Savor Your Mornings: Irresistible Make-Ahead Ham & Cheese Brunch Enchiladas

Why reserve the delightful flavors of enchiladas just for dinner when you can elevate your morning with this absolutely scrumptious Brunch Enchiladas with Ham recipe? Imagine tender diced ham, crisp green onions, and a generous blend of cheese, all lovingly enveloped in soft flour tortillas and bathed in a creamy, rich bechamel sauce. These aren’t just any breakfast; they’re an experience waiting to happen. Garnish them with your favorite Mexican toppings – think fresh salsa, a dollop of sour cream, or creamy guacamole – and dig into a breakfast that truly tastes like pure joy. It’s an easy, make-ahead dish that promises to transform your weekend brunch into an unforgettable feast!

Why Brunch Enchiladas Are the Ultimate Weekend Treat

It might seem surprising, given that I’ve never considered myself a “breakfast person,” how many brunch recipes I’ve gathered and perfected over the years. However, my passion for hosting brunches explains it all. The options for breakfast and brunch foods are truly limitless, offering a creative playground for any home cook. Plus, let’s be honest, mimosas often play a delightful role in these gatherings!

Mimosas aside, this particular breakfast enchiladas recipe is one I return to time and again. It’s a proven crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite. These overnight breakfast enchiladas deliver pure, unadulterated cheesy goodness, generously loaded with savory ham, fresh green onions, and a decadent bechamel sauce that sets them apart from traditional red enchiladas. They are always a huge hit, perfect for feeding a gathering or simply enjoying a luxurious weekend morning. We love serving them with a vibrant salsa, cool sour cream, and creamy guacamole on the side, creating the perfect Mexican-inspired breakfast feast.

Explore More Delicious Breakfast & Brunch Creations

If these brunch enchiladas spark your interest in expanding your morning meal repertoire, I have plenty more inspiration to share. You might want to try these hearty Breakfast Sliders, made with flavorful pork sausage, offering a bite-sized delight. Another fantastic option is this comforting Sausage and Crescent Bake, which is incredibly easy to assemble. Or, for something truly unique and satisfying, whip up this Breakfast Hashbrown Pizza, generously topped with both ham and crispy bacon!

This post is sponsored by Iowa Pork. While this post is sponsored, all opinions and my lifelong love for pork recipes and quality Iowa Pork are entirely my own. I genuinely believe in the products I share with you.

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A Heartfelt Connection to Iowa Pork: Supporting Family Farms

Did you know that an impressive one-third of all pork raised in the United States originates from the great state of Iowa? Many people might not realize this, but my personal connection to Iowa runs deep. My husband grew up on a farm in rural Iowa, where his family dedicated their lives to growing corn and soybeans, and raising hogs. His dad also owned a local fertilizer and anhydrous business, deeply embedding them in the agricultural community.

When I first visited the farm to meet his parents, they were quite amused by the “city girl” their son had brought home. I know, if you’re reading this from bustling metropolises like New York City or Los Angeles, you might think, “Omaha? A big city?” But compared to his hometown of just 300 residents, Omaha felt like a sprawling urban center to them! It was a whole new world for me.

I had never seen a hog up close before, nor did I know what a combine harvester was. Those early years of our marriage and family life saw us spending countless weekends on the farm. Our children grew up riding in tractors, happily feeding the farm cats, and quickly learned the significance of his dad’s saying, “That’s the smell of money.”

You see, those crops and those hogs were the very essence of their livelihood. When you choose to purchase pork at your grocery store, whether you’re in Iowa or anywhere else across the United States, you are directly supporting local family farms, just like the one my husband grew up on. It doesn’t matter how large or small the farm is; always remember that there’s a dedicated family working tirelessly behind it, ensuring quality products reach your table. It’s a connection to tradition, hard work, and wholesome food that I deeply value.

Overnight Ham Brunch Enchiladas: Your Ultimate Make-Ahead Breakfast Solution

If you’ve yet to experience the pure delight of enchiladas for breakfast, you are in for an incredible treat. This breakfast enchilada recipe is the epitome of a perfect make-ahead breakfast, especially ideal for feeding a hungry crowd on a leisurely weekend morning. With just a little bit of prep work the night before, you can wake up knowing most of the heavy lifting is done. This frees up your morning to organize other delightful brunch dishes, while these savory enchiladas bake to perfection in the oven. This recipe’s vibrant flavors and festive feel make it an absolutely perfect choice for a upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebration or any special gathering!

