Mexican breakfasts are a variety of traditional and hearty dishes that reflect Mexico’s rich culinary culture. 

These breakfasts often combine fresh ingredients, corn or flour tortillas, beans, spicy sauces and different types of proteins. 

Here is a list of some of the most popular Mexican breakfasts and their main ingredients:

5 typical Mexican breakfasts

These are some of the most popular and well-known Mexican breakfasts.

Huevos Rancheros

Huevos rancheros is a popular breakfast dish in Mexico, consisting mainly of fried eggs served on corn tortillas covered with salsa ranchera (a spicy tomato-based sauce), accompanied by refried beans, avocado, queso fresco and cream. 

It is a dish that varies slightly from region to region, but always retains its base of main ingredients.

Typical Ingredients

1. Eggs: Usually fried eggs are used, although in some variations poached or scrambled eggs can also be used.
2. Corn tortillas: The tortillas are the base on which the eggs and sauce are served. They can be lightly fried to give them texture.
3. Ranchera Sauce: This is a spicy sauce made from tomatoes, onions, chillies and spices. It is prepared by cooking the ingredients until smooth and well blended. The ranchera sauce gives the characteristic flavour to huevos rancheros.
4. Refried beans: These are beans (usually black or pinto beans) cooked and then refried with lard or oil, sometimes seasoned with garlic and onion. They are used as a side dish or as an accompaniment to tortillas.
5. Avocado: Usually served sliced or guacamole to add a touch of freshness and creaminess to the dish.
6. Queso fresco: Crumbled over eggs and salsa to add flavour and texture. Queso fresco is mild and slightly salty.
7. Mexican cream: Used to garnish the dish and add a little creaminess.
8. Fresh cilantro: Optional, but commonly used to garnish and add a fresh aroma to the dish.

Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles are one of the most famous Mexican breakfasts. It is a recipe consisting of corn tortillas cut into triangles or strips, which are fried until crispy and then cooked in red or green sauce.

They are often served with eggs, shredded chicken, cream, queso fresco and onion, among other ingredients. It is a popular dish for both breakfast and lunch in Mexico.

Typical Ingredients

1. Corn tortillas: Cut into triangles or strips and fry until crispy. Fresh tortillas or tortillas left over from the previous day can be used.
2. Red or green salsa: Red salsa is usually made from tomatoes, chillies, onion and garlic, while green salsa is made from tomatillos, chillies, coriander and garlic. Both sauces are cooked and mixed with the tortilla chips.
3. Eggs: Optional, but it is common to serve chilaquiles with fried, scrambled or fried eggs.
4. Shredded chicken: It is also common to add cooked shredded chicken as an additional protein.
5. Cream: To add creaminess to the dish.
6. Fresh cheese: Crumbled over the chilaquiles for flavour and texture.
7. Onion: Chopped and sprinkled on top as a garnish.
8. Avocado: Sliced or guacamole for a fresh and creamy touch.
9. Cilantro: Chopped and sprinkled on top of the chilaquiles for additional garnish and flavour.

Molletes

Molletes are another popular Mexican breakfasts. It consist of one half of a bolillo or telera, which is a type of bread similar to a baguette but softer, cut in half lengthwise. 

This base is covered with refried beans and cheese, and then grilled in the oven until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. It is served hot and accompanied with salsa and other condiments to taste.

Typical Ingredients

1. Pan bolillo or telera: This is the base of the mollete. It is cut in half lengthwise and is used as a support for the beans and cheese.
2. Refried beans: Beans (usually pinto or black beans) cooked and then refried in lard or oil, seasoned with garlic and onion. The refried beans are spread generously on the bread.
3. Cheese: Grated cheese that has good melting and grating properties is used. Common types of cheese include chihuahua cheese, oaxaca cheese, or mozzarella cheese.
4. Sauce: It is traditionally served with Mexican salsa (pico de gallo), salsa roja or salsa verde. The salsa adds freshness and a little spice to the dish.
5. Cream: Optional, but it is common to add crema Mexicana or sour cream as a garnish and to add creaminess.
6. Optional garnishes:

• Avocado: Sliced or guacamole.
• Cilantro: Chopped, to sprinkle over the molletes.
• Chiles en vinagre: For those who prefer a spicy touch.

Tostadas

Tostadas are corn tortillas that are fried in hot oil until they become crispy and golden brown. 

Unlike soft tortillas, tostadas have a firm, crunchy texture that makes them ideal as a base for different types of ingredients and sauces. 

They are usually served as starters or main courses, and are very popular at parties, celebrations and street markets in Mexico.

Typical Ingredients

1. Corn tortillas: These are the main ingredient. You can use freshly made tortillas or pre-cooked purchased tortillas that are fried until crispy.
2. Refried beans: A layer of refried beans (usually pinto or black beans) is spread on top of the tostada to add flavour and creaminess.
3. Meat: This can be shredded beef (such as tinga), shredded chicken, picadillo, chorizo, carnitas (pork confit), or any other type of stewed or grilled meat.
4. Seafood: Shrimp, fish or seafood ceviche, or octopus in its ink are common choices for those who prefer seafood tostadas.
5. Vegetables: Chopped lettuce, tomato, onion, radish and avocado are some of the fresh vegetables that can be added as toppings.
6. Cream: Mexican cream or sour cream is used to add creaminess and counteract the spiciness of the sauces.
7. Cheese: Fresh shredded cheese, cotija cheese or aged cheese is sprinkled on top of the ingredients to add flavour.
8. Sauce: Tostadas are served with Mexican salsa (pico de gallo), red salsa, green salsa or avocado salsa, depending on the diner’s preference.
9. Other condiments: Chopped fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices or pickled chillies are used as additional toppings for added flavour and texture.

Tamales

Tamales are a traditional food consisting of a corn dough, usually filled with meats, chillies, beans, cheeses, fruits or sweets, wrapped in corn or banana leaves and steamed. 

They are a very ancient dish dating back to the pre-Columbian civilisations of Mesoamerica. 

In Mexico, tamales vary from region to region, with different types of dough and fillings reflecting the country’s culinary diversity.

Tamales for Breakfast

Tamales are a popular choice for breakfast in Mexico, especially with a cup of atole or champurrado, which are hot corn- and chocolate-based drinks, respectively. 

For breakfast, the most common tamales include:

• Chicken tamales in green or red sauce.
• Bean tamales: filled with refried beans, sometimes with chorizo or cheese.
• Sweet tamales: made with sweetened dough and filled with fruit, sultanas or even chocolate.

Accompaniments

• Atole: A hot, thick drink made from corn dough, water or milk, and sweetened, often flavoured with vanilla, chocolate, cinnamon or fruit.
• Champurrado: A variation of atole that includes chocolate and cinnamon.
• Café de olla: Coffee prepared with cinnamon and piloncillo (unrefined sugar).

What do you think of these typical Mexican breakfasts? Have we forgotten any of them? 

Comment and leave us your opinion on which Mexican breakfast you liked the most or others that we haven’t mentioned.Remember! At Taqueria de Birra we are experts in tacos and Mexican food since 1989, so if you want to try some tacos in the purest Mexican style, we invite you to order to take away or come and try them in our establishments in C/ Don Pedro, 11 and Plaza de las Comendadoras, 2.