Effortless Mornings: Delicious Make-Ahead Freezer Breakfast Burritos for Busy Lifestyles
Mornings often feel like a race against the clock, making breakfast the most commonly skipped meal of the day. Whether you’re rushing out the door for work or getting the kids ready for school, finding time for a nutritious and satisfying meal can be a challenge. But what if you could enjoy a hot, homemade breakfast in just two minutes, easily eaten with one hand? Imagine waking up to a delicious meal, ready to go with minimal effort. That’s the magic of these versatile make-ahead freezer breakfast burritos!
Why Freezer Breakfast Burritos Are a Morning Game-Changer
Freezer breakfast burritos are more than just a quick meal; they’re a lifestyle upgrade for anyone with a busy schedule. The benefits extend far beyond saving a few minutes in the morning. By preparing a batch of these delicious burritos in advance, you’re investing in stress-free mornings, healthier eating habits, and even saving money. No more scrambling for breakfast cereals or grabbing expensive, less-healthy options on your commute. These burritos are packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, keeping you full and energized until lunchtime. They offer unparalleled convenience, allowing you to simply grab one from the freezer, heat it up, and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal on the go. This meal prep strategy is perfect for students, professionals, and families looking to simplify their daily routine without compromising on taste or nutrition.
The Story Behind Our Favorite Freezer Breakfast Burrito Recipe
This fantastic recipe comes from my dear friend Cheri’s invaluable book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Easy Freezer Meals. Cheri and I have known each other for decades, dating back to the late nineties, and I’ve always admired her knack for turning everyday meals into freezer-friendly masterpieces. When she generously sent me a copy of her book, I knew immediately that I had to try a breakfast recipe first. The idea of having a ready-to-eat hot breakfast sounded like a dream come true, especially remembering the chaotic school mornings with my kids. They would often head out with empty stomachs, eagerly awaiting lunch, simply because there wasn’t enough time for a proper meal. Having these freezer breakfast burritos on hand completely changed that. A quick pop in the microwave, and they were fueled up and ready to tackle their day. It truly is a simple yet brilliant breakfast solution for our fast-paced lives.
Personalizing Your Breakfast Burritos: Endless Flavor Combinations
While Cheri’s original recipe called for green chiles and breakfast sausage, I always encourage adapting recipes to suit your family’s unique preferences. That’s exactly what I did with these breakfast burritos to make them perfect for us. Since not everyone in my household is a fan of sausage, I decided to make some burritos with just bacon, and others with a delightful combination of both. I also love adding fresh vegetables, so I incorporated diced green peppers and mushrooms into the sausage burritos, adding extra flavor and nutrition. This adaptability is one of the best aspects of make-ahead burritos! Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Consider adding sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, various types of cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack, black beans for extra protein, or even a dash of hot sauce for a kick. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to create a personalized freezer breakfast burrito that everyone will love.
When I first made these, I found Cheri’s recipe estimated 16 burritos, but based on the filling measurements, I ended up with 12. So, I’ve adjusted the potato measurement in the ingredients list below, hoping it will now consistently yield 16 delicious burritos. Moving forward, I think I’ll transition to weight-based measurements for ingredients like potatoes, eggs, and cheese, as it provides greater accuracy and reduces fluctuations that can occur with volume measurements due to ingredient size or brand differences. This ensures a more consistent and predictable yield for your meal prep efforts.
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Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Freezer Breakfast Burritos
Crafting the perfect freezer breakfast burrito begins with fresh, quality ingredients. Below you’ll find the core components that form the foundation of these satisfying burritos, along with specific additions for our favorite bacon and egg, and sausage variations. Remember, these lists are a starting point; feel free to adjust quantities or substitute ingredients based on your dietary needs and taste preferences!
Core Burrito Components:
- 5 or 6 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 16 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 12-16 8-inch flour tortillas
For Bacon and Egg Burritos:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 lb bacon
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend and Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
For Sausage, Bacon and Egg Burritos:
- 1/2 cup diced green pepper, mushroom, onion mixture
- 1/4 lb bacon
- 1/4 lb breakfast sausage
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend and Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
Essential Kitchen Tools for Easy Meal Prep
Having the right tools can make your freezer burrito meal prep much smoother and more efficient. From cooking your fillings to properly storing your finished burritos, these items are incredibly helpful. A good skillet is crucial for sautéing vegetables and cooking proteins, while waxed paper and freezer storage bags are indispensable for individual wrapping and long-term storage.
- Skillet
- Waxed paper
- Freezer storage bags
- Mixing bowls
More Grab-and-Go Breakfast Ideas for Busy Schedules
If you love the convenience of make-ahead meals, especially for breakfast, you’re in luck! There are many other fantastic options to keep your mornings running smoothly. Beyond these delicious freezer breakfast burritos, I have several other recipes designed for efficiency and taste. For a sweet, dippable treat, check out my homemade freezer french toast sticks. If you’re a fan of savory and shareable, my sheet pan breakfast pizza is a crowd-pleaser that can be prepped in advance. And for another fun, kid-friendly option, don’t miss my freezer pancake dippers. All these recipes embrace the philosophy of preparing delicious meals ahead of time, ensuring you always have a wonderful breakfast ready to go, no matter how busy your day gets!