Essential Ingredients for Scrumptious Brunch Enchiladas with Ham

You will find the complete ingredients list with precise measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card section further down this post.

• Fully cooked ham: I recommend cubing the cooked ham into small, bite-sized pieces. This recipe is an absolutely fantastic way to utilize leftover ham from holiday meals like Easter or Christmas, ensuring no delicious ham goes to waste!
• Green onions: Freshly chopped green onions add a lovely mild onion flavor and a touch of color. While we prefer green onions for their delicate taste, shallots are a good substitute, and red, yellow, or white onions can also be used if you prefer a stronger flavor.
• Flour tortillas: Eight-inch flour tortillas are perfect for rolling these enchiladas. If you prefer, or if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, corn tortillas can also be used, though they might require a quick warm-up to prevent tearing.
• Mexican blend cheese: A pre-shredded Mexican blend offers convenience and a great flavor profile. However, feel free to get creative! Cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese would also be delicious, either on their own or combined. For the freshest taste and best melt, you could even shred your own cheese from a block.
• All-purpose flour: Just a couple of tablespoons of all-purpose flour are key to creating the base for our creamy bechamel-style sauce, helping to thicken the egg and cream mixture.
• Half-and-half cream: This provides a wonderfully rich and smooth consistency for the sauce. You can easily substitute heavy cream for an even more decadent sauce, or use milk for a lighter version, though the custard won’t be quite as rich.
• Eggs: Six large eggs, lightly beaten, form the essential custardy base that binds all the delicious ingredients together and bakes into a savory morning delight.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning is all that’s needed to enhance the flavors of the ham and cheese.
• Optional Toppings: The beauty of enchiladas lies in their versatility. Consider serving with fresh salsa, homemade Pico de Gallo, cool sour cream, creamy guacamole or sliced avocado, extra chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare Your Delicious Breakfast Enchiladas

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping brunch dish that will impress everyone!

1. First: Prepare Your Baking Dish. Begin by lightly spraying the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch glass baking pan with a non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure your enchiladas don’t stick and make for easy serving.



2. Second: Mix the Filling. In a small mixing bowl, combine your diced cooked ham with the chopped green onions. Lay out your tortillas. Spoon approximately 1/3 of a cup of this flavorful ham and onion mixture down the center of each tortilla. Then, generously top the mixture with 2-3 tablespoons of your shredded Mexican blend cheese.



3. Third: Roll the Enchiladas. Carefully roll each tortilla, “enchilada style,” ensuring the filling is securely tucked inside. Place each rolled enchilada seam-side down in your prepared baking pan. Repeat this process until all 8 tortillas are filled and arranged in the pan.



4. Fourth: Prepare the Bechamel Sauce. In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs with the all-purpose flour, half-and-half cream, salt, and pepper. Beat the mixture thoroughly until it is completely smooth and well combined. This will create your rich, custardy sauce.
5. Fifth: Pour and Refrigerate. Carefully pour this rich egg custard mixture evenly over the rolled tortillas in the baking pan. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate the enchiladas for at least 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the tortillas to soften, preventing sogginess.



6. Sixth: Prepare for Baking. About 30 minutes before you plan to bake, remove the enchiladas from the refrigerator. This allows them to come closer to room temperature for more even cooking. Just before baking, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously over the top of the enchiladas.



7. Seventh: Preheat Your Oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
8. Eighth: Bake to Perfection. Place the covered pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After this initial baking, remove the cover and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully melted, golden, and bubbly around the edges.



9. Ninth: Rest and Serve. Allow the baked enchiladas to stand for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to slice and serve. Serve immediately with your choice of delicious toppings such as fresh salsa, a dollop of cool sour cream, creamy guacamole, or whatever your heart desires for the perfect brunch experience!

The combination of savory ham, melty cheese, and the unique creamy sauce makes these enchiladas a truly standout dish. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a delightful weekend morning, they’re sure to become a cherished recipe.

Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!

