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Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting breakfast with a twist, this Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe has got your mornings covered. Imagine layers of spicy sausage, fluffy eggs, and Melty cheese wrapped in warm tortillas, all smothered in creamy, savory sausage gravy—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that works brilliantly for lazy weekend brunches or even a cozy dinner when you want something satisfying and a little different from the usual.

I first tried this recipe on a chilly Sunday and was hooked instantly—the blend of textures and flavors reminded me of the best of Southern cooking with an unexpected enchilada-style flair. Plus, making the sausage gravy from scratch is easier than you might think, and it really brings that extra richness every bite deserves. You’ll find yourself making Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe again and again once you experience that perfect balance between spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create that classic Southern flavor with a slight kick and plenty of creaminess. When shopping, look for quality breakfast sausage and fresh cheese for the best taste and texture.

  • Ground breakfast sausage: Choose a flavorful sausage with some spice to amp up the taste.
  • Diced onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the gravy.
  • Minced jalapeno: For that signature Southern heat—adjust to your spice preference.
  • All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the gravy to the perfect consistency.
  • Milk: I recommend whole milk for a creamier gravy, but 2% works fine too.
  • Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the other flavors.
  • Large eggs: The eggs add fluffy texture inside the enchiladas.
  • Butter: For richness, especially when cooking the eggs.
  • Cooked tater tots: A fun and filling Southern twist that adds crispy texture.
  • Shredded Pepper Jack cheese: Offers a subtle spicy flavor that complements the sausage.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and melts beautifully.
  • Fajita-size flour tortillas: Soft and large enough to hold all those delicious fillings.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on who’s at the table or what I have in the fridge. Don’t be shy about making this Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe your own—you can tweak the heat level or even swap out some ingredients for dietary needs.

  • Mild version: Use sweet breakfast sausage and omit jalapeno if you prefer less spice—I’ve found even my spice-sensitive friends enjoy it this way.
  • Vegetarian twist: Substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles and use veggie broth in place of milk in the gravy—you’ll be surprised how flavorful it stays.
  • Cheese swaps: Try Monterey Jack or a blend of queso blanco for a milder, creamier profile.
  • Make it extra crispy: For the tater tots, use sweet potato tots instead—they add a nice sweetness and color contrast.

How to Make Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Cook the sausage and prepare the gravy base

Start by browning the ground breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s nearly cooked through, add the diced onion and minced jalapeno—cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for a minute or two; this helps form the roux that’ll thicken your sausage gravy beautifully.

Step 2: Add the milk and season

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to keep the gravy smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer, and you’ll start to see it thicken—this usually takes 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering the sausage already has some saltiness. If the gravy gets too thick, just whisk in a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Prepare the eggs

In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Crack in the eggs and scramble gently until they’re just cooked but still soft and fluffy—this usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them since they’ll keep cooking slightly once baked in the enchiladas.

Step 4: Assemble your Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy

Lay out your fajita-size flour tortillas and start layering with cooked tater tots, scrambled eggs, a good handful of both Pepper Jack and cheddar cheeses, and a scoop of that flavorful sausage gravy (reserve some gravy for topping later). Roll each tortilla up tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish for stability.

Step 5: Bake and top with gravy

Bake your enchiladas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, just until everything is heated through and the cheese inside has melted. When they come out, spoon the reserved sausage gravy generously over the top, then pop them back in for 5 more minutes if you like it bubbly and warm. That last step adds the finishing touch that makes this dish truly irresistible.

