Looking for a truly satisfying breakfast that’s as easy to make as it is downright fun to eat? Breakfast Nachos deliver on all fronts! Imagine sturdy tortilla chips loaded with tender eggs, savory turkey sausage, melty cheese, and vibrant toppings—all ready in less than an hour. This sheet pan breakfast isn’t just ideal for weekends; it’s your new go-to for busy mornings when you want a hot meal that brings the family around the table. Bold flavors, contrasting textures, and endless options for customization make these nachos pure breakfast joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: Sheet pan recipes are a dream for quick mornings or lazy brunches—minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
- Customizable for Everyone: Whether you love it spicy, loaded with veggies, or smothered in cheese, these nachos are a blank canvas.
- Perfectly Balanced: Crunchy chips, creamy eggs, hearty sausage, and fresh toppings mean every bite is bursting with texture and taste.
- Feeds a Crowd: Hosting brunch or feeding a hungry family? Double the batch, and everyone can dig in at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down what you’ll need and why they matter for the ultimate breakfast nachos:
- Tortilla Chips: Go for sturdy, restaurant-style chips. Thin, crispy ones will collapse under toppings—trust me, use something substantial!
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: A splash in the pan to brown the sausage for extra flavor.
- Turkey Sausage: Offers a lean, savory boost—use homemade or your favorite store brand. Pork sausage or vegetarian sausage crumbles work, too.
- Eggs: For irresistibly soft-scrambled eggs that tie all the toppings together.
- Milk or Water: Helps create those melt-in-the-mouth, fluffy scrambled eggs.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, don’t skip them!
- Butter (or Vegan Butter / Oil): Adds flavor and helps keep eggs rich and creamy.
- Shredded Cheese: Choose what you love—pepper jack and white cheddar bring both melt and flavor.
- Black Beans: Protein-packed and hearty, they add a welcome textural contrast.
- Pico de Gallo or Diced Tomatoes: For freshness and a pop of color—homemade or store-bought both work.
- Avocado: Sliced for creamy richness.
- Red Onion: A little bite and a gorgeous color boost.
- Fresh Cilantro: Brings everything to life with a fresh, herby note.
- Optional Toppings: Jalapeño sour cream, sliced jalapeños, black olives, pickled onions, hot sauce, green onions, guacamole, or avocado crema. Layer on what makes you happy!
Tip: Buy blocks of cheese and shred them yourself. Pre-shredded cheese never melts quite as well.
Variations
- Make it Meaty or Veggie: Swap turkey sausage for chorizo, bacon, or a plant-based sausage alternative.
- Cheese Choices: Use smoked gouda, mozzarella, or a spicy cheddar mix for a flavor upgrade.
- Add Veggies: Bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach make it extra hearty.
- Heat Things Up: Use pepper jack cheese, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce, or pickled jalapeños for a spicy wake-up call.
- Egg Style: Don’t want scrambled? Layer on fried or poached eggs just before serving.
How to Make Breakfast Nachos
Step 1: Prep Your Sheet Pan
Position an oven rack in the lower third of your oven and preheat to broil. Line your largest baking sheet with parchment, foil, or give it a good spray—easy cleanup is always a bonus.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high. Drizzle in a splash of oil, then add the sausage. Break it up and cook until deeply browned and crumbly—about 3-5 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel–lined plate, and drain excess fat.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs Gently
Lower your heat. In a bowl, beat the eggs with a splash of water or milk, salt, and pepper. Melt butter in your skillet and pour in the eggs. Let them sit a moment, then gently push them with a spatula to create soft, creamy curds. Fold and stir on low heat until just barely set—soft eggs are key for dreamy nachos, since they’ll finish cooking in the oven!
Step 4: Build Your Nacho Base
Spread your tortilla chips evenly across the baking sheet. Scatter sausage and scrambled eggs over the chips, followed by a generous sprinkle of black beans. Shower everything with your favorite shredded cheese.
Step 5: Quick Broil
Slide the pan under the broiler for just 2-4 minutes, watching closely. The cheese should melt beautifully and a few chips may just start to crisp at the edges.
Step 6: Pile on the Toppings and Serve
Immediately top with fresh pico de gallo (or diced tomatoes), sliced avocado, a sprinkle of red onion, cilantro, and any other toppings your heart desires—from dollops of jalapeño sour cream to jalapeños or pickled onions. Serve while everything’s hot and gooey.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Low and Slow Eggs: For the creamiest scrambled eggs, patience wins. Keep the heat low and fold them often.
- Sturdy Chips are Everything: Flimsy chips can’t handle these toppings, so skip the scoops and thin crisps.
