Are you ready to transform your breakfast, brunch, or even dinner routine into an exciting culinary adventure? Say goodbye to bland and hello to bold with our incredible Wholesome Chorizo & Egg Scramble! This isn’t just another egg dish; it’s a flavor fiesta that brings together zesty chorizo, tender veggies, and fluffy eggs, all crowned with salty Cotija cheese. Perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or a quick, satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe is about to become your new kitchen MVP. Get ready to indulge in a meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to devour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
This Wholesome Chorizo & Egg Scramble isn’t shy on taste! The rich, spicy notes of chorizo meld perfectly with sweet bell peppers, onions, and garlic, creating a dynamic flavor profile that will wake up your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
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Lightning-Fast & Effortless
With just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cook time, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table in under an hour. It’s perfect for those busy weekdays when you need something quick, delicious, and satisfying without sacrificing quality.
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Nutrient-Packed & Diet-Friendly
Boasting high protein, low carbs, and healthy fats, this scramble is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s an excellent choice for anyone following a keto, low-carb, or high-protein diet, keeping you full and energized throughout the day without the carb crash.
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Versatile & Customizable
While incredible as is, this Wholesome Chorizo & Egg Scramble is also wonderfully adaptable. Add extra veggies, adjust the spice level, or swap cheeses – it’s a flexible recipe that can cater to your cravings and what you have on hand, making it a true kitchen hero.
Ingredients with Measurements
Gather your vibrant ingredients to craft this irresistible Wholesome Chorizo & Egg Scramble:
- 🫒 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 🌶️ 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 🧅 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥓 1 pound bulk chorizo
- 🥚 8 large eggs
- 🥛 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 🧀 4 ounces crumbled Cotija cheese
- 🌿 (Optional) Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Detailed Step-by-Step Directions How to Make the Recipe
Follow these easy steps to bring your delightful Wholesome Chorizo & Egg Scramble to life:
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Get Started with Veggies
Place a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once the oil begins to shimmer, toss in your chopped red bell pepper and onion. Give them a light sprinkle of salt and sauté for about 4 minutes, just until they start to soften and become fragrant.
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Infuse Flavor with Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for a quick 30 seconds more, stirring constantly, until you catch that wonderful aromatic garlic scent filling your kitchen. Don’t let it brown!
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Brown the Chorizo
Add the bulk chorizo to the pan. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula, break up any large clumps of chorizo as it cooks. Continue to cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the chorizo is mostly cooked through and beautifully browned, releasing its delicious oils.
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Whisk the Eggs
While the chorizo finishes cooking, grab a medium bowl. Crack in your 8 large eggs and add the 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth, pale yellow, and perfectly combined. This helps create those wonderfully fluffy scrambled eggs.
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Gentle Scramble Time
Once the chorizo is ready, reduce the heat to medium-low. Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture directly into the pan with the chorizo and veggies. Resist the urge to stir immediately! Let the eggs cook undisturbed for 1 full minute, allowing the bottom to set slightly.
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Cook to Perfection
Now, with your spatula, gently lift and fold the cooked egg from the edges of the pan towards the center. This creates pockets for the uncooked liquid egg to flow underneath. Continue this gentle folding and turning, lifting frequently, until the eggs are cooked to your desired consistency – whether you like them slightly soft and creamy or firmer and well-set.
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Serve & Enjoy
Once your scramble is perfectly cooked, remove it from the heat. Sprinkle generously with the crumbled Cotija cheese, which adds a fantastic salty tang. If using, scatter fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and savor your delicious, wholesome creation!
Detailed Different Ways You Can Present the Recipe and How to Serve It
The beauty of this Wholesome Chorizo & Egg Scramble is its versatility in presentation! Beyond just serving it on a plate, here are some fun and delicious ways to enjoy your meal:
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Classic Bowl Serve
Simply scoop the scramble into a cozy bowl. Top with extra Cotija, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a slice of avocado for a complete and satisfying meal. A dash of your favorite hot sauce is always a welcome addition!
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Breakfast Tacos or Burritos
Warm some corn or flour tortillas. Fill them with the scramble, add a squeeze of lime, some pickled onions, or a sprinkle of fresh salsa for an epic breakfast taco experience. Roll them into burritos for a portable and hearty option.
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Avocado Toast Reinvented
Elevate your avocado toast! Spread mashed avocado on a slice of toasted sourdough or whole-grain bread, then pile a generous portion of your Wholesome Chorizo & Egg Scramble on top. Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt and red pepper flakes.
