The Ultimate Southwest Morning Glory: Chorizo and Crispy Potato Breakfast Burrito

🌍 Cuisine: Mexican & Tex-Mex
🏷️ Category: Breakfast
⏱️ Prep: 15 minutes
🍳 Cook: 25 minutes
👥 Serves: 4 servings

📝 About This Recipe

Born in the heart of New Mexico and perfected in the bustling kitchens of Tex-Mex diners, this breakfast burrito is a masterclass in texture and bold flavor. It features velvety scrambled eggs, spicy Mexican chorizo, and golden-brown crispy potatoes, all bound together by molten Monterey Jack cheese. Wrapped in a toasted flour tortilla, it’s a portable feast that balances smoky, salty, and creamy notes for the ultimate morning wake-up call.

🥗 Ingredients

The Protein & Produce

  • 8 ounces Mexican Chorizo (fresh, casing removed)
  • 1 large Russet Potato (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
  • 1/2 Yellow Onion (finely diced)
  • 1/2 Red Bell Pepper (diced)

The Egg Scramble

  • 8 pieces Large Eggs (whisked thoroughly)
  • 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream (for extra fluffiness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter

Assembly & Garnish

  • 4 large Flour Tortillas (10-inch or 'Burrito size')
  • 1.5 cups Monterey Jack Cheese (freshly shredded)
  • 4 ounces Canned Green Chiles (diced and drained)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (roughly chopped)
  • 1 Avocado (sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for frying potatoes)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Place the cubed potatoes in a small pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes until just tender but not falling apart. Drain and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

  2. 2

    In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add the par-boiled potatoes. Fry for 8-10 minutes, tossing occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

  3. 3

    In the same skillet (wipe out excess oil if necessary), add the fresh chorizo. Cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).

  4. 4

    Add the diced onions and red bell peppers to the chorizo. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and have absorbed the flavorful chorizo oil.

  5. 5

    Stir the crispy potatoes back into the chorizo and vegetable mixture. Add the diced green chiles. Stir to combine and keep warm over very low heat.

  6. 6

    In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with heavy cream, salt, and pepper until no streaks of white remain.

  7. 7

    In a separate non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Pour in the egg mixture. Using a silicone spatula, gently push the eggs from the edges to the center to create large, soft curds. Remove from heat while they still look slightly wet; they will finish cooking from residual heat.

  8. 8

    Warm the flour tortillas. You can do this by placing them directly over a low gas flame for 10 seconds per side or heating them in a dry pan until pliable. This prevents cracking during rolling.

  9. 9

    To assemble, lay a warm tortilla flat. Sprinkle a generous portion of Monterey Jack cheese in the center. Layer on the chorizo-potato mixture, followed by the soft scrambled eggs.

  10. 10

    Top with avocado slices and fresh cilantro. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up to create a sealed cylinder.

  11. 11

    Optional but recommended: Place the assembled burrito seam-side down in a hot, dry skillet for 1 minute per side. This 'griddling' seals the burrito and creates a delightful crunch.

  12. 12

    Slice diagonally and serve immediately while the cheese is molten and the potatoes are crisp.

💡 Chef's Tips

Always par-boil your potatoes before frying to ensure a fluffy interior and a shatteringly crisp exterior. Don't overcook the eggs; they should be 'custardy' when they leave the pan to avoid a rubbery texture inside the burrito. Freshly grating your cheese is vital, as pre-shredded cheese is coated in potato starch and won't melt as smoothly. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the chorizo for seasoned black beans or soyrizo. To make ahead, wrap the burritos in foil and freeze; reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of chilled Salsa Verde or Pico de Gallo for a bright, acidic contrast. A dollop of Mexican Crema or full-fat sour cream helps cool the heat from the chorizo. Pair with a hot cup of Mexican Cinnamon Coffee (Café de Olla). For a boozy brunch, a spicy Michelada or a classic Bloody Mary is the perfect companion. Add a side of pickled jalapeños and carrots for an extra spicy, crunchy bite.