- Watch That Broiler: Broilers can go from perfect to burnt in seconds—don’t step away!
- Shred Your Own Cheese: It really does make a difference in melt and flavor.
How to Serve
Breakfast nachos are perfect just as they are, but a little creativity never hurt:
- Serve Family-Style: Place the baking tray in the middle of the table and let everyone dig in.
- Pair with Drinks: Fresh-squeezed orange juice, cold brew coffee, or even a brunchy margarita make an excellent match.
- Brunch Board: Add fresh fruit, crispy bacon, and breakfast potatoes for a full spread.
- Wrap ‘Em Up: Have leftover fixings? Scoop into warm tortillas for quick breakfast tacos.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Nachos are at their best fresh, but if you find yourself with extras, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note: Chips will soften slightly but will still be delicious.
Freezing
It’s not recommended to freeze fully assembled nachos (the chips become soggy). However, cooked sausage and scrambled eggs freeze well on their own—prep them ahead, then assemble fresh when you’re ready.
Reheating
To revive your nachos, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until crisped and heated through. Avoid the microwave unless you’re not fussy about texture!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought sausage instead of turkey sausage?
Absolutely! Any good-quality breakfast sausage will work, pork or plant-based included. Go for one with bold flavor—just brown and crumble as you would turkey.
What’s the best way to keep nachos crisp?
Start with thick, sturdy tortilla chips, and don’t load them too heavily with wet toppings until after broiling. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the turkey sausage for a vegetarian or vegan sausage, or just double up on beans and your favorite veggies. The eggs, beans, and cheese will still deliver plenty of protein.
Are these nachos gluten-free?
Most tortilla chips are naturally gluten-free, but always check the packaging. All other ingredients are gluten-free friendly—just watch for any cross-contamination with store-bought sausage.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried breakfast nachos yet, today’s the day! They’re easy, customizable, and bursting with flavor from the very first chip. Whether you’re serving a lazy Saturday crowd, treating yourself midweek, or simply looking to brighten up the morning routine, this dish brings smiles (and happy bellies) every time. Get creative with toppings, make it your own, and most importantly—enjoy every delicious, cheesy bite!
PrintBreakfast Nachos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Breakfast Nachos are a delicious and hearty way to start your day, featuring layers of sturdy tortilla chips topped with turkey sausage, scrambled eggs, black beans, and melty cheese, then finished with fresh toppings like pico de gallo, avocado, and more. This easy breakfast recipe brings together protein, flavor, and customizable toppings for a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 lb homemade or store-bought turkey sausage
- 8 whole eggs
- 2 tablespoons water or milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter, vegan butter, or oil
- 8 ounces shredded cheese (pepper jack and white cheddar recommended)
- 3/4 cup drained and rinsed black beans (about 1/2 of a 15-ounce can)
- 1/4 cup pico de gallo or diced tomatoes
- 1–2 medium avocados, sliced
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
Optional Toppings
- Jalapeño sour cream
- Sliced jalapeño
- Black olives
- Mexican pickled onions
- Hot sauce
- Green onions
- Guacamole
- Avocado crema
Homemade Turkey Sausage (if making from scratch)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Jalapeño Sour Cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 minced jalapeño
- Juice from 1/2 a lime
- Splash of milk (to desired consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Arrange the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat your oven to broil. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet (such as cast iron) over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the turkey sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully cooked and no pink remains. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, and drain excess fat from the pan.
- Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, water or milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
- Scramble the Eggs: Add butter to the same skillet over low heat. Once melted, pour in the egg mixture. Let it sit for a few seconds, then use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently push the eggs across the bottom of the pan, forming soft curds. Continue gently folding and stirring the eggs every few seconds for 5-7 minutes, or until they are almost cooked but still slightly soft. Remove from heat as the eggs will finish cooking in the oven.
- Assemble the Nachos: Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly distribute the cooked sausage and scrambled eggs over the top. Sprinkle with black beans and then cover generously with shredded cheese.
- Broil the Nachos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and broil for 2-4 minutes, watching closely so the chips and cheese do not burn. Remove from the oven when the cheese is melted and some chips are golden brown in spots.
- Finish and Serve: Top the hot nachos with pico de gallo, sliced avocado, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño sour cream, and any other desired toppings. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use sturdy tortilla chips, not thin or scoops style, for best results.
- If making homemade sausage, mix ground turkey with spices as described above.
- Shred cheese fresh from a block for optimal melt and texture.
- Jalapeño sour cream can be made by mixing sour cream, minced jalapeño, lime juice, and a splash of milk.
- Scramble eggs on low heat for soft, creamy texture; do not overcook as they will continue cooking in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 205mg
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