What Sauce Goes with a Breakfast Burrito?

Breakfast burritos are a morning favorite that combine the comforting flavors of eggs, cheese, meats, and vegetables wrapped in a warm tortilla. The perfect sauce can elevate your breakfast burrito from delicious to exceptional. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the best sauces for breakfast burritos, how to make them, and how to pair them with different burrito styles. We’ll also provide links to internal and external resources to help you perfect your breakfast burrito game.

1. Classic Sauces for Breakfast Burritos

Salsa

Salsa is one of the most popular and versatile sauces for breakfast burritos. It adds a burst of fresh flavor that can range from mild to fiery depending on the variety you choose. There are several types of salsa that work wonderfully with breakfast burritos:

Pico de Gallo: Also known as fresh salsa, pico de gallo is made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice. Its chunky texture and bright flavors make it an ideal choice for adding freshness to your burrito. Learn how to make pico de gallo with this easy recipe from Serious Eats.

Roasted Tomato Salsa: For a smoky depth of flavor, roasted tomato salsa is a great option. It combines roasted tomatoes with onions, garlic, and chilies, resulting in a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs well with savory burrito fillings. Check out this recipe for roasted tomato salsa for a smoky twist.

Green Salsa (Salsa Verde): Salsa verde, made from tomatillos, offers a tangy and slightly tart flavor that complements a variety of breakfast burrito ingredients. This Salsa Verde recipe is a great starting point for making your own.

Hot Sauce

Hot sauce can bring an exciting kick to your breakfast burrito. Popular choices include:

Tabasco: Known for its vinegary heat, Tabasco is a classic hot sauce that adds a punch without overpowering the other flavors in your burrito.

Cholula: This hot sauce is slightly milder and has a more complex flavor with hints of spices. It pairs particularly well with breakfast burritos containing eggs and cheese.

Tapatio: Tapatio offers a balanced blend of heat and flavor that enhances the overall taste of your burrito.

For a comprehensive list of hot sauces and their flavor profiles, check out this guide from The Spruce Eats.

Guacamole or Avocado Sauce

Guacamole is a creamy, rich option that adds a luxurious texture to your breakfast burrito. Here’s how to make a simple guacamole:

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mash the avocados in a bowl.
2. Add lime juice, onion, tomato, and salt. Mix until combined.
3. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

For a twist, try making an avocado sauce by blending ripe avocados with sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This adds a smooth, tangy complement to your burrito.

Sour Cream or Crema

Sour cream and Mexican crema offer a cooling, creamy contrast to spicier ingredients in your breakfast burrito.

Mexican Crema: Slightly thinner and less tangy than sour cream, Mexican crema can be drizzled over your burrito for a subtle creaminess. Learn how to make it here.

Sour Cream: Classic and versatile, sour cream adds a tangy flavor that helps mellow out spicy or rich ingredients.

Cheese Sauces

Cheese sauces can make your breakfast burrito even more indulgent. Here are a couple of options:

Queso: A creamy cheese dip made from melted cheese and spices. It adds a gooey, cheesy layer to your burrito. You can find a simple queso recipe to try at home.

Cheddar Cheese Sauce: Made by melting cheddar cheese with milk, this sauce is perfect for adding a rich, cheesy flavor to your burrito.

2. Unique Sauce Options for Breakfast Burritos

If you’re looking to experiment with flavors, consider trying some unique sauces to make your breakfast burrito stand out.

Spicy Mayo or Chipotle Mayo

Spicy mayo is a blend of mayonnaise and hot sauce or chipotle peppers that adds both creaminess and heat. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha) or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

Instructions:

1. Combine the mayonnaise and hot sauce in a bowl.
2. Mix until well combined.

This sauce pairs well with breakfast burritos containing crispy bacon or sausage. You can find more ideas for spicy mayo here.

Hollandaise Sauce

Hollandaise sauce, typically used for Eggs Benedict, adds a rich, buttery flavor to your breakfast burrito. Here’s a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 egg yolks
• 1 stick of butter, melted
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and cayenne pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl until pale and slightly thickened.
2. Slowly add melted butter while whisking continuously.
3. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and cayenne pepper.

Find a detailed hollandaise sauce recipe here.

