Name: Egg Tortilla Bake: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 12 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (Italian sausage recommended); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 6 (6-inch) flour tortillas; Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado, chopped cilantro

Egg Tortilla Bake: Prepare to revolutionize your breakfast or brunch routine with this incredibly easy and satisfying dish! Imagine waking up to the aroma of warm tortillas layered with fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and your favorite savory fillings. This isn't just breakfast; it's an experience.

While the exact origins of the Egg Tortilla Bake are debated, its spirit is rooted in the resourceful and delicious traditions of Tex-Mex cuisine. Think of it as a cousin to huevos rancheros or a distant relative of the breakfast burrito, all baked to golden perfection. It's a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

What makes this dish so universally loved? For starters, it's incredibly versatile. You can customize it with any vegetables, meats, or cheeses you have on hand. But beyond its adaptability, the Egg Tortilla Bake offers a delightful combination of textures: the soft, yielding tortillas, the creamy eggs, and the gooey, melted cheese. It's also a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for busy mornings or feeding a crowd. Plus, who can resist the comforting, home-baked goodness of a warm and cheesy breakfast?

Ingredients:

12 large eggs
1/2 cup milk (any kind works, I prefer whole milk for richness)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (Italian sausage is my favorite!)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
6 (6-inch) flour tortillas
Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado, chopped cilantro

Preparing the Filling:

First, let's get our veggies prepped! Chop the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper into small, even pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly and distribute nicely throughout the bake. I like to use a sharp knife and a cutting board for this.
Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Don't let them brown too much! We just want them to be tender.
Add the cooked sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. If you're using raw sausage, make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding the vegetables. Break the sausage up into crumbles as it cooks. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sausage is heated through and the flavors have melded.
Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside. We'll be using this delicious mixture as the filling for our tortilla bake. Make sure to taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little extra pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!

Preparing the Egg Mixture:

In a large bowl, crack the 12 eggs. Make sure to check for any shell fragments! Nobody wants crunchy eggs.
Add the milk, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the eggs.
Whisk everything together vigorously until the eggs are light and frothy. This will incorporate air into the mixture and help the bake rise nicely. I like to use a wire whisk for this, but a fork will also work in a pinch. Just make sure everything is well combined.

Assembling the Tortilla Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important! A properly preheated oven will ensure that the bake cooks evenly.
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. You can use cooking spray, butter, or even a little bit of olive oil. This will prevent the tortilla bake from sticking to the dish and make it easier to serve.
Now, let's start layering! Place two of the flour tortillas in the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping them slightly to cover the entire surface. You might need to trim the tortillas a bit to make them fit perfectly.
Pour about half of the egg mixture over the tortillas in the baking dish. Make sure to distribute it evenly.
Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the egg mixture. Again, try to spread it out evenly so that every bite is packed with flavor.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the sausage and vegetable mixture. Cheese is key!
Place two more flour tortillas over the cheese layer, overlapping them slightly.
Pour the remaining egg mixture over the tortillas.
Spread the remaining sausage and vegetable mixture over the egg mixture.
Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
Place the final two flour tortillas on top of the cheese, overlapping them slightly.

Baking the Tortilla Bake:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the top from browning too quickly and ensure that the inside cooks through.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is set. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center of the bake. If it comes out clean, it's ready!
Remove the tortilla bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the bake to set up a bit and make it easier to cut.

Serving Suggestions:

Slice the egg tortilla bake into squares or rectangles.
Serve warm, topped with your favorite toppings. Sour cream, salsa, avocado, and chopped cilantro are all great options!
This egg tortilla bake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner. It's also a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Tips and Variations:

Spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture or use a spicy sausage.
Add more veggies! Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Use different cheeses! Pepper jack cheese, mozzarella cheese, or even feta cheese would be delicious in this bake.
Make it vegetarian! Omit the sausage and add more vegetables or use a vegetarian sausage substitute.
Make it gluten-free! Use gluten-free tortillas.
For a richer flavor: Use heavy cream instead of milk.
Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry and rubbery egg bake.

Enjoy your delicious Egg Tortilla Bake!

Conclusion:

This Egg Tortilla Bake is more than just a recipe; it's a breakfast game-changer, a brunch superstar, and a quick-and-easy dinner solution all rolled into one delicious package. I truly believe you'll find yourself making this again and again, not just because it's incredibly simple to throw together, but because it's so satisfying and adaptable to your own tastes. Why is it a must-try? Well, for starters, it's a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients lurking in your fridge. That half-used bag of shredded cheese? Perfect! Those stray veggies that are starting to look a little sad? Chop them up and toss them in! It's a champion of minimizing food waste and maximizing flavor. Beyond that, it's a complete meal in one dish. You've got your protein from the eggs, your carbs from the tortillas, and your vitamins and minerals from whatever veggies you choose to include. It's a balanced and nourishing way to start your day or fuel up after a long one. But the real magic of this Egg Tortilla Bake lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations to create your own signature version. Craving something spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some diced jalapeños, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. Want a more Mediterranean vibe? Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives. For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked sausage, bacon, or chorizo. The possibilities are truly endless! Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started: * Brunch Bonanza: Serve warm slices of the bake with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a side of crispy bacon or sausage. A mimosa or a spicy Bloody Mary would be the perfect accompaniment! * Quick Weekday Breakfast: Prepare the bake ahead of time and simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for a grab-and-go breakfast that will keep you full and energized until lunchtime. * Dinner Delight: Serve with a side salad and some crusty bread for a satisfying and complete dinner. A simple vinaigrette dressing will complement the richness of the bake perfectly. * Variations to Explore: Try using different types of tortillas, such as whole wheat, spinach, or even gluten-free options. You can also substitute the eggs with egg whites for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, add more vegetables and consider using a plant-based cheese alternative. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you're going to love how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes. Once you've given it a go, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. What variations did you try? What were your favorite flavor combinations? Did you make any modifications to the recipe? Please, don't hesitate to share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to create even better recipes for you in the future. I truly believe that cooking is a collaborative process, and I'm thrilled to have you join me on this culinary adventure. So, get in the kitchen, get creative, and get ready to enjoy a truly amazing Egg Tortilla Bake! Happy cooking!