Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe
I’m seriously excited to share this Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe with you. It’s one of those hearty, comforting dishes that somehow feels like breakfast, lunch, and dinner all rolled into one – and done with a delicious Southern twist. When I first made these enchiladas, I was amazed at how the creamy sausage gravy brought everything together so perfectly, making each bite both rich and satisfying.
This recipe is a lifesaver for lazy weekend mornings or casual family gatherings when everybody is hungry and you want something warm and filling without lots of fuss. Plus, the combination of eggs, sausage, and gooey cheese wrapped up in soft tortillas makes it an all-time crowd-pleaser. I promise, once you try these Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of creamy gravy, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese. A quick note: try to get good-quality breakfast sausage and fresh tortillas – they really amp up the flavors here.
- Ground breakfast sausage: Choose a flavorful, mildly spiced sausage that cooks up juicy and well-seasoned.
- Diced onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base that brightens the sausage gravy.
- Minced jalapeno: For a subtle kick – feel free to adjust based on your heat tolerance.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening agent to make the sausage gravy perfectly creamy.
- Milk: Go for whole milk if you can – it makes the gravy richer and silkier.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning – keep tasting as you go!
- Large eggs: These provide a fluffy, protein-packed filling inside the enchiladas.
- Butter: Gives the eggs extra richness and helps them cook evenly.
- Cooked tater tots: This is the fun twist – they add a crispy, comforting texture inside.
- Pepper Jack cheese: For a melty, spicy layer of flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and hearty, rounds out the cheese combo perfectly.
- Fajita-size flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, ideal for wrapping all those tasty fillings.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe because it’s so versatile. Whether you want to kick up the spice or keep it mild, there’s plenty of room to personalize it and make it your own.
- Swap the sausage: Sometimes I use spicy chorizo for a bolder flavor; it’s a game-changer if you enjoy more heat.
- Cheese options: I’ve used Monterey Jack or even mozzarella if I’m out of cheddar and pepper jack – still delicious!
- Veggie boost: Throw in some sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra texture and flavor.
- Dairy-free adaptation: Use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version that still satisfies.
How to Make Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Build Your Gravy
Start by browning the ground breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks, letting it get nice and crumbly. Once cooked through, add the diced onion and minced jalapeno, and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about a minute – this cooks out the floury taste and helps thicken the gravy beautifully. Then slowly pour in the milk, whisking frequently to avoid lumps. Let the gravy simmer gently until it thickens into a creamy sauce—about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste; this gravy is the heart of the dish!
Step 2: Fluffy Eggs and Crispy Tater Tots
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat and scramble your eggs gently. The key is to keep them soft and slightly creamy—they’ll keep your enchiladas from drying out. Once your eggs are ready, fold in the cooked tater tots. The tots add such a lovely crunch and warmth—it’s my favorite bit in this Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay out your fajita-sized tortillas and divide the egg and tater tot mixture evenly among them. Sprinkle each with a mix of shredded Pepper Jack and cheddar cheese, then roll them up tightly. Don’t worry if they’re slightly stuffed; they’ll hold together once baked. Arrange the rolled tortillas snugly in a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Smother with Sausage Gravy & Bake
Pour the luscious sausage gravy evenly over the rolled enchiladas, making sure every inch is covered—you want that rich sauce to soak in as it bakes. Sprinkle a bit more cheese on top for some extra meltiness. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, until everything is bubbly and golden. Let it cool just a bit before serving; trust me, it’s easier to slice and keeps all those flavors locked in.
How to Serve Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe

Garnishes
I always top these enchiladas with fresh sliced green onions and a handful of chopped cilantro – it adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. Sour cream or a dollop of crema is another must-have in my book. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a little crumbled queso fresco or drizzle some hot sauce on top for an extra kick.
Side Dishes
Serve your Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe alongside a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or some refried beans for a classic combo. Roasted sweet potatoes or a fresh fruit salad can lighten the plate beautifully—especially if you’re enjoying this as a brunch centerpiece.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to bake individual enchiladas in small ramekins to give everyone their own personal serving – it feels fancy but is super easy. Another fun idea is layering the components like a casserole for a brunch buffet where guests can help themselves. Either way, the sausage gravy ties it all together and keeps things delicious and comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to let the enchiladas cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making this a perfect recipe for meal prep or next-day breakfasts that feel indulgent but are simple to reheat.
Freezing
Freezing this Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe works surprisingly well. I assemble the enchiladas but hold off on baking, then wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. The texture and flavor hold up beautifully, which is perfect for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, I cover the leftovers with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes—just enough to melt the cheese and warm through without drying out the eggs. If you’re in a rush, reheating individual portions in the microwave works fine too, but I prefer the oven to keep that lovely texture intact.
FAQs
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Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage can be a leaner alternative and still tastes great in this recipe. Just expect a slightly different flavor profile, and consider adding a pinch of extra seasoning if you want to boost the taste.
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How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is mild to moderate thanks to the jalapeno and Pepper Jack cheese. You can easily adjust by leaving out the jalapeno or swapping the Pepper Jack for a milder cheese if you prefer less spice.
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Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sausage gravy, and choose gluten-free tortillas. This way, everyone can enjoy the Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe without worry.
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What can I serve with leftover sausage gravy?
Sausage gravy is a star all on its own. It’s fantastic poured over biscuits, roasted potatoes, or scrambled eggs the next day. I often freeze extra gravy in small containers for a quick breakfast upgrade.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a simple but indulgent way to feed your loved ones something truly comforting and delicious. If you want a dish that satisfies a crowd, doubles as leftover gold, and tastes just like a cozy Southern kitchen, give this recipe a try—I know you’ll love it as much as I do.
PrintSouthern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe
A hearty and comforting Southern twist on classic enchiladas featuring spicy breakfast sausage, creamy sausage gravy, fluffy eggs, crispy tater tots, and melty cheeses wrapped in warm flour tortillas. Perfect for brunch or a satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 enchiladas
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Sausage Gravy
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 jalapeno, minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 3/4 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Egg Filling
- 10 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter
Assembly and Toppings
- 2 cups cooked tater tots
- 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 10 fajita-size flour tortillas
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground breakfast sausage with diced onion and minced jalapeno until the sausage is browned and onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked sausage mixture and stir to combine. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add salt and pepper, and continue cooking and stirring until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Eggs: In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Beat the eggs in a bowl, then scramble them gently in the pan until just cooked through but still moist. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay out a tortilla, spoon some sausage gravy down the center, add a portion of scrambled eggs, and sprinkle with a mix of Pepper Jack and cheddar cheeses. Add some cooked tater tots on top before rolling the tortilla tightly. Repeat for all tortillas.
- Bake the Enchiladas: Place the assembled enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish. Spoon any remaining sausage gravy over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Use mild or hot breakfast sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced green onions.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat milk and lean sausage.
- Make sure tater tots are crispy before assembling; you can bake or air-fry them.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
