Introduction
This delicious breakfast dish combines vibrant vegetables, savory meats, and creamy cheeses to create a mouthwatering experience. Perfect for family gatherings or a lazy weekend brunch, this recipe is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whip it up in no time and enjoy a delightful start to your day!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon canola oil
½ green pepper, diced
½ red sweet pepper, diced
1 sweet yellow onion, minced
1 jalapeno, seeds and white membranes removed, minced
8 eggs, slightly beaten
¼ cup milk or cream
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3-4 slices good ham, thin-sliced and cut into strips
1 cup quartered sweet cherry tomatoes
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, divided into two 2-tablespoon portions
2 cups slightly crushed Tostitos or white corn chips, divided into ¾ cup and 1¼ cup portions
2 ounces Velveeta, cubed
1½ cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded, divided into 1 cup and ½ cup portions
½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled, divided into two ¼-cup portions
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Instructions
1. Heat butter and oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add diced green pepper, red pepper, onion, and jalapeno. Sauté until onions are soft and translucent.
2. Turn heat to low and add eggs, milk, and black pepper; stir until eggs start to set.
3. Add ham, tomatoes, cilantro, and ¾ cup crushed Tostitos; continue to stir until eggs are almost set.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Add Velveeta, shredded cheese, and ¼ cup crumbled Cotija cheese; stir until cheese melts.
To Serve
Scoop a portion of eggs onto a serving plate, then sprinkle the eggs with extra crushed chips, shredded cheese, and extra Cotija cheese.
Sprinkle with a touch of chopped cilantro and serve.
Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Heat the Skillet
In a large non-stick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter together with 1 tablespoon of canola oil over medium-low heat.
Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced green pepper, red sweet pepper, minced onion, and minced jalapeno to the skillet. Sauté the mixture until the onions become soft and translucent.
Add the Eggs
Lower the heat to low and incorporate the slightly beaten eggs, ¼ cup of milk or cream, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper into the skillet. Stir the mixture until the eggs begin to set.
Mix in Additional Ingredients
Add the strips of ham, quartered cherry tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro, and ¾ cup of slightly crushed Tostitos to the skillet. Continue stirring until the eggs are almost fully set.
Remove from Heat
Take the skillet off the heat once the eggs are nearly set.
Add the Cheeses
Stir in the 2 ounces of cubed Velveeta, 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend, and ¼ cup of crumbled Cotija cheese. Continue stirring until all cheeses have melted and are fully incorporated.
To Serve
Plate the Dish
Scoop a generous portion of the egg mixture onto a serving plate.
Add Toppings
Sprinkle the top with additional crushed Tostitos, ½ cup of shredded cheese, and ¼ cup of Cotija cheese.
Garnish
Finish by sprinkling with a touch of chopped cilantro for garnish and serve immediately.
Enjoy!
Notes
Customize Your Vegetables
Feel free to substitute different vegetables according to your preference or availability.
Adjust the Heat
If you would like more spice, consider leaving some seeds in the jalapeno or adding additional spicy peppers.
Cheese Variations
You can use different types of cheese if desired; just ensure they melt well for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh salsa or avocado on the side.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, diced peppers and onions are sautéed until they are soft and translucent, enhancing their flavors and helping to build the base for the dish.
Stirring
Stirring is essential when cooking eggs to ensure even cooking and to prevent them from sticking to the pan. In this recipe, the eggs are gently stirred with other ingredients until they are almost set before adding the cheese, ensuring a creamy texture.
Layering
Layering involves adding ingredients in stages to build flavor and texture. In this recipe, layers of cheese and toppings are added after the eggs are cooked, creating a contrasting topping and a more enjoyable eating experience.
Melting
Melting is the process of heating ingredients until they become liquid or semi-liquid. In this recipe, Velveeta and Mexican cheese blend are added to the warm eggs to create a creamy cheese mixture, enhancing the overall flavor and richness.
Garnishing
Garnishing adds visual appeal and additional flavors to a dish. In this recipe, the dish is garnished with additional crushed chips, shredded cheese, and cilantro, making it more attractive and inviting.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Velveeta or Cotija?
Yes, you can substitute with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Cheddar, depending on your preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the ham or replace it with a vegetarian alternative, such as sautéed mushrooms or additional vegetables.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
You can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or by omitting the jalapeños entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and assemble the dish beforehand. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving to ensure it’s warm and the cheese is melted.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, fruit, or even some fresh salsa on the side for an extra kick.
Conclusion
This hearty egg dish combines a medley of vibrant vegetables and flavorful cheeses, creating a satisfying meal perfect for breakfast or brunch. The combination of Tostitos and cheese adds a delightful crunch and creaminess, making every bite an enjoyable experience. Garnished with fresh cilantro and served warm, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
More recipe suggestions and combinations
Southwestern Breakfast Burritos
Wrap scrambled eggs, diced peppers, and ham in flour tortillas, then top with salsa and avocado for a filling breakfast option.
Vegetable Omelette
Utilize the same diced vegetables but create a classic omelette filled with your choice of cheese and fresh herbs for a lighter meal.
Egg and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Layer bread cubes, the egg mixture, and cheeses in a baking dish, then bake until golden for an easy and shareable breakfast.
Spicy Breakfast Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with the egg mixture, beans, salsa, and all the cheeses, then bake until bubbly for a fun and flavorful twist on nachos.
Caprese Egg Bake
Incorporate fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella into an egg bake for a delicious Italian-inspired breakfast.
Quiche with a Twist
Use the egg mix as a filling for a pie crust, adding spinach or mushrooms for a delicious quiche that works any time of day.
