Ham and Cheese Breakfast Tortillas: A Quick & Delicious Morning Delight
Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Do you crave something warm, satisfying, and easy to make on those busy weekday mornings? Look no further! These Ham and Cheese Breakfast Tortillas are the perfect solution. They’re incredibly versatile, customizable, and ready in minutes. Plus, they’re a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
This recipe combines the classic comfort of ham and cheese with the convenience of tortillas, creating a breakfast powerhouse that will fuel your body and mind for a productive day. We’ll walk you through each step, providing helpful tips and variations to make this recipe your own. Get ready to transform your breakfast game!
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Breakfast Tortillas
* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs.
* **Kid-Friendly:** A guaranteed hit with even the pickiest eaters.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
* **Portable:** Great for on-the-go breakfasts or packed lunches.
* **Delicious:** A satisfying combination of savory ham and melted cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Tortillas:** 6-8 medium-sized flour or whole wheat tortillas (6-8 inch diameter).
* **Ham:** 8-12 ounces cooked ham, sliced or diced. You can use your favorite variety – Black Forest, honey ham, or even leftover holiday ham work great.
* **Cheese:** 4-6 ounces shredded cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend are all excellent choices. Feel free to experiment!
* **Eggs:** 4-6 large eggs.
* **Milk (optional):** 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream. This will make the eggs extra fluffy, but it’s not essential.
* **Butter or Oil:** 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil for cooking the eggs.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
**Optional Add-ins:**
* **Vegetables:** Diced onions, bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes.
* **Hot Sauce:** A dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
* **Avocado:** Sliced avocado for a creamy topping.
* **Salsa:** Your favorite salsa for added flavor and freshness.
* **Sour Cream:** A dollop of sour cream for extra tang.
* **Scallions:** Chopped scallions for garnish.
Equipment You’ll Need
* Large skillet or frying pan
* Whisk
* Spatula
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Microwave (optional, for warming tortillas)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create delicious ham and cheese breakfast tortillas:
**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
* **Chop the Ham:** If your ham is in slices, dice it into small pieces. This will make it easier to distribute evenly within the tortillas.
* **Shred the Cheese:** If you’re using a block of cheese, shred it using a cheese grater. Pre-shredded cheese works just fine too.
* **Dice Vegetables (Optional):** If you’re adding vegetables, dice them into small pieces. Onions and bell peppers should be finely diced for even cooking.
**Step 2: Cook the Eggs**
* **Whisk the Eggs:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined. Whisking in a little milk or cream will make the eggs fluffier.
* **Heat the Skillet:** Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is hot enough, but not smoking.
* **Pour in the Eggs:** Pour the egg mixture into the hot skillet.
* **Scramble the Eggs:** Using a spatula, gently push the cooked edges of the eggs towards the center, allowing the uncooked egg to flow underneath. Continue scrambling until the eggs are cooked through but still slightly moist. Be careful not to overcook the eggs, as they will become dry and rubbery.
* **Remove from Heat:** Once the eggs are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
**Step 3: Warm the Tortillas (Optional)**
Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking when you fold them. You can warm them in several ways:
* **Microwave:** Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds.
* **Dry Skillet:** Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for a few seconds per side, until pliable.
* **Oven:** Wrap the tortillas in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
**Step 4: Assemble the Tortillas**
* **Lay out the Tortillas:** Lay the warmed tortillas on a clean surface.
* **Add Eggs:** Spoon a portion of the scrambled eggs onto the center of each tortilla.
* **Add Ham:** Sprinkle the diced ham over the scrambled eggs.
* **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the ham.
* **Add Optional Ingredients:** If you’re using any optional ingredients, such as vegetables, hot sauce, or salsa, add them now.
**Step 5: Fold the Tortillas**
There are several ways to fold the tortillas. Here are two popular methods:
* **Burrito Style:** Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold up the bottom and roll it tightly towards the top. This method creates a sealed burrito.
* **Taco Style:** Simply fold the tortilla in half over the filling. This method is quicker and easier, but the filling may spill out more easily.
**Step 6: Cook the Tortillas (Optional)**
This step is optional, but it will melt the cheese and give the tortillas a slightly crispy exterior.
* **Heat the Skillet:** Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
* **Cook the Tortillas:** Place the folded tortillas in the hot skillet, seam-side down (if using the burrito style fold). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. You can also use a panini press for this step.
**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**
* **Remove from Skillet:** Remove the cooked tortillas from the skillet and place them on a plate.
* **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with sour cream, salsa, avocado slices, or chopped scallions.
* **Serve Immediately:** Serve the ham and cheese breakfast tortillas immediately while they’re warm and the cheese is melted.
Tips and Variations
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the ham and add more vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
* **Add Some Heat:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the eggs or the filling.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack, provolone, or Swiss.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free tortillas.
* **Meal Prep:** Prepare the scrambled eggs and ham in advance and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply warm the tortillas and assemble the breakfast tortillas.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Assemble the tortillas, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and freeze them. To reheat, microwave them for 1-2 minutes or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
* **Breakfast Quesadillas:** For a quicker and easier variation, simply layer the ham, cheese, and scrambled eggs between two tortillas and cook in a skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Cut into wedges and serve.
* **Spicy Chorizo:** Replace the ham with crumbled chorizo sausage for a spicy kick.
* **Add Beans:** Incorporate black beans or refried beans into the filling for added protein and fiber.
Serving Suggestions
These ham and cheese breakfast tortillas are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with:
* **Fresh Fruit:** A side of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or bananas.
* **Yogurt:** A cup of Greek yogurt or plain yogurt.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Your favorite hot beverage.
* **Orange Juice:** A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
* **Salsa and Sour Cream:** For dipping or topping.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per tortilla)
* Calories: 250-350
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
*Please note that the nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Leftover breakfast tortillas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in the microwave, oven, or skillet until warmed through.
Conclusion
These Ham and Cheese Breakfast Tortillas are a versatile and delicious way to start your day. They’re quick, easy, customizable, and perfect for busy mornings. With endless variations and serving suggestions, you’ll never get tired of this breakfast staple. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a satisfying and flavorful breakfast that will keep you energized all morning long. Happy cooking!