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Side Dish Power-Up
This scramble makes an excellent protein-packed side for a larger brunch spread. Serve it alongside roasted potatoes, a fresh fruit salad, or a green salad for a balanced and vibrant meal.
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Loaded Scramble Wraps
For a lighter, fresher take, spoon the scramble into large lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine) or collard green wraps. This low-carb option is crunchy and satisfying.
How You Can Store It and How Long Does It Last
Got leftovers of your amazing Wholesome Chorizo & Egg Scramble? No problem! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:
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Refrigeration
Allow the scramble to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep, allowing you to quickly reheat a delicious breakfast or lunch throughout the week.
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Reheating
To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet. For the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. For a skillet, warm a small amount of oil or butter over medium-low heat and gently warm the scramble, stirring occasionally, until hot. You might want to add a tiny splash of water or cream to help restore moisture.
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Freezing (with caution)
While you *can* freeze cooked scrambled eggs, the texture can change upon thawing – sometimes becoming a bit rubbery or watery. If you choose to freeze, store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s generally best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.
FAQs Sections
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Can I make this Wholesome Chorizo & Egg Scramble less spicy?
Yes! The spice level primarily comes from the chorizo. Look for a “mild” bulk chorizo, or if you can’t find it, you can use a combination of mild breakfast sausage and add a pinch of smoked paprika for flavor without the heat.
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What if I don’t have Cotija cheese?
Feta cheese makes an excellent substitute for Cotija, offering a similar salty, crumbly texture. You could also use shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar for a meltier finish, or even omit cheese entirely if preferred.
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Can I add more vegetables to the scramble?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or even diced potatoes (add these early to cook thoroughly) would be delicious additions. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the pan, and cook them down to release moisture before adding eggs.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prep! Cook a large batch, divide it into individual portions, and store in airtight containers in the fridge for quick breakfasts or lunches throughout the week.
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Can I use milk instead of heavy cream for the eggs?
You can, but heavy cream adds a richness and silkiness to the eggs that milk won’t quite replicate. Whole milk would be the next best option for maintaining some creaminess.
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What kind of chorizo should I use for this recipe?
This recipe calls for “bulk chorizo,” which is a fresh, uncooked sausage usually found in the meat section. It’s different from dried, cured Spanish chorizo, which is typically eaten sliced.
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How can I make this Wholesome Chorizo & Egg Scramble dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, simply omit the heavy cream and Cotija cheese. The eggs will still scramble beautifully, and the chorizo and veggies will provide plenty of flavor. You could use a dairy-free milk alternative for the cream if you wish, but it’s not strictly necessary.
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Can I cook this in advance and reheat it?
Yes, as mentioned in the storage section, you can cook it in advance and reheat it. While freshly made is always best for scrambled eggs, this recipe reheats quite well in the microwave or a skillet.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Wholesome Chorizo & Egg Scramble is naturally gluten-free, assuming your bulk chorizo does not contain any hidden gluten-containing ingredients (most do not, but always check the label if you have severe allergies).
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What can I serve with this scramble for a complete meal?
For a complete meal, serve it with warm tortillas, a side of black beans or refried beans, sliced avocado, a fresh salsa, or a simple green salad. A crusty piece of toast is also a great option for soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Wholesome Chorizo & Egg Scramble
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound bulk chorizo
- 8 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 4 ounces crumbled Cotija cheese
- Fresh cilantro (Optional) chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Get Started: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped red pepper and onion. Sprinkle lightly with salt and sauté for about 4 minutes until they just begin to soften.
- Infuse Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for a quick 30 seconds until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.
- Brown the Chorizo: Add the bulk chorizo to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break up any clumps as it cooks for 7 to 8 minutes, until it’s mostly cooked through.
- Whisk the Eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Gentle Scramble: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the whisked eggs into the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 1 minute.
- Cook to Perfection: Using a spatula, gently lift and turn the cooked egg from the edges toward the center of the pan, allowing the uncooked liquid egg to flow underneath. Continue this gentle folding, lifting frequently, until the eggs are cooked to your desired consistency.
- Serve & Enjoy: Sprinkle generously with the crumbled Cotija cheese and optional fresh chopped cilantro before serving your delicious and healthy meal!
Notes
- Calories: 398 kcal
- Total Carbs: 5.6 g
- Net Carbs: 4.1 g
- Fats: 28.8 g
- Protein: 23.7 g