Christmas morning in our house starts with giggles from the kids, slippers shuffling across the kitchen floor, and the smells of something cozy bubbling on the stove. These breakfast burritos have become part of that joyful tradition—festive, hearty, and (bless!) make-ahead friendly. There’s a little sweet, a little savory, and a whole lot of cozy. They’re the kind of magical bite that lets you enjoy the morning without juggling skillets between present openings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is one of those special-occasion breakfasts that checks all the boxes. I first made these on a whim when we had a fridge full of leftover cranberry sauce—and now they’re requested annually!
- Make-ahead magic: Assemble days ahead or freeze for easy holiday mornings.
- Festive, but practical: A cranberry-orange cream cheese swirl brings seasonal flair without fussy prep.
- Deliciously balanced: Savory sausage + sweet cranberry + creamy eggs = flavor harmony!
- Customizable: Vegetarian? Gluten-free? No problem—I’ve got you.
- Perfect for sharing: Great for brunch spreads or wrapped up as a munchable gift for tired parents on Christmas morning.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), casings removed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded hash browns (thawed and squeezed dry or freshly grated potatoes)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese (or combo)
- 2–3 Tbsp butter or oil for cooking
- 1/2–1 tsp smoked paprika or chili powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2–3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
- 6–8 large flour tortillas (9- or 10-inch)
Cranberry-Orange Cream Cheese Swirl (optional but festive!)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3–4 Tbsp cranberry sauce (whole berry or chutney)
- 1 tsp orange zest
Pro Tips
- Use pre-cooked sausage for a shortcut or go meatless with sautéed mushrooms.
- Can’t find hash browns? Roughly grated Yukon Golds work beautifully.
- Tortillas too stiff to roll? Warm them slightly in the microwave first.
- Give your eggs a cheesy hug by adding the cheese *while* scrambling for extra creaminess.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the cranberry-orange cream cheese (optional but so fun): In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, cranberry sauce, and orange zest until smooth and swirly. Set aside.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté vegetables and hash browns: In the same skillet, add 1 Tbsp butter or oil. Sauté onion and bell peppers until softened and lightly caramelized, 5–7 minutes. Add hash browns and increase heat to medium-high. Cook until crispy and golden, about 6–8 minutes. Season with paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir sausage back into the mix.
- Scramble the eggs: In a clean pan, scramble eggs over medium heat with a pinch of salt and pepper. Just before they set, stir in half of the cheese for extra meltiness.
- Assemble your burritos: Lay out a tortilla. Spread a thin stripe of cranberry cream cheese down the center. Top with a big spoonful of sausage-veggie mixture, then scrambled eggs, then a bit more cheese. Sprinkle with herbs if using.
- Fold and roll: Fold in the sides, roll tightly from the bottom up, and set aside seam-side down. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Finish ‘em: For crispy edges, sear rolled burritos seam-side down in a hot dry skillet for 2–3 minutes per side. Alternatively, wrap each in foil and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through and melty.
- Serve it up: Slice in half, and serve with salsa, sour cream, cranberry relish, or hot honey on the side. Don’t forget the cozy beverage!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Warm tortillas before rolling for easier assembly (no cracking!).
- Don’t overfill—too much filling can cause tearing or sogginess.
- Creamier eggs = tastier burritos. Pull them off when slightly wet—they’ll finish cooking off heat.
- Mix and match fillings to fit your crowd. Got picky eaters? Make a build-your-own burrito station!
- Double the cranberry swirl and use it as a spread on bagels or toast later—it’s delicious.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Vegetarian: Swap sausage for mushrooms and spinach or use a meatless crumble.
- Spicy version: Add diced jalapeño, chipotle, or a splash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Cranberry-averse? Use red pepper hummus or sun-dried tomato cream cheese instead.
- Make it brunch ready: Plate with a winter fruit salad, mimosa, and rosemary-roasted potatoes.
- For a sweeter touch: A light drizzle of maple syrup or hot honey pairs surprisingly well with the savory filling.
FAQs
Can I freeze these breakfast burritos?
Yes! Wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or microwave (unwrapped and covered with a damp paper towel).
How do I keep the burritos from getting soggy?
Make sure the hash browns are dry and crispy, don’t overload with cream cheese, and let the eggs cool slightly before assembling. A quick sear in the skillet will also crisp them up!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep the filling a day or two in advance. Assemble the burritos the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake or toast in the pan.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups hash browns
- 1 small onion
- 1 red and 1 green bell pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 3–4 Tbsp cranberry sauce
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 6–8 flour tortillas
- Salt, pepper, smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Mix cream cheese, cranberry sauce, and orange zest. Set aside.
- Cook sausage and remove from pan. Sauté onions, peppers, and hash browns. Combine with sausage.
- Scramble eggs and stir in half the cheese at the end.
- Assemble burritos with a swipe of cranberry cream cheese, filling, and extra cheese. Roll tightly.
- Toast in skillet or bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
Nutrition: 425 calories per serving
Did your Christmas burritos bring the cheer? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below, tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid, or share your festive twist with #KitchensAidChristmas. Happy holidays!