Breakfast Burritos
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 5 or 6 medium potatoes cubed
- 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 16 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 12-16 8- inch flour tortillas
- For Bacon and Egg Burritos:
- 1 small onion diced
- ½ lb bacon
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend and Pepper Jack cheese shredded
- For Sausage Bacon and egg Burritos:
- ½ cup diced green pepper mushroom, onion mixture
- ¼ lb bacon
- ¼ lb breakfast sausage
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend and Pepper Jack cheese shredded
Instructions
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Bring large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add potatoes to boiling water, parboil for 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Cook bacon for both types of burritos, drain and chop. Set aside in separate bowls.
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In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add potatoes and saute, stirring occasionally, about ten minutes, until potatoes are browned and almost cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, remove from pan and set aside.
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In same skillet over medium-high heat, heat remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
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For Bacon and Egg Burritos, saute onion until softened and just beginning to brown. Add bacon to the onion and toss to coat. Remove and set aside.
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For Sausage, Bacon and Egg Burritos saute the green pepper, mushroom and onion mixture until softened and just beginning to brown. Add sausage and cook, crumbling as it cooks, about 6 minutes or until sausage is cooked through. Toss cooked bacon into mixture. Drain and set aside.
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In a large bowl, whisk the eggs.
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Wipe any excess bacon or sausage grease from the skillet and heat a teaspoon of butter over medium heat. Add the eggs and cook, turning eggs frequently until eggs are set. Remove from heat.
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To assemble:
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Center a tortilla on a 12-in piece of waxed paper. Place fillings down the center of each tortilla , leaving a 1/2″ border at the top and bottom. For each tortilla use 1/4 cup cooked potatoes, 1/4 cup meat mixture, 1/4 cup egg and 2 tablespoons shredded cheese. Fold in top and bottom then roll up tortilla.
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Wrap the filled tortilla tightly in the waxed paper and store wrapped burritos in a plastic zipper storage bag. Be sure to label and date the bag as well.
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To reheat after freezing:
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Unwrap burrito from waxed paper, place on paper towel lined plate and microwave on high for 2 – 2 1/2 minutes. Stop and turn once during cooking.
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Freezer Breakfast Burritos
You might have a few questions when diving into the world of freezer breakfast burritos. Here are some common queries and helpful answers to ensure your meal prep success:
- How long do freezer breakfast burritos last? When properly wrapped and stored in an airtight freezer bag, these burritos can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Always label with the date to keep track!
- Can I use different types of tortillas? Absolutely! While flour tortillas are traditional for their flexibility, you can experiment with whole wheat, gluten-free, or even larger burrito-sized tortillas if you prefer. Just be mindful of how they roll and reheat.
- What are some healthy additions? To boost nutrition, consider adding sautéed spinach, kale, black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of flax seeds into your egg mixture.
- Can I cook the potatoes and meat ahead of time? Yes, all components can be prepped in advance. Cook your bacon, sausage, and potatoes, and scramble your eggs. Let them cool completely before assembling to prevent condensation and sogginess when freezing.
- How do I prevent soggy burritos? The key is to cool all your fillings completely before assembly. Also, don’t overfill the tortillas, and make sure to wrap them tightly in wax paper or parchment paper before placing them in freezer bags. This creates a barrier against freezer burn and moisture.
Tips for Perfect Freezer Breakfast Burritos Every Time
To ensure your make-ahead breakfast burritos are always a hit, follow these simple tips for optimal flavor, texture, and convenience:
- Cool Fillings Completely: This is arguably the most important step! Warm fillings will create steam inside the tortilla, leading to a soggy texture when frozen and reheated. Spread your cooked eggs, meats, and potatoes on separate plates or baking sheets to cool down rapidly before assembly.
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to pack your burritos full, overfilling can make them difficult to roll tightly and more prone to bursting during reheating. Aim for about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of total filling per 8-inch tortilla.
- Wrap Tightly: Use waxed paper, parchment paper, or even aluminum foil to wrap each individual burrito snugly. This protects it from freezer burn and helps maintain its shape. After wrapping individually, place them in a large freezer-safe zip-top bag to add another layer of protection.
- Label and Date: Always use a permanent marker to label your freezer bags with the date of preparation and the type of burrito (e.g., “Bacon & Egg Burritos – 10/26”). This helps you keep track of freshness and easily identify your favorite variations.
- Even Reheating: When reheating in the microwave, ensure even heating by stopping and turning the burrito midway through. This prevents cold spots and ensures a uniformly warm and delicious meal. For a crispier texture, you can finish a thawed burrito in a lightly oiled skillet or even a toaster oven after microwaving.
- Experiment with Sauces (on the side!): While you can add a little salsa or hot sauce to your burritos before freezing, adding too much can introduce excess moisture. For best results, keep your favorite condiments, like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, on the side to add just before eating.
This post was originally published on this blog May 26, 2011.