’s a dish that’s as impressive on a brunch table as it is easy to prep ahead for busy mornings.

What sets this dish apart is its versatility. You can make it spicy, vegetarian, low-carb, or indulgently rich depending on your crowd. It’s ideal for Sunday brunches, holidays, or anytime you want something that feels special yet doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

This recipe brings regional flair to your table and can easily become a family tradition. It pairs beautifully with sweet sides like fresh fruit or smoothies and savory additions like biscuits or hash. With ingredients you likely already have at home, this breakfast favorite is both practical and indulgent.

So next time you’re craving a cozy, crave-worthy breakfast, remember this: Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy are more than a meal — they’re a Southern hug in a casserole dish. Serve them once, and you’ll be hooked for life.