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Chilaquiles Rojos Recipe – Traditional Mexican Breakfast

Chilaquiles Rojos is a traditional Mexican breakfast made with crispy tortillas simmered in red chile sauce.
Top with fried eggs, avocado, crema, and queso fresco.
Easy, authentic, and full of bold Mexican flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Mexican

Ingredients
  

For the Crispy Tortillas

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • Canola oil for frying

For the Red Sauce

  • 3 Roma tomatoes chopped
  • ½ white or yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 guajillo chiles seeded
  • 2 chiles de árbol
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Toppings

  • Fried eggs
  • Mexican crema
  • Queso fresco crumbled
  • Avocado slices

Instructions
 

Step 1: Fry the Tortillas

  • Cut the corn tortillas into triangles. Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tortilla pieces in batches until crispy and golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Salsa Roja

  • In a medium saucepan, combine water, guajillo chiles, chiles de árbol, chopped tomatoes, onion, and garlic cloves.
  • Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 7–8 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the chiles become tender.
  • Transfer the cooked mixture to a blender along with 1 cup of the cooking liquid, salt, oregano, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

  • Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the blended salsa roja and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Assemble the Chilaquiles Rojos

  • Add the crispy tortilla chips to the skillet and gently toss until fully coated in the warm red sauce.
  • Serve immediately with fried eggs, Mexican crema, queso fresco, and avocado slices.

Notes

  • Queso fresco can be replaced with feta cheese if needed.
  • Add diced onions or cilantro for extra freshness.
  • Chilaquiles Rojos taste best freshly prepared.
  • Pair with refried beans or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast.