First Step: PREPARE THE FILLING

1. Cook the Breakfast Sausage: Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding your breakfast sausage (or bacon or chorizo). Cook the meat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables (Optional): In the same skillet, add a little oil and sauté the diced onions and bell pepper until they’re softened, about 3-4 minutes. This adds both flavor and color to your filling.
3. Scramble the Eggs: In a bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour them into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and scramble them over medium heat until cooked through but still soft and creamy. If you like your eggs a little fluffier, you can add a tablespoon of milk or cream to the eggs before cooking.
4. Combine the Filling: Once the eggs are scrambled and cooked, add the cooked breakfast sausage (or alternative) to the skillet with the eggs and veggies. Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s melted and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or garlic powder, if needed.

Second Step: ASSEMBLE THE TAQUITOS

1. Warm the Tortillas: To make them easier to roll, heat your tortillas slightly in the microwave. Stack the tortillas and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them more pliable. Alternatively, you can warm them up on a dry skillet for 10-15 seconds per side.
2. Fill the Tortillas: Take a warmed tortilla and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the egg, cheese, and sausage mixture down the center of the tortilla. You don’t want to overfill the taquitos, as they will be harder to roll and might break open.
3. Roll the Taquitos: Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly around the filling, folding in the sides slightly as you go. The tightness of the roll is key to keeping the filling inside while cooking.

Third Step: COOK THE TAQUITOS

There are two main ways to cook breakfast taquitos: baking or frying. Both options yield delicious, crispy taquitos, so choose the method that works best for you.

Option 1: Baking the Taquitos

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat ensures the taquitos will get golden and crispy.
2. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Leave a little space between each taquito to allow them to crisp up.
3. Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the taquitos with vegetable oil or spray them with cooking spray. This helps them crisp up as they bake.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the taquitos halfway through the cooking time to ensure they get crispy on all sides. They’re ready when they’re golden brown and crunchy.

Option 2: Frying the Taquitos

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil is ready when it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test it by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
2. Fry the Taquitos: Carefully add 3-4 taquitos to the hot oil at a time, depending on the size of your skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Turn them carefully with tongs to avoid splashing oil.
3. Drain the Oil: Once the taquitos are crispy, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Final Step: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Top with Toppings: Serve your hot breakfast taquitos with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or any other toppings you enjoy. You can also sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
2. Serve Immediately: Breakfast taquitos are best enjoyed right after cooking while they’re still warm and crispy. They make for an impressive breakfast or brunch dish that your family and friends will rave about.