Found your new favorite brunch recipe? Don’t let this simple yet spectacular recipe for make-ahead brunch enchiladas slip away! Be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go, so you can easily find it for your next family gathering or weekend breakfast. Sharing is caring, and this recipe is definitely worth sharing!

Understanding Ham: Smoked vs. Cured and Optimal Cooking Temperatures

It’s common for some people to confuse smoked hams with cured hams, and to add to the complexity, you’ll also find “fresh” hams alongside “smoked and cured” varieties. Understanding the distinctions is key to both cooking and enjoying ham. A cured ham signifies that the ham has been treated with a brine solution, which preserves it and adds flavor. These can come either pre-cooked (ready to eat) or uncooked. Fresh ham, on the other hand, simply refers to the specific cut of meat, which is the back top thigh of the leg, and crucially, it is neither cured nor cooked. Therefore, a fresh ham must be both cured and cooked before consumption!

Always check the label carefully to determine if the ham is “ready to eat” or if it requires cooking first. Generally, you’ll only find fresh ham if you specifically request it from your butcher. The hams typically available in the meat department of most grocery stores are usually already cooked, cured, and in many cases, also smoked and cured, making them convenient for various recipes like our brunch enchiladas.

Ensuring Your Ham is Perfectly Cooked: Internal Temperature Guidelines

You might wonder if the internal cooking temperature truly matters for ham that is labeled as “smoked” or “precooked.” The answer is a resounding yes! Even if a ham has been previously cooked or smoked, when you’re preparing it at home, you’ll want to ensure it reaches a safe and delicious internal temperature. For a precooked ham, aim for an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), measured with a reliable meat thermometer. This ensures it’s thoroughly heated and safe to eat.

For comprehensive and precise cooking times and temperatures for all cuts of pork, I highly recommend consulting the Iowa Pork Website. They even offer this incredibly handy guide that I’ve bookmarked myself for easy reference. It’s an invaluable resource for any pork enthusiast.

How to Tell When Your Ham Enchiladas Are Perfectly Done

For this specific brunch enchiladas recipe, there’s no need to guess whether the ham is fully cooked, as it’s added to the enchiladas already fully cooked. The main indicator of doneness for these enchiladas is the glorious transformation of the cheese: it should be completely melted, bubbling merrily, and lightly golden around the edges. The egg custard should also be set, not liquid. Once you see that beautiful, bubbly cheese, your enchiladas are ready to be enjoyed!

This visual cue makes preparing these enchiladas incredibly stress-free, allowing you to focus on the joy of cooking and the anticipation of a delicious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breakfast Enchiladas

• Can you make enchiladas ahead of time without getting soggy? Absolutely! The best strategy to prevent enchiladas from becoming soggy is to assemble them (with the filling) and pour the sauce over them just before you are ready to bake. For this recipe, the overnight refrigeration allows the tortillas to absorb the rich egg custard, preventing dryness without making them mushy, resulting in a perfect texture once baked.
• How do you make enchiladas not soggy on the bottom? Beyond the overnight soak in our creamy bechamel, one popular method to ensure a firm bottom for your enchiladas is to lightly fry the tortillas in a little oil for a few seconds per side before filling and rolling them. This creates a slight barrier that helps them hold their structure and prevents them from soaking up too much moisture.
• What can I put in my enchiladas? The beauty of enchiladas lies in their incredible versatility! You can keep them delightfully simple with just beans and cheese, or load them up with a variety of meats and vegetables. Popular additions include shredded chicken, ground beef, various peppers (bell peppers, jalapeños), corn, black beans, or even scrambled eggs for a more traditional breakfast take. Let your creativity guide you!
• Why are my enchiladas soggy on the bottom? If your enchiladas turn out soggy, it could be due to a few factors. Most commonly, it might be because too much sauce was poured over them, or the tortillas weren’t prepared (lightly fried or allowed to absorb properly, as in this recipe) to withstand the moisture. Using a baking dish that’s too large can also lead to excess sauce pooling around the tortillas, contributing to sogginess.

