Breakfast Prep

Breakfast Quesadilla

Name: Breakfast Quesadilla
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 large eggs; 1 lb (450g) Mexican-style chorizo, casings removed; 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (55g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup (60g) diced bell peppers; 1/2 cup (60g) diced onion; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 6 large flour tortillas; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh cilantro; 1 lime, cut into wedges

By Felix Penhallow · June 19, 2026 · Breakfast Prep

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total45 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I had a breakfast quesadilla. It was a game-changer for my morning routine, and I've been hooked ever since. The combination of scrambled eggs, spicy chorizo, and melted cheese all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla is the perfect way to start the day. As a home cook, I've experimented with different ingredients and techniques to create the ultimate breakfast quesadilla recipe.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to your taste by adding or subtracting ingredients, making it a great option for meal prep. Simply cook the components separately, assemble the quesadillas, and reheat them as needed. It's a great way to ensure you have a healthy and delicious breakfast on hand, even on the busiest of mornings.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of scrambled eggs, cooked chorizo, and shredded cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy flour tortilla. We'll also be adding some diced bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and nutrition. The key to making this recipe work is to cook each component separately and then assemble the quesadillas just before reheating. This ensures that the tortillas stay crispy and the filling stays hot and flavorful.

Whether you're a busy professional or a parent on-the-go, this breakfast quesadilla recipe is a great way to start your day off right. It's easy to make, customizable, and reheats beautifully, making it a perfect addition to your meal prep routine.

In the following sections, we'll dive into the details of the recipe, including the ingredients, equipment, and steps needed to make it. We'll also cover some tips and tricks for customizing the recipe and avoiding common mistakes. So let's get started and make some delicious breakfast quesadillas!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and customize, making it a great option for meal prep
The breakfast quesadilla is a versatile dish that can be reheated and served at any time of day
The combination of scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheese provides a rich and satisfying flavor
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with ingredients you likely already have on hand
The quesadillas are perfect for on-the-go breakfast or as a quick and easy lunch
The recipe is family-friendly and can be made in large batches for a crowd
The breakfast quesadilla is a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great breakfast quesadilla is to cook each component separately and then assemble the quesadillas just before reheating. This ensures that the tortillas stay crispy and the filling stays hot and flavorful. By cooking the eggs, chorizo, and vegetables separately, we can control the texture and flavor of each component, resulting in a well-balanced and delicious final product.

Another important factor is the type of cheese used. In this recipe, we're using a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, which provides a rich and creamy flavor. The cheese also helps to bind the filling together, making it easier to assemble and reheat the quesadillas.

Finally, the type of tortilla used is crucial. We're using flour tortillas, which are more pliable and easier to fold than corn tortillas. This makes it easier to assemble the quesadillas and ensures that they stay closed during cooking.

By following these tips and using the right ingredients, we can create a breakfast quesadilla that's not only delicious but also easy to make and reheat. Whether you're a busy professional or a parent on-the-go, this recipe is a great way to start your day off right.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great breakfast quesadilla, the ingredients are key. We're using a combination of scrambled eggs, cooked chorizo, and shredded cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy flour tortilla. We'll also be adding some diced bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and nutrition. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, such as fresh eggs and real cheese, to ensure the best flavor and texture.

When shopping for ingredients, look for chorizo that is labeled as 'Mexican-style' or 'Spanish-style', as these will have the most flavor. You can also customize the recipe by adding or subtracting ingredients, such as diced ham or cooked vegetables. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

6 large eggsFresh eggs are essential for this recipe, as they will provide the best flavor and texture. Look for eggs that are labeled as 'large' or 'extra-large' to ensure they are the right size.
1 lb (450g) Mexican-style chorizo, casings removedChorizo is a spicy Spanish sausage that adds a rich and savory flavor to the quesadilla. Look for chorizo that is labeled as 'Mexican-style' or 'Spanish-style' to ensure it has the most flavor.
1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheeseCheddar cheese is a great addition to the quesadilla, as it provides a rich and creamy flavor. Look for cheese that is labeled as 'sharp' or 'extra-sharp' to ensure it has the most flavor.
1/2 cup (55g) shredded Monterey Jack cheeseMonterey Jack cheese is a mild and creamy cheese that helps to balance out the flavor of the chorizo. Look for cheese that is labeled as 'Monterey Jack' or 'Pepper Jack' to ensure it has the right flavor.
1/2 cup (60g) diced bell peppersBell peppers add a sweet and crunchy texture to the quesadilla. Look for bell peppers that are labeled as 'green' or 'red' to ensure they are the right color.
1/2 cup (60g) diced onionOnions add a savory flavor to the quesadilla. Look for onions that are labeled as 'yellow' or 'white' to ensure they are the right color.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the chorizo and vegetables, and to brush the tortillas. Look for olive oil that is labeled as 'extra-virgin' to ensure it has the best flavor.
6 large flour tortillasFlour tortillas are essential for this recipe, as they provide a pliable and crispy texture. Look for tortillas that are labeled as 'flour' or 'wheat' to ensure they are the right type.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are used to season the eggs and chorizo, and to add flavor to the quesadilla. Look for salt and pepper that are labeled as 'kosher' or 'sea salt' to ensure they have the best flavor.
2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh cilantroCilantro is used to garnish the quesadilla and add fresh flavor. Look for cilantro that is labeled as 'fresh' to ensure it has the best flavor.
1 lime, cut into wedgesLime is used to add a squeeze of fresh flavor to the quesadilla. Look for limes that are labeled as 'fresh' to ensure they are the right size and have the best flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatula

