Southern Sausage Enchiladas Recipe

Irresistible Southern Sausage Enchiladas Recipe for Comfort Meals

Mouth-watering southern sausage enchiladas deliver a spicy twist on classic comfort food.

Smoky flavors dance across warm tortillas, blending hearty meats with zesty peppers.

Regional culinary traditions shine through each carefully rolled package of deliciousness.

Skilled home cooks know authentic recipes demand passion and precise ingredients.

Creamy cheese melts into savory sausage, creating layers of rich southern charm.

Crisp edges and tender fillings promise a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Let’s uncover this delectable southwestern-inspired dish that will make your taste buds sing.

Top Pairings For Southern Sausage Enchiladas

  • Pair with Tangy Citrus Margarita: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur to cut through the rich, creamy enchilada flavors and provide a zesty counterpoint.
  • Complement with Crisp Coleslaw: Prepare a light, vinegar-based coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots to balance the heavy, cheesy enchilada dish and add refreshing crunch.
  • Serve alongside Smoky Black Bean Salad: Create a cold bean salad with roasted corn, diced tomatoes, and a lime-cilantro dressing to provide a cool, smoky contrast to the warm, hearty enchiladas.

How To Store Southern Sausage Enchiladas Right

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture.
  • Wrap individual portions or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove enchiladas from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Southern Sausage Enchiladas FAQ Guide

  • Is this a traditional Mexican enchilada recipe?

No, this is a Southern-style fusion dish that combines Tex-Mex enchiladas with classic Southern breakfast flavors like sausage and gravy.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of breakfast sausage?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, ground beef, or chorizo would work great as alternative protein options for this recipe.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make these enchiladas?

Not at all. This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like browning meat, making a simple gravy, and rolling tortillas.

  • How spicy are these enchiladas?

The recipe as written is mild. If you want more heat, you can add diced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicy breakfast sausage variety.

Why Southern Sausage Enchiladas Are So Comforting

Why Southern Sausage Enchiladas Are So Comforting
  • Savor Southern Comfort: Indulge in a mouthwatering fusion of Southern breakfast flavors and Mexican-inspired cuisine, creating a unique and irresistible dish that combines the best of both culinary worlds.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like different types of sausage, cheese, or peppers to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable for any palate.
  • Perfect for Gatherings: Designed to feed a crowd, this hearty dish is ideal for family brunches, potlucks, or weekend get-togethers, bringing people together with its comforting and satisfying flavors.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: With simple cooking techniques and readily available ingredients, this recipe offers a stress-free cooking experience that delivers maximum taste and enjoyment.

Ingredients For Southern Sausage Enchiladas

Main Protein:
  • Breakfast Sausage: A flavorful and hearty meat that forms the core of the enchilada filling.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A rich and melty cheese that adds creamy texture and sharp flavor to the dish.
Produce and Vegetables:
  • Onion: A finely chopped aromatic that adds depth and sweetness to the sausage mixture.
  • Bell Peppers: Diced vegetables that provide additional texture and mild flavor to the filling.
  • Green Onions: A fresh garnish that adds a bright, crisp finish to the dish.
Gravy and Binding Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich base for creating the creamy sausage gravy.
  • Flour: Used to create a roux and thicken the gravy.
  • Milk: Provides the smooth, creamy consistency for the sausage gravy.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the gravy.
Wrap Ingredient:
  • Tortillas: Soft vessels that hold the delicious sausage filling and are easy to roll.

Cooking Southern Sausage Enchiladas Made Easy

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect baking environment for these mouthwatering enchiladas.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage

Cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s beautifully browned and crumbly. Toss in:
  • Finely chopped onion
  • Diced bell peppers

Stir and cook until the vegetables soften. Drain any excess fat, then mix in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a gooey filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas

Microwave the tortillas for about 30 seconds to make them pliable and easy to roll.

Step 4: Roll and Arrange the Enchiladas

Scoop a generous portion of the sausage filling onto each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 5: Craft the Creamy Gravy

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour to create a roux, whisking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously. Season with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Taste and adjust the seasoning to perfection.

Step 6: Sauce and Cheese

Pour the creamy sausage gravy over the enchiladas, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Let the dish cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle freshly sliced green onions on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve and enjoy your Southern sausage enchiladas!

Southern Sausage Enchiladas Tips To Try

  • Boost Tortilla Flexibility: Microwave tortillas for 30 seconds to make them easier to roll without cracking.
  • Drain Excess Fat: Remove extra grease from sausage and vegetables to prevent soggy enchiladas and maintain a crisp texture.
  • Control Gravy Consistency: Whisk continuously while adding milk to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats enchiladas perfectly.
  • Layer Cheese Strategically: Sprinkle cheese inside and on top of enchiladas for maximum melty, gooey goodness.
  • Achieve Golden Perfection: Uncover dish during final baking stage to create a crispy, golden cheese topping that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Ways To Change Up Southern Sausage Enchiladas

  • Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace sausage with crumbled tofu or black beans, using vegetable broth for gravy and plant-based cheese for a meat-free version.
  • Spicy Mexican Style: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, incorporate chili powder and cayenne pepper to enhance heat and create a zestier enchilada experience.
  • Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves or thin zucchini sheets, use heavy cream instead of milk for gravy, and increase protein content with extra sausage.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free flour for roux, substitute regular tortillas with corn tortillas, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
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Southern Sausage Enchiladas Recipe

Southern Sausage Enchiladas Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy southern sausage enchiladas blend hearty Texan flavors with Mexican-inspired comfort. Cheesy, zesty layers promise a delicious meal that satisfies hungry families with bold regional charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) breakfast sausage (bulk or casings removed)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced (green or red)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder

Gravy and Wrapping Ingredients:

  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing for a perfectly baked enchilada experience.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the breakfast sausage over medium heat until crumbly, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add finely chopped onions and diced bell peppers to the sausage, cooking until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese into the sausage mixture, stirring until melted and creating a cohesive filling.
  5. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds to increase flexibility for rolling.
  6. Distribute sausage filling evenly across tortillas, rolling tightly and placing seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. For the creamy gravy, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, creating a roux by whisking in flour for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
  9. Season the gravy with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting to taste.
  10. Pour the creamy gravy evenly over the rolled enchiladas in the baking dish.
  11. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese across the top of the enchiladas.
  12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  13. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  14. Allow enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.
  15. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

  • Swap sausage with plant-based alternatives for vegetarian diets, ensuring similar texture and flavor profiles.
  • Use gluten-free tortillas and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when making gravy to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Reduce cheese quantity and opt for low-fat versions to create a lighter, healthier variation without compromising taste.
  • Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process and minimize kitchen stress, especially when entertaining guests.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 590
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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