Description of this recipe
These are perfect for meal prepping, grab-and-go breakfasts, or a weekend brunch that everyone can customize. Packed with fluffy eggs, savory sausage, colorful vegetables, and plenty of melted cheese, these Handhelds are a complete and satisfying meal all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Make them ahead and freeze for busy mornings, or bake them fresh for a delicious start to the day.
Why you will love this recipe
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to your preferred tastes and dietary needs. Swap out the sausage for chorizo or vegetarian crumbles. Use your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Make it your own!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: These are perfect for meal prepping! Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy a stress-free breakfast all week long. They freeze beautifully.
- Complete Meal: Each bite is filled with protein, veggies, and carbs, making it a balanced and satisfying meal to fuel your day.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a handheld, and these are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re also great for parties and gatherings.
- Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients, this recipe stretches far and is a great way to feed a hungry family without breaking the bank.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chopped vegetables, such as red onion, bell pepper, mushrooms or broccoli
- 1 pound breakfast sausage or Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 8 large eggs
- 2 pinches salt, to taste
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
- 8 burrito-size tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, or Monterey jack, pepper jack, or a combination
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep the Oven (Optional): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is only needed if you plan to bake the Handhelds immediately for a crispy tortilla. If freezing or eating as-is, you can skip this step.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. The goal is to remove some of the moisture from the vegetables. Then transfer them to a clean medium-sized bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage: Add the sausage to the same skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, making sure no pink remains. Transfer the cooked sausage to the bowl with the vegetables, leaving any excess grease in the skillet. Excess grease can make the tortillas soggy.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs: In a medium mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the salt. Whisk vigorously until the eggs are well combined and have a uniform color. A little air incorporated into the eggs ensures they are fluffy when cooked.
Step 5: Cook the Eggs: Wipe out the skillet and add the butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and coats the pan. Pour in the whisked eggs and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the eggs cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds to allow a slight base to form. Then, using a rubber spatula, gently push the cooked egg from the edges towards the center, allowing the uncooked egg to flow underneath. Continue doing this until the eggs are mostly set but still slightly moist. Turn off the heat and add the cooked eggs to the bowl with the sausage and vegetables.
Step 6: Combine the Filling: Gently stir the cooked eggs, sausage, and vegetables together to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Step 7: Assemble the Handhelds: Lay out one tortilla on a clean surface. Place 1/8 of the egg/sausage/veggie mixture down the center of the tortilla, slightly off-center. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over the egg mixture.
Step 8: Wrap the Handhelds: Fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center, then tightly roll the Handhelds from the bottom up, tucking in the filling as you go. This burrito-style wrapping ensures the filling stays contained.
Step 9: Serve, Bake, or Freeze: At this point, you have options. You can serve the Handhelds immediately. If you want a warmer, crispier tortilla, proceed to the baking step. If you want to save them for later, follow the freezing instructions below.
Step 10 (Optional – Baking for Crispy Tortillas): Place the wrapped Handhelds seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the tortillas are lightly browned and crispy. Serve immediately.
Step 11 (Freezing for Later): First, flash freeze the wrapped Handhelds by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours. This prevents them from sticking together when stored. Once frozen solid, transfer the Handhelds to a zip-top plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Step 12 (Reheating from Frozen): Thaw the frozen Handhelds overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, microwave on high for 30-45 seconds to start warming the center. Then, heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until fully heated through. You can also fully reheat thawed Handhelds in the microwave. Oven heating will result in a crispier tortilla, while microwaving will keep the tortilla softer.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Offer hot sauce or pickled jalapeños for those who like a little extra heat.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced and complete meal.
- Cut the Handhelds in half for easier handling, especially for younger children.
- Make a Handheld bar with different fillings and toppings for a fun and interactive brunch.
Tips:
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the tortillas, or they will be difficult to wrap and may burst during cooking.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warming the tortillas slightly before wrapping makes them more pliable and less likely to tear. You can warm them in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven.
- Dry Ingredients: Make sure your ingredients are not too “wet,” as this will make for a soggy Handheld.
- Customize with Spices: Add a dash of chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika to the egg mixture or sausage for extra flavor.
- Use Leftovers: These are a great way to use up leftover cooked meats and vegetables.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage alternatives, remove the sausage and replace with more veggies.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (approximate, will vary depending on ingredients):
Calories: Approximately 400-500 per Handheld
Protein: 20-25 grams per Handheld
Sodium: Varies depending on the sausage and cheese used.
Conclusion
These Home-Style Handhelds are a versatile and delicious way to start your day. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a convenient meal prep option, this recipe has you covered. The combination of fluffy eggs, savory sausage, colorful vegetables, and melted cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and the customizable nature of the recipe means you can easily adapt it to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs. So gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a Handheld breakfast experience that’s sure to become a family favorite.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
A: Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative to pork sausage. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly. You can also use chicken sausage or even a plant-based sausage alternative if you prefer. The important thing is to use a sausage that you enjoy the taste of and that cooks well.
Q2: What vegetables work best in these Handhelds?
A: The possibilities are endless! Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, tomatoes, and even roasted sweet potatoes are all great options. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables, just be sure to drain any excess liquid before adding them to the egg mixture. If using frozen vegetables, thaw them slightly and pat them dry to prevent the Handhelds from becoming soggy.
Q3: How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing when I wrap the Handhelds?
A: The key is to warm the tortillas before wrapping them. This makes them more pliable and less likely to tear. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become stiff and brittle.
Q4: Can I make these Handhelds vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes, definitely! To make them vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables or use a plant-based sausage substitute. To make them vegan, use a plant-based sausage substitute, scrambled tofu instead of eggs, and vegan cheese. There are many great vegan options available these days, so you should have no trouble finding ingredients that you enjoy.
Q5: How long will these Handhelds last in the freezer?
A: When properly stored, these Handhelds can last in the freezer for up to 1 month. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date so you know when they were made. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