How to Make Breakfast Quesadilla

1
Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Add the diced bell peppers to the skillet and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4
Add the chorizo to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the chorizo is no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
5
Add the whisked eggs to the skillet and scramble them together with the chorizo and vegetables. Cook until the eggs are set, about 2-3 minutes.
6
In a separate pan or griddle, warm the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable and easier to fold.
7
To assemble the quesadillas, lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle shredded cheese down the center of the tortilla. Add a spoonful of the egg and chorizo mixture on top of the cheese.
8
Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Cook the quesadilla in the pan or griddle for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
9
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling ingredients.
10
Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro.
11
To reheat the quesadillas, simply cook them in a pan or griddle over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and hot.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh eggs and real cheese, to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Customize the recipe by adding or subtracting ingredients, such as diced ham or cooked vegetables.
Adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly based on the ingredients and equipment used.
Use a thermometer to ensure the eggs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Don't overfill the quesadillas, as this can make them difficult to fold and cook.
Experiment with different types of cheese and chorizo to find the combination that works best for you.
Consider making a double batch of the egg and chorizo mixture and freezing it for future use.
To freeze the quesadillas, simply assemble them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the quesadillas, making them difficult to fold and cook.
Not cooking the eggs to a safe internal temperature, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can result in a bland or unappetizing final product.
Not warming the tortillas before assembling the quesadillas, which can make them brittle and prone to cracking.
Not cooking the quesadillas long enough, resulting in a soggy or undercooked final product.
Not freezing the quesadillas properly, which can lead to freezer burn or a loss of texture and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced ham or cooked bacon to the egg and chorizo mixture for added protein and flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or queso fresco, to change up the flavor profile.
Add diced vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to the egg and chorizo mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Use whole wheat or whole grain tortillas for a healthier and more nutritious option.
Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or scallions to the quesadillas for added fresh flavor.
Serve the quesadillas with a side of salsa or sour cream for added flavor and creaminess.
Experiment with different types of chorizo, such as Spanish-style or Mexican-style, to find the one that works best for you.

What to Serve With Breakfast Quesadilla

The breakfast quesadilla is a versatile dish that can be served at any time of day. Consider serving it with a side of salsa or sour cream for added flavor and creaminess. You can also serve it with a variety of other dishes, such as hash browns, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.

Some other ideas for serving the breakfast quesadilla include:

Hash browns and scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast

Grilled meats, such as chorizo or steak, for a filling and flavorful meal

Roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for a healthy and nutritious option

Salsa and sour cream for a creamy and spicy kick

Fresh fruit or yogurt for a light and refreshing dessert

Hash browns and scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfastGrilled meats, such as chorizo or steak, for a filling and flavorful mealRoasted vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for a healthy and nutritious optionSalsa and sour cream for a creamy and spicy kickFresh fruit or yogurt for a light and refreshing dessert

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The breakfast quesadilla is a great option for meal prep, as it can be cooked and reheated as needed. To store the quesadillas, simply assemble them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

To reheat the quesadillas, simply cook them in a pan or griddle over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and hot. You can also reheat them in the microwave or oven, but be careful not to overcook them.

Some tips for storing and reheating the quesadillas include:

Freezing the quesadillas as soon as possible after assembly to preserve texture and flavor

Using a thermometer to ensure the quesadillas are reheated to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C)

Avoiding overcooking the quesadillas, as this can make them dry and unappetizing

Experimenting with different reheating methods, such as pan-frying or oven-baking, to find the one that works best for you

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese is best for the breakfast quesadilla?

A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese works well, as it provides a rich and creamy flavor. However, you can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or queso fresco, to find the one that works best for you.

Can I use different types of chorizo?

Yes, you can use different types of chorizo, such as Spanish-style or Mexican-style, to find the one that works best for you. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly based on the type of chorizo used.

How do I freeze the quesadillas?

To freeze the quesadillas, simply assemble them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat the quesadillas?

Can I customize the recipe?

Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding or subtracting ingredients, such as diced ham or cooked vegetables. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly based on the ingredients used.

Is the breakfast quesadilla a healthy option?

The breakfast quesadilla can be a healthy option if made with whole wheat or whole grain tortillas and filled with nutritious ingredients, such as scrambled eggs, chorizo, and vegetables. However, it's also important to be mindful of portion sizes and to balance the meal with a variety of other healthy options.

Can I make the quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the quesadillas ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for later use. Simply assemble the quesadillas and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

How long do the quesadillas last in the fridge?

The quesadillas can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply store them in an airtight container and reheat as needed.

Can I serve the quesadillas at a party or gathering?

Yes, the breakfast quesadilla is a great option for a party or gathering, as it's easy to make in large batches and can be served with a variety of other dishes. Consider serving it with a side of salsa or sour cream for added flavor and creaminess.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card