Creative Substitutions and Variations for Your Brunch Enchiladas

These brunch enchiladas with ham are wonderfully adaptable, offering countless ways to customize them to your taste. Here are some ideas to inspire your next batch:

• Serve creatively: Beyond traditional salsa and sour cream, consider serving these enchiladas with a vibrant salsa verde, hearty black beans, or a side of breakfast sausage and hash browns for a complete meal.
• Tortilla swap: Experiment with white corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a different texture and flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding finely diced red bell peppers, green peppers, mushrooms, or any of your other favorite vegetables to the ham and onion mixture. Sauté them lightly before adding for best results.
• Traditional sauce: For those who love a more classic enchilada flavor, try swapping the bechamel sauce for my Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce and baking it over the top.
• Spice it up: For a delightful kick, add a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce directly into the egg and cream mixture.
• Seasoning variations: Elevate the spice factor in the egg mixture by incorporating a pinch of chili powder, a dash of taco seasoning, or some finely diced green chilies.
• Fresh garnishes: Finish your enchiladas with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
• Bacon bliss: For an extra layer of savory goodness, sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top of the enchiladas along with the cheese before baking.

Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Brunch Enchiladas

To ensure your brunch enchiladas turn out perfectly every time, keep these handy tips in mind:

• Onion substitutes: If green onions aren’t available, you can easily substitute them with finely chopped white onions or shallots. Just be aware that white onions will have a stronger, sharper flavor.
• Cream alternatives: While half-and-half provides a lovely richness, you can certainly use a combination of milk and cream, or even all milk if you prefer. Keep in mind that using only milk will result in a lighter custard that is not quite as rich and creamy as with half-and-half or heavy cream.
• Leverage leftovers: This recipe is a brilliant way to use up leftover ham, sausage, or even bacon. These make-ahead breakfast enchiladas are especially perfect for transforming leftover ham from your Easter or Christmas celebrations into a whole new, exciting meal.

More Irresistible Brunch Recipes Featuring Pork

For me, a truly satisfying breakfast or brunch feels incomplete without the savory presence of ham, sausage, or bacon. In my culinary world, these pork products are essential components that elevate any morning meal into something truly special. If you’re like me and appreciate the incredible versatility and flavor pork brings to breakfast, here are some other fantastic recipes to explore:

If you’re looking for more Mexican or Southwestern-style breakfast items that feature delicious pork, you absolutely must try my Green Chile Quiche with Sausage, which offers a delightful kick. My Breakfast Burritos, generously filled with savory sausage, are perfect for on-the-go mornings. And for a unique twist, these Southwestern Sausage Brunch Roll-Ups are always a hit!

Other Fantastic Pork Recipes for Brunch:

• Bacon Swiss Quiche (pictured above) – A classic, creamy, and incredibly flavorful quiche.
• Ham & Smoked Gouda Quiche – A sophisticated and hearty quiche with a smoky twist.
• Resort Omelets – Learn how to make fluffy, restaurant-quality omelets at home.
• Homemade Sausage, Egg and Cheese Croissan’wichs – A DIY take on a fast-food favorite, even better when homemade.
• Apple Glazed Double Smoked Ham – Perfect for holidays or special brunches when you want to serve a show-stopping ham.

A Fiesta of Flavors: More Cinco de Mayo / Mexican Recipes

It’s no secret to anyone who knows me well that Mexican food is, hands down, my absolute favorite cuisine. If you’re looking to create a true fiesta of flavors, whether for Cinco de Mayo or any day of the year, I have you completely covered with a wide array of Mexican recipes. My tender Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe or this zesty Cilantro Lime Pork can be used in countless delicious ways. They’re incredible in tacos, burritos, or as a flavorful addition to classic cheese and onion enchiladas or rich white chicken enchiladas. Both of these shredded pork options are also absolutely incredible when used in crispy baked taquitos or as the star ingredient in fresh taco salads!

To complete your perfect Mexican meal, serve everything up with a side of my incredibly flavorful Restaurant Style Refried Beans and some aromatic Cilantro Lime Rice. These staples will tie all the flavors together for a truly authentic and satisfying dining experience!

Be sure to follow along with Iowa Pork on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter for a continuous stream of delicious pork recipes all year long! You’ll find endless inspiration for your next meal.

The next time you’re planning a gathering, a special holiday, or simply want to elevate a Sunday morning, these easy make-ahead breakfast enchiladas would make the perfect, standout addition to your brunch menu. They are hearty, incredibly filling, and offer a wonderfully delicious alternative to more traditional breakfast fare. Enjoy creating and sharing this fabulous dish!