Name: Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 cups frozen tater tots; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 lbs bulk sweet Italian sausage (or hot if preferred); 1 (10.5 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies; 16 eggs; 2/3 cup half and half; Salt & pepper to taste; 20 8-inch flour tortillas; 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or preferred blend); Container of cooking spray or additional olive oil for brushing

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, flavorful, and super convenient breakfast option, these Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos are about to become your new best friend. Packed with crispy tater tots, savory sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, and melty cheese all wrapped up in a warm tortilla, they bring together the perfect harmony of textures and flavors that’ll jumpstart your morning. What’s even better is that you can prepare them ahead of time, making busy mornings a breeze while still enjoying a homemade meal that feels like a special treat.

Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to whip up these Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos is easier than you might think. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish shine. From the crispy tater tots to the spicy kick in the sausage and the creamy scrambled eggs, every element is essential.

4 cups frozen tater tots: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they add a delightful texture that makes these burritos unforgettable.
2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the sausage and giving everything a rich, golden finish.
2 lbs bulk sweet Italian sausage (or hot if you prefer): Adds savory depth and a touch of spice, customizable to your taste.
1 (10.5 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes: Provides a subtle zing with chilies and juicy tomato bits.
16 eggs: The fluffy base of the filling, bringing creaminess and protein.
2/3 cup half and half: Keeps the scrambled eggs extra moist and tender.
Salt & Pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together harmoniously.
20 8-inch flour tortillas: Soft and sturdy enough to hold all your filling without falling apart.
2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or your favorite): Melted gooey goodness that makes every bite a delight.
Container of cooking spray: To help get the burrito tops beautifully toasted in the oven.

How to Make Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos

Step 1: Bake the Tater Tots

Start by spreading your frozen tater tots in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then sprinkle a bit of seasoned salt over them for a flavor boost. Bake according to package instructions until golden and crispy. Let them cool on the stove while you prepare the other fillings. This crispy element will add incredible texture to your burritos.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the bulk sausage. Break it up with the back of a spoon as it browns. What you’re aiming for is not just “no pink” but a deep toasted look, as that caramelization adds unbeatable flavor. Once browned, drain excess fat but keep that delicious sausage in the pan.

Step 3: Add Rotel Tomatoes

Drain the Rotel diced tomatoes thoroughly to remove liquid, then stir them into the browned sausage. Sauté for just a minute to combine the flavors, then transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl to set aside. This adds a nice juicy kick that balances the richness of the sausage.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

Whisk together eggs, half and half, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Pour the mixture into the same skillet that you cooked the sausage in (to soak up those flavors) and reduce heat to medium. Stir gently and cook until the eggs are fluffy and fully cooked but still moist. Add these to the bowl with the sausage and stir to mix everything evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the Burritos

Set up your assembly line with bowls of tater tots, the sausage and egg mixture, shredded cheese, and your tortillas. On each tortilla, place about 5-6 tater tots, a tablespoon of cheese, and roughly 1/3 cup of the sausage and egg filling. Fold the sides slightly toward the center, then roll tightly lengthwise. This ensures nothing spills out and every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Burritos

Line your assembled burritos on a baking sheet, spacing them just a finger’s width apart to allow heat circulation. Spray or brush a little olive oil on top to get a golden, lightly toasted finish. Bake in your preheated 400° F oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the tops are lightly crispy. This step seals in flavor and texture, creating that perfect burrito finish.

How to Serve Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos

Garnishes

When serving your breakfast burritos, think fresh and flavorful. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of salsa verde adds creaminess and brightness. Sliced avocado or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can bring vibrant color and a fresh contrast to the warm savory filling. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty kick that wakes up the palate.

Side Dishes

These burritos are hearty, but pairing them with light sides balances the meal beautifully. Consider a fresh fruit salad for sweetness and freshness or a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette. If you want to add crunch, tortilla chips and a spicy pico de gallo are always winners.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos at a brunch or gathering, slice them in half diagonally and arrange them on a platter with colorful dipping sauces nearby. Wrap them individually in parchment paper and secure with a piece of twine for an on-the-go option that looks inviting. Presentation matters and adds a fun element to this already amazing dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your cooled breakfast burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy the convenience of a quick reheat without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

To maximize convenience, freeze your breakfast burritos individually wrapped in aluminum foil and placed inside a large freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month. This is a game-changer for busy weeks when you want a nutritious, homemade breakfast ready in minutes.