How to Serve Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe

A large slice of lasagna sits on a white plate with a silver fork beside it; the lasagna has three visible layers starting with a light cream sauce at the bottom mixed with bits of green peppers, followed by a layer of browned ground meat, and topped with a thick, melted golden-yellow cheese that has some browned spots. The edges of the lasagna look soft and saucy. The plate is on a blue and white cloth with a white marbled texture surface beneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I personally love topping these enchiladas with freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of cool sour cream, and sliced green onions to add freshness and a little bite against all that creamy sausage gravy. Sometimes, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese or even pickled jalapenos really ramps things up in the best way.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or some fresh fruit to balance the richness. I often make crispy fried green tomatoes or a fresh tomato salsa, which gives a nice brightness that cuts through the hearty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe on a large wooden board with small bowls of garnishes on the side—lettuce, tomatoes, jalapenos, and avocado slices make great fun toppings. Guests enjoy customizing their plates, and it makes for a festive, interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers tightly covered in the fridge in an airtight container. They keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making reheated portions even tastier. Just make sure to add a splash of milk or water when reheating the gravy to keep it creamy.

Freezing

Freezing works great too—wrap each enchilada individually in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the enchiladas in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, covering them loosely with foil to prevent drying out. If frozen, I heat them a bit longer and check periodically. The key is gentle heating so the sausage gravy stays smooth and luscious.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of sausage for Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe?

    Absolutely! While ground breakfast sausage is classic and flavorful, you can substitute with spicy Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative depending on your preferences or dietary restrictions. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before assembling.

  2. Is there a way to make the sausage gravy thinner or thicker?

    Yes! If your sausage gravy feels too thick, simply whisk in a little more milk until it reaches the consistency you like. If it’s too thin, mix a small amount of flour with cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the gravy, cooking for a few more minutes until it thickens.

  3. How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?

    The spice level comes mainly from the jalapeno and the type of sausage you choose. Feel free to reduce or omit jalapeno if you want a milder dish, or add extra for more heat. You can always serve chili flakes or hot sauce on the side.

  4. Can I make these Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy ahead of time?

    Definitely! You can assemble the enchiladas a few hours ahead and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just cover tightly to prevent drying out. This makes it perfect for entertaining or a no-fuss weekend meal.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to when I want comfort food that feels a little special. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find it’s just as easy to make as it is delicious. So go ahead—grab those ingredients, and let’s make something Southern-style magical in your own kitchen!

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Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe

  • Author: Isabella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast/Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Description

Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy combine the heartiness of breakfast sausage and eggs with the creamy richness of sausage gravy, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas and topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. This comforting dish offers a unique twist on traditional enchiladas with a Southern breakfast flair.


Ingredients

Scale

Sausage Gravy

  • 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 jalapeno, minced
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 3/4 cups milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Eggs & Filling

  • 10 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups cooked tater tots
  • 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 10 fajita-size flour tortillas

Instructions

  1. Cook the sausage and aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground breakfast sausage along with the diced onion and minced jalapeno until the sausage is browned and onions are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Make the sausage gravy: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the browned sausage mixture and stir well to coat the sausage and cook the flour for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flavor. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the gravy thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare scrambled eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the 10 eggs until well beaten. In another pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and pour in the eggs. Cook gently, stirring frequently, until softly scrambled but still moist. Remove from heat.
  4. Assemble enchiladas: Lay out each flour tortilla and spoon a portion of scrambled eggs along the center. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place seam side down in a large baking dish. Pour the hot sausage gravy evenly over the rolled tortillas.
  5. Add toppings: Sprinkle the shredded Pepper Jack and cheddar cheeses over the gravy-covered enchiladas. Top with cooked tater tots evenly distributed.
  6. Bake the enchiladas: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled enchiladas for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tater tots are crispy and golden.
  7. Serve warm: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve the Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy hot and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for brunch or dinner.

Notes

  • To make cooking faster, prepare tater tots ahead or use frozen precooked ones.
  • Adjust the jalapeno amount based on your preferred spice level.
  • Use low-fat milk for a lighter gravy option.
  • Ensure the gravy thickens properly; if too thin, cook a bit longer to reduce.
  • Make sure to evenly coat sausage with flour for smooth gravy texture.

Keywords: Southern sausage enchiladas, sausage gravy enchiladas, breakfast enchiladas, savory breakfast casserole, tater tot enchiladas

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