Go Back
Authentic New Mexican Breakfast Burrito Recipes

Authentic New Mexican Breakfast Burrito Recipes

This recipe showcases the iconic New Mexican breakfast burrito, featuring the state's famous question: "Red or green?" referring to the chile sauce preference.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large russet potato
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 slices bacon optional
  • 2 tablespoons butter divided
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons chopped roasted New Mexico green chiles
  • 2 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or cheddar-Jack blend
  • Red and/or green chile sauce for serving

Instructions
 

  • Shred and rinse potato, then squeeze dry and season.
  • Cook bacon if using. In the same skillet, crisp the potato shreds.
  • Scramble eggs in the skillet.
  • Mix bacon (if using), crispy potatoes, and chopped chiles.
  • Warm tortillas in a skillet.
  • Assemble burritos: layer cheese, eggs, and potato mixture. Fold and roll.
  • Toast burritos in skillet until golden brown.

Notes

This recipe showcases the iconic New Mexican breakfast burrito, featuring the state's famous question: "Red or green?" referring to the chile sauce preference. It's a hearty, flavorful dish that combines crispy potatoes, scrambled eggs, cheese, and the option of bacon, all wrapped in a warm tortilla and served with spicy chile sauce.

Key Components

  • Crispy shredded potatoes
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or cheddar-Jack blend)
  • Chopped roasted New Mexico green chiles
  • Optional crispy bacon
  • Large flour tortillas
  • Red and/or green chile sauce

Preparation Highlights

  • Shred and rinse potatoes for optimal crispiness
  • Cook components separately: crisp bacon, fry potatoes, scramble eggs
  • Warm tortillas for easy rolling
  • Assemble with layers of cheese, eggs, and potato mixture
  • Toast assembled burritos for a golden exterior

Serving Suggestion

Serve with red chile sauce, green chile sauce, or both ("Christmas style"). Sauce can be served on the side or smothered on top. For a handheld version, spread sauce inside before wrapping.

Time Investment

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Cultural Notes

  • The "red or green?" question is New Mexico's official state question
  • Using authentic New Mexican chiles and chile sauces is key to the flavor
  • The recipe is adaptable with various meat options (bacon, sausage, ham)

Chef's Tips

  • Use roasted garlic oil on potatoes for extra flavor
  • Look for chile products from reputable New Mexican brands
  • Experiment with cheese blends for varied flavors
This recipe offers a true taste of New Mexican cuisine, perfect for those looking to experience the state's unique culinary traditions at home.
Keyword Breakfast burrito, New Mexico cuisine, Chile sauce, Red or green, Christmas-style, Southwestern breakfast, Handheld breakfast, Spicy breakfast, Hearty breakfast, Tex-Mex inspired