Reheating

For reheating frozen burritos, you have two great options. You can microwave them by unwrapping the foil, placing the burrito on a microwave-safe plate, and heating at 50% power for 2 to 3 minutes. If you prefer the oven method, keep the foil on, place the burritos on a cookie sheet, and bake at 400° F for 30 to 40 minutes until heated through. Both methods preserve the deliciousness of your Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make these burritos vegetarian?

Absolutely! To enjoy a meat-free version, swap out the sausage for sautéed veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions or try a plant-based sausage alternative. The recipe is super flexible that way.

How far in advance can I prepare these breakfast burritos?

You can assemble the burritos completely and keep them wrapped in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you go to cook them.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Definitely! Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or even a Mexican blend cheese all work beautifully. Choose your favorite to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Are there any tips for rolling the burritos so they don’t fall apart?

Yes! Make sure the filling isn’t too loose or overly wet. Folding the sides slightly toward the center before rolling lengthwise helps keep everything snug and prevents spillage.

What’s the best way to reheat if I’m short on time?

Microwaving is your quickest option. Just unwrap the foil, place the burrito on a microwave safe plate, and heat at half power for a few minutes until warmed through without drying out.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos. They truly are a lifesaver when mornings get hectic but you still want something nourishing and delicious. Whether you keep them refrigerated for extra quick breakfasts or freeze a batch for busy days, they never disappoint. Give this recipe a go and watch it become a staple in your kitchen too!

Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 20 breakfast burritos 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

These Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos are a delicious, crowd-pleasing breakfast option featuring crispy tater tots, savory Italian sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, and melty cheese wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for busy mornings, they can be baked immediately or frozen for later enjoyment, making breakfast prep easy and efficient.

Instructions

Bake Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a cookie sheet and sprinkle lightly with seasoned salt. Bake according to package instructions until crispy and golden. Let them cool on the stovetop while you prepare other fillings.
Brown the Sausage: Preheat oven to 400°F for finishing the burritos later. Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add the olive oil. Add the bulk Italian sausage, breaking it apart with the back of a spoon. Cook until deeply browned, not just no longer pink. Drain excess fat and return sausage to skillet.
Add Tomatoes: Drain the Rotel diced tomatoes to remove excess liquid. Stir the tomatoes and chilies into the browned sausage and sauté for 1 minute. Remove mixture to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Scramble Eggs: Whisk together eggs, half and half, salt, and freshly cracked pepper until combined. Pour into the same skillet used for sausage over medium heat. Stir frequently until eggs are fully cooked and no longer wet, making fluffy scrambled eggs.
Combine Sausage and Eggs: Add the scrambled eggs to the bowl with the sausage and tomatoes. Mix thoroughly to combine all filling ingredients evenly.
Assemble Burritos: Set up an assembly line with bowls of baked tater tots, sausage-egg mixture, shredded cheese, and a stack of tortillas. On each tortilla, layer 5-6 tater tots, about 1 tablespoon of cheese, and 1/3 cup of the sausage and egg mixture. Fold sides slightly toward the center and roll tortilla lengthwise tightly to form a burrito.
Bake Burritos: Place assembled burritos seam-side down on a large cookie sheet leaving a finger’s width space between each. Lightly spray or brush tops with cooking spray or olive oil. Bake in preheated 400°F oven for 12–15 minutes or until burrito tops are lightly toasted and golden.
Serving: Serve the breakfast burritos immediately while warm.
Freezing Instructions: After baking, allow burritos to cool completely. Wrap each burrito individually in aluminum foil, then store them together in a large freezer bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating Frozen Burritos (Microwave): Unwrap foil and discard. Place burrito on a microwave-safe plate and heat on 50% power for 2–3 minutes until warm throughout.
Reheating Frozen Burritos (Oven): Leave the burritos wrapped in foil, place on a cookie sheet, and bake at 400°F for 30–40 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Notes

Use hot Italian sausage if you prefer a spicier burrito.
Cheese types can be varied based on preference—Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Colby Jack all work well.
Ensure to drain tomatoes well to avoid excess moisture that can make the burritos soggy.
Burritos can be assembled the night before and stored covered in the fridge, then baked fresh in the morning.
To make these gluten-free, substitute flour tortillas with gluten-free tortilla options.
Seasoned salt on tater tots adds extra flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
If preferred, add diced onions or bell peppers when cooking sausage for extra flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking, Sautéing, Scrambling
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 burrito
Calories: 430 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 280 mg

Keywords: breakfast burritos, make ahead breakfast, frozen burritos, Italian sausage, tater tots, easy breakfast, meal prep breakfast, Mexican breakfast