Huevos Rancheros Classic Mexican Breakfast with a Smoky Twist
Few breakfasts are as vibrant, satisfying, and full of flavor as Huevos Rancheros.
This beloved Mexican dish — featuring crispy tortillas, rich tomato-chipotle salsa, perfectly fried eggs, and endless topping possibilities — is the ultimate way to start your day.
Whether you’re serving brunch for a crowd or just treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning, this homemade Huevos Rancheros recipe will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients:
(Scale: 1x, 2x, 3x)
For the Salsa:
- 2 lbs Roma tomatoes or vine-ripened tomatoes, quartered
- 1–3 canned chipotle chilies (to taste — they’re spicy!)
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder (mix of regular and ancho, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for cooking)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- 8 large eggs
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for frying tortillas and eggs
Optional Toppings:
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Prepared black beans, refried beans, or cooked chorizo
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Tomato-Chipotle Salsa
- Place half of the quartered tomatoes and all the chipotle chilies into a food processor.
Pulse in 1-second bursts until finely chopped.
Transfer to a bowl and repeat with the remaining tomatoes. - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and chili powder, cooking for 30 seconds more until fragrant. - Pour the processed tomato mixture into the skillet.
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened — about 6 to 8 minutes. - Stir in the chopped cilantro.
For a smoother salsa, you can pulse the mixture again in the food processor to your preferred consistency.
Set salsa aside and keep warm.
Step 2: Crisp the Tortillas
- Wipe out the skillet or grab a clean one. Heat over medium heat.
- Add 2–3 teaspoons olive oil and cook 2–3 tortillas at a time until golden brown spots appear, about 30–60 seconds per side.
- Transfer tortillas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, stacking them with folded paper towels to keep warm.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Step 3: Fry the Eggs
- Return the skillet to medium heat and coat lightly with oil or spray.
- Add up to 4 eggs at a time, spacing them around the edges of the pan.
- Season eggs with salt and pepper.
Fry for about 2 minutes, then cover the pan with a lid and cook another 1–2 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks are still beautifully runny.
Tip: Add a tablespoon of water before covering the skillet to create steam and cook the eggs more evenly.
- Transfer eggs to a plate and cover with foil while you cook the remaining eggs.
Step 4: Assemble Your Huevos Rancheros
- Place one crispy tortilla on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous spoonful of the warm tomato-chipotle salsa over the tortilla.
- Top with one fried egg.
- Add desired toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Black beans or refried beans
- A spoonful of cooked chorizo for extra richness
- Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty, colorful breakfast!
Tips for Perfect Huevos Rancheros:
- Adjust the spice: Use fewer chipotles for a milder salsa, or add more if you love the heat!
- Get crispy tortillas: Don’t skip frying the tortillas — the texture is everything.
- Customize your toppings: Fresh pico de gallo, sour cream, or pickled jalapeños also make fantastic additions.
- Make ahead: You can make the salsa a day in advance — just reheat before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 1 tortilla + 1 egg + salsa, no extra toppings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Total Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 190 mg |
| Sodium | 390 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 11 g |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
| Calcium | 10% DV |
| Iron | 12% DV |
(Nutrition values may vary slightly based on additional toppings.)
Why You’ll Love These Huevos Rancheros:
- Authentic flavors with a smoky, spicy salsa.
- Hearty and protein-packed for a strong start to your day.
- Great for feeding a crowd at brunch or meal-prepping salsa ahead.
- Fun to customize with your favorite toppings!
One bite of these homemade Huevos Rancheros, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to a sunny café in Mexico.
They’re warm, filling, and bursting with layered flavors that will wake up your taste buds in the best way!