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Classic Huevos Rancheros: A Traditional Mexican Breakfast

Start your morning with a vibrant and hearty dish! This authentic Huevos Rancheros recipe brings you a classic Mexican breakfast with easy-to-follow steps and delicious results.

April 25, 2024
Huevos RancherosPhoto By Canva
Difficulty Easy
Servings 2 people
Preparation 10 mins
Cooking 15 mins
Total 25 mins

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each tortilla gently until just beginning to crisp but still pliable, about 30 seconds per side. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and fry the eggs to your preferred level of doneness. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. While the eggs are cooking, warm the salsa in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers. If using refried beans, warm them in a separate pot or in the microwave until heated through.
  4. To serve, spread a thin layer of refried beans on each tortilla (if using), then place a tortilla on each plate.
  5. Top each with a fried egg, spoon over the warm salsa, and sprinkle with queso fresco, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 Huevos Rancheros
Serves 2
Amount Per Serving
Calories350
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 20 g25.6%
Protein 15 g30%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Tips

  • Opt for homemade salsa for a fresher taste and better control over the spice level. A simple salsa made from fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños will elevate the dish.
  • Lightly frying the tortillas in oil helps prevent them from becoming soggy when topped with salsa and eggs. For a healthier version, you can warm them on a dry skillet until slightly crispy.
  • Add a layer of refried beans. It not only adds flavor but also protein, making the dish more filling and satisfying.
  • While queso fresco is traditional, you can substitute with feta or even a mild shredded cheddar for a different taste profile. For more, check out our ‘Types of Cheeses’ article.
  • Cook eggs to your liking but traditionally, eggs for Huevos Rancheros are fried sunny side up or slightly over-easy to enjoy the creamy yolk with the salsa and tortillas.
  • Don’t skimp on the garnishes. Fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice add layers of flavor and freshness.
Rate This Recipe

Huevos Rancheros, a traditional Mexican breakfast dish, is beloved for its rich combination of flavors and textures. This hearty meal consists of fried eggs sitting atop lightly fried corn tortillas and smothered in a savory tomato-based salsa. Often garnished with fresh toppings like avocado, queso fresco, and cilantro, Huevos Rancheros offers a perfect start to any day with its vibrant, nourishing ingredients.

Origins of The Huevos Rancheros

Huevos Rancheros, or "rancher's eggs," originally hail from rural Mexican farms, where a hearty breakfast was essential for a long day of labor. This traditional dish has since become a beloved staple not just in Mexico, but around the world, admired for its simple yet robust ingredients and flavors. An authentic huevos rancheros recipe typically features a base of corn tortillas, topped with fried eggs, and smothered in a spicy tomato salsa, reflecting the rustic and resourceful spirit of ranch life.

The simplicity of huevos rancheros ingredients allows for a great deal of flexibility, making it an easy huevos rancheros recipe that anyone can customize to their taste. The core components remain the same—eggs, tortillas, and salsa—but from there, variations abound. Some might add chorizo, beans, or different cheeses, turning the basic recipe into a more substantial meal. Each addition respects the spirit of the original, while allowing the dish to evolve with personal preferences or regional influences.

Despite its adaptations, traditional huevos rancheros remain a testament to the power of straightforward cooking. This dish is a perfect example of how a few ingredients, when combined with care and respect for their origins, can create a meal that's satisfying on many levels. It’s a dish that encourages experimentation while still honoring its roots, making it a perennial favorite for a hearty breakfast or brunch. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, huevos rancheros provide a delicious culinary adventure that is as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat.

What To Serve with Huevos Rancheros?

Huevos Rancheros is a classic Mexican breakfast dish consisting of fried eggs served on a tortilla with salsa, beans, and other toppings.

Here are our delicious recipes that you can serve with Huevos Rancheros:

How To Store Huevos Rancheros?

Storing Huevos Rancheros properly can help maintain the freshness and flavor of the ingredients, especially since it involves several components like eggs, tortillas, and salsa. Here’s how to best store Huevos Rancheros:

Storing Components Separately

Salsa: Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will usually keep well for about 3-5 days. If you made a large batch, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.

Tortillas: Keep leftover tortillas in their original packaging, tightly sealed. If opened, wrap them in foil or place them in a zip-lock bag before returning them to the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week or can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Refried Beans: If used in your Huevos Rancheros, store refried beans in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Beans also freeze well; they can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months when kept in airtight containers.

Eggs: Fried eggs are best eaten immediately as they do not store or reheat well. However, if necessary, they can be refrigerated for a few hours in a covered plate.

Reassembling and Reheating

For the best experience, Huevos Rancheros should ideally be assembled just before eating to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy. If you do need to store a fully assembled Huevos Rancheros:

Refrigerate: Place the assembled dish in an airtight container. Consume within 1 day for best results, as the tortillas may become soft and the eggs may change texture upon reheating.

Reheat Carefully: Reheat in a covered skillet over medium heat just until warmed through. Alternatively, heat in the microwave for a few seconds if you’re in a hurry, but this might affect the texture of the tortillas and eggs.

General Tips

  • Do Not Leave Out: Avoid leaving Huevos Rancheros out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacteria growth.
  • Label and Date: Always label your containers with the date stored to keep track of freshness.
Recipe byPetite Gourmets

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