Chilaquiles
Yesterday's tortillas, today's salsa — softened, not soggy if you are lucky, with cream, cheese and an egg.
Recipe by I Want Some Food · Reviewed by the editorial kitchen.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Rest
- None
- Total
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Spice
- Medium heat
- Cost
- Cheap nightUnder $8 USD · indicative, not a store price
About
Chilaquiles are fried or toasted tortilla pieces simmered briefly in salsa so they soften at the edge and stay a little crisp in the middle. Red or green. Breakfast. An egg, crema, onion, cheese. If they sit, they become a casserole. Eat them now.
What you'll need
10 ingredients. Tap each one once it's out on the bench.
Ingredients
- Tomato, for a quick salsa, or use leftover salsa-roja3 medium
- Garlic1 clove
- Egg2 large
- Melting cheese, crumbled fresco or a mild grate40 g
- Cream (optional)30 ml
- Neutral oil44 ml
- Coriander30 ml
Scaling multiplies the written quantities. Baking still prefers a scale.
Steps
Step 1
Cut tortillas into wedges. Fry or toast until crisp. Blend tomato, chilli and garlic into a salsa and simmer 5 minutes.
12 min
Step 2
Toss chips in the salsa 1–2 minutes — coated, not soup. Plate, fried eggs, onion, cheese, cream, coriander.
4 min
Nutrition
Per serving · estimate
- Calories
- 644 kcal
- Protein
- 19.9 g
- Carbs
- 64.1 g
- Fat
- 36.8 g
- Saturated fat
- 10.1 g
- Fibre
- 9.8 g
- Sugar
- 7.1 g
- Sodium
- 256 mg
Calculated from canonical ingredient data (USDA FoodData Central averages and equivalent published tables). Estimates only.
Allergens
Informational only. Not a medical guarantee. Cross-contamination happens in real kitchens.
- Milk
- Eggs
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
Adapt this recipe
The original recipe stays as it is. Personal versions are labelled. Serving changes are simple maths.
Adaptations · 0 / 15 used. Resets 12 November.
Substitutions
Fresh tortillas → Unsalted tortilla chips
A weekday cheat. Watch the salt.
Tips
- Stale tortillas fry better than fresh limp ones.
- Green salsa (tomatillo) is the other national breakfast.
History & culture
The leftover-tortilla breakfast. Also a hangover plate that does not need the hangover.
Mesa food as old as tortillas going stale. The restaurant plate is a later shine.
Traditional
Provenance: Editorial adaptation.
Questions about this recipe
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Chilaquiles take?
30 min all in — 15 min prep, 15 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 2 plates. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
Medium heat.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Milk, Eggs. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Nut-free.
6 more questionsFewer questions
What does it cost to cook?
Cheap night — about Under $8 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Frying pan.
How much salt do I put in?
This recipe does not list a salt amount. We will not invent one.
What can I use instead?
Fresh tortillas → Unsalted tortilla chips. A weekday cheat. Watch the salt.
Any tips from this recipe?
Stale tortillas fry better than fresh limp ones. Green salsa (tomatillo) is the other national breakfast.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.
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