Pesto

Pesto is an herby, garlicky sauce that can add a unique twist to your breakfast burrito. Use traditional basil pesto or experiment with different herbs. Here’s a basic pesto recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup pine nuts
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. Combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and garlic in a food processor.
2. Blend while slowly adding olive oil until smooth.

You can find more variations of pesto here.

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce adds a sweet and smoky flavor that works surprisingly well with breakfast burritos, especially those filled with meats like pulled pork or sausage. Try a homemade BBQ sauce recipe for the best results.

Yogurt-Based Sauces

Yogurt-based sauces, like tzatziki, offer a cool, tangy flavor that complements lean proteins and vegetables. Tzatziki, made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and herbs, can add a refreshing element to your burrito.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

You can find more yogurt sauce recipes here.

3. Pairing Sauces with Different Types of Breakfast Burritos

Choosing the right sauce can enhance the flavor profile of your breakfast burrito. Here are some pairing suggestions based on common burrito types:

Classic Breakfast Burrito

Ingredients: Scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, and cheddar cheese.

Sauce Pairing: Salsa or queso sauce adds a traditional touch. For a bit of spice, try a dash of hot sauce.

Southwestern Burrito

Ingredients: Chorizo, black beans, scrambled eggs, and pepper jack cheese.

Sauce Pairing: Salsa verde or chipotle mayo complements the bold flavors of chorizo and beans.

Vegetarian Burrito

Ingredients: Scrambled eggs, sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and avocado.

Sauce Pairing: Creamy avocado sauce or yogurt-based sauces like tzatziki add richness without overpowering the fresh vegetables.

Low-Carb Burrito

Ingredients: Scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, and low-carb tortillas.

Sauce Pairing: Hollandaise or guacamole provides a creamy addition without adding too many carbs.

Spicy Burrito

Ingredients: Jalapeños, spicy sausage, pepper jack cheese, and hot sauce.

Sauce Pairing: Spicy mayo or a smoky chipotle sauce enhances the heat. For a milder option, sour cream can balance out the spiciness.

4. Making Breakfast Burrito Sauces at Home

Creating sauces at home allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking and ensures you’re using fresh ingredients. Here’s how to make some popular sauces from scratch:

Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 jalapeños, minced
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Serve over your breakfast burrito.

Quick Guacamole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 lime
• Salt to taste
• Optional: diced tomatoes, onions, or cilantro

Instructions:

1. Mash the avocados in a bowl.
2. Add lime juice and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Spicy Mayo Recipe

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Sriracha or Cholula)

Instructions:

1. Mix the mayonnaise and hot sauce in a bowl until well combined.
2. Drizzle over your breakfast burrito for a spicy kick.

For additional sauce recipes, you can explore The Spruce Eats for more homemade sauce ideas.

5. Storing and Reheating Sauces for Breakfast Burritos

If you’ve made a batch of sauce, proper storage is essential to maintain freshness and flavor.

How to Store Salsa

Refrigeration: Salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing: For long-term storage, salsa can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.

Storing Creamy Sauces

Refrigeration: Cream-based sauces like queso or hollandaise should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat to prevent curdling.

Freezing: Creamy sauces generally do not freeze well, as they can separate when thawed. It’s best to make these sauces fresh.

6. Conclusion

Breakfast burritos are a beloved morning staple, offering a delightful fusion of savory ingredients encased in a warm tortilla. The choice of sauce can significantly enhance your burrito, turning a simple meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored a variety of sauces that pair beautifully with breakfast burritos, each adding its own unique flavor profile to the dish. Whether you lean towards the fresh zest of salsa, the creamy richness of guacamole, or the spicy kick of hot sauce, there’s a sauce for every taste and preference.

1. Salsa: Salsa remains a classic choice for breakfast burritos, valued for its versatility and vibrant flavors. Pico de gallo provides a fresh, chunky texture that complements the simplicity of scrambled eggs and bacon, while roasted tomato salsa introduces a smoky depth, ideal for heartier burritos with sausage or chorizo. Salsa verde, with its tangy and slightly tart notes, enhances the flavor of burritos filled with fresh vegetables and lean proteins. By experimenting with different types of salsa, you can discover which best suits your preferred burrito style.

2. Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, hot sauce is a go-to option. Tabasco offers a sharp, vinegary bite that livens up any burrito, whereas Cholula provides a more nuanced heat with its blend of spices. Tapatio’s balanced flavor profile makes it a versatile choice that works well across various burrito fillings. Incorporating hot sauce into your breakfast burrito can add excitement and complexity, making each bite more thrilling.

3. Guacamole and Avocado Sauce: Guacamole is a creamy, indulgent choice that adds richness to your burrito. With its blend of ripe avocados, lime juice, and fresh vegetables, it not only enhances the texture but also contributes a luxurious flavor that complements both meat and vegetarian burritos. Avocado sauce, a tangier variation, offers a smooth and refreshing alternative that pairs wonderfully with a wide range of fillings.

4. Sour Cream and Crema: Sour cream and Mexican crema are excellent options for those who prefer a cooling, creamy element in their burritos. Mexican crema’s milder flavor and thinner consistency make it a perfect match for spicy or rich ingredients, while classic sour cream adds a familiar tanginess that balances out stronger flavors. Both options are versatile and can be drizzled over any type of breakfast burrito to add a creamy contrast.

5. Cheese Sauces: Cheese sauces, such as queso and cheddar cheese sauce, elevate the indulgence factor of your breakfast burrito. Queso, with its creamy, melted cheese base, adds a gooey richness that enhances the overall flavor experience. Cheddar cheese sauce, made with sharp cheddar, introduces a robust cheese flavor that pairs beautifully with classic burrito ingredients like eggs and bacon.

6. Unique Sauce Options: For those looking to break away from traditional choices, unique sauces like spicy mayo, hollandaise, pesto, and BBQ sauce offer exciting alternatives. Spicy mayo combines the creaminess of mayonnaise with a fiery kick, perfect for breakfast burritos with crispy bacon. Hollandaise sauce, typically reserved for Eggs Benedict, adds a rich, buttery layer that complements savory fillings. Pesto introduces an herby, garlicky twist, while BBQ sauce provides a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs surprisingly well with breakfast meats.

7. Yogurt-Based Sauces: Yogurt-based sauces, including tzatziki, offer a refreshing and tangy option for breakfast burritos. Tzatziki, with its Greek yogurt base, cucumber, and herbs, adds a cool contrast that works well with lean proteins and vegetables. These sauces are particularly great for adding a healthy twist to your burrito while keeping the flavor profile vibrant.

Takeaways:

1. Explore Different Sauces: The right sauce can transform your breakfast burrito. Experiment with various types, from traditional salsas to creamy cheese sauces, to find your perfect match.

2. Balance Flavors: Consider the balance of flavors in your burrito when choosing a sauce. For example, pair spicy sauces with milder fillings or creamy sauces with rich ingredients to create a harmonious flavor profile.

3. Homemade vs. Store-Bought: While store-bought sauces offer convenience, homemade versions can be tailored to your specific taste preferences and often offer fresher, more vibrant flavors. Don’t hesitate to try making your own salsa, guacamole, or spicy mayo.

4. Storage and Reheating: Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality of your sauces. Most salsa can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, while creamy sauces should be consumed within 3 days. Be cautious with freezing creamy sauces, as they may not retain their texture.

5. Pairing Suggestions: Use our pairing suggestions to enhance your breakfast burrito experience. Whether you’re making a classic breakfast burrito or experimenting with unique fillings, there’s a sauce to complement every combination.

By incorporating these sauces and tips into your breakfast burrito routine, you’ll elevate your meals and discover new favorites. Whether you’re a fan of zesty salsas, creamy guacamole, or inventive sauces, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the process of experimenting with flavors and finding the perfect sauce to make your breakfast burritos truly exceptional.

For additional resources and inspiration on breakfast burritos and sauces, visit Serious Eats, Bon Appétit, and The Kitchn. Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful breakfast burrito!

For more information on breakfast burritos and sauces, check out these helpful resources:

• Serious Eats’ Breakfast Burrito Guide

• Bon Appétit’s Salsa and Guacamole Recipes

• The Kitchn’s Homemade Sauces Collection

Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful breakfast burrito!