Sunrise Veggie Tacos

The Ultimate Guide to Easy Vegetarian Breakfast Tacos with Cheesy Scrambled Eggs

Is there anything more universally loved than a good taco? We think not. Tacos have transcended their traditional mealtime boundaries, becoming a welcomed guest at any table, at any time of day. And among the myriad of delicious taco variations, the breakfast taco holds a special place in our hearts. This recipe for **Vegetarian Breakfast Tacos** isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine fluffy, cheesy scrambled eggs nestled in warm, slightly charred corn tortillas, crowned with a vibrant array of fresh toppings like crisp scallions, savory black beans, crunchy red cabbage, creamy avocado, and zesty salsa. It’s a dish so versatile and satisfying, you’ll want to serve it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Delicious Vegetarian Breakfast Tacos with cheesy scrambled eggs and fresh toppings

While some foods are strictly confined to certain hours – trying to eat pasta for breakfast might raise an eyebrow or two – tacos are truly fair game all day long. Breakfast, lunch, a quick snack, dinner, or even a late-night craving; tacos always fit the bill. And these aren’t just *any* tacos; these are my absolute favorite **vegetarian breakfast tacos**. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they also come together in a flash, making them a perfect go-to meal for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends. My partner, Connor, and I find ourselves making them constantly, appreciating how surprisingly healthy and filling they are, packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients.

Close-up of fluffy cheesy scrambled eggs in a corn tortilla

While I adore all types of tacos, these are specifically crafted to be the quintessential breakfast taco. The star of the show? **Messy, cheesy, soft scrambled eggs** tucked into perfectly charred corn tortillas. This combination creates a texture and flavor profile that truly sets these tacos apart.

The Case for Corn Tortillas

When it comes to taco bases, I am unequivocally in the **corn tortilla camp**. While flour tortillas certainly have their place (quesadillas, for instance, are a different delicious category altogether), they often fall short in a taco setting. My preference lies with delicate, thin corn tortillas because they allow the fillings to truly shine. Flour tortillas, on the other hand, can sometimes become a doughy, overwhelming presence, sticking to the roof of your mouth and detracting from the overall experience. I might be a little high-maintenance, but I believe the tortilla should be a supporting act, not the main star.

An added bonus of corn tortillas is their typically lower calorie count, usually around 50 calories per tortilla. This means you can indulge in more tacos without guilt – and who doesn’t want more tacos? More tacos, in my book, always equals a better meal.

Fresh ingredients for vegetarian breakfast tacos including eggs, cheese, avocado, and tortillas

How to Char Corn Tortillas for the Best Flavor

The secret to truly transformative corn tortillas lies in how you warm them. There’s a world of difference between a cold, stiff corn tortilla and one that’s warm, pliable, and lightly charred. This simple step elevates your taco experience significantly.

My preferred method is to char them individually directly over the flame of a gas stovetop. Heat each tortilla for about 15 to 25 seconds per side, using tongs to flip them until they develop those beautiful, slightly blackened spots and become soft and fragrant. As soon as they’re done, transfer them to a clean kitchen towel and wrap them tightly. This traps the steam, keeping them warm and soft until you’re ready to assemble your delicious tacos. If you don’t have a gas stove, you can warm them in a hot dry skillet or oven until pliable, though the char adds an extra layer of smoky flavor that’s hard to beat.

The Magic is in the Toppings: Building Your Perfect Vegetarian Breakfast Taco

While the eggs and tortillas form the foundation, tacos are undeniably *all* about the toppings. This is where a symphony of textures and flavors comes alive, making every single bite a slightly different and exciting experience. It’s the art of customization, allowing you to tailor each taco to your exact craving. Let’s dive into the essential components for these **vegetarian breakfast tacos**.

Close-up of cheesy scrambled eggs topped with fresh scallions, ready for tacos

Key Ingredients for Unforgettable Vegetarian Breakfast Tacos:

  • Messy, Soft Scrambled Eggs: My term for eggs that are cooked gently in the pan without over-scrambling. This technique ensures delightful bites with distinct pockets of yolk and white, creating a richer texture. The key is cooking them slowly over low, even heat until they are just set, not dry.
  • Freshly Grated Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: Forget simply sprinkling cheese on top. The magic happens when you incorporate freshly grated sharp white cheddar directly into the eggs as they finish cooking. This ensures optimal cheese distribution, resulting in perfectly **cheesy scrambled eggs** in every single bite. The sharpness of the cheddar perfectly complements the richness of the eggs.
  • Finely Sliced Scallions: These delicate green onions add a mild, fresh onion flavor and a beautiful pop of color. I love to add some into the eggs themselves for integrated flavor and then sprinkle more on top for a fresh garnish. Finely chopped red onion can also work if you prefer a bolder flavor, but scallions offer a subtler touch ideal for breakfast.
  • Ripe, Creamy Avocado Chunks: Is there any taco that isn’t improved by avocado? Its smooth, buttery texture and rich flavor provide a perfect counterpoint to the other ingredients. A generous handful of diced avocado adds healthy fats and a luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Drained & Rinsed Canned Black Beans + Finely Sliced Red Cabbage: These additions are optional but highly recommended, especially if you’re making these tacos for lunch or dinner. Black beans offer a hearty boost of protein and fiber, making the tacos more substantial and satisfying. The finely sliced red cabbage adds a fantastic crunch and a slightly peppery note, contributing to both texture and visual appeal. While I might omit them for a super-quick breakfast, they are a must for a heartier meal. Generally, I count on one egg per taco, but if you’re loading up on beans, you can easily use fewer eggs per serving.
  • Quality Salsa: A good salsa is non-negotiable. I highly recommend a jarred tomatillo salsa or salsa verde – brands like Rick Bayless or Trader Joe’s make excellent ones. The bright, tangy notes cut through the richness of the eggs and cheese. During summer, homemade pico de gallo is also an outstanding choice for peak freshness.
  • Jalapeño Hot Sauce: (Optional, but highly recommended!) A few dashes of your favorite jalapeño hot sauce add a perfect kick of heat, elevating all the flavors. Trader Joe’s jalapeño hot sauce is a personal favorite.
  • Fresh Cilantro Leaves: (If it’s your thing!) For cilantro lovers, a sprinkle of fresh leaves adds a final burst of herbaceous freshness that brightens the entire taco.

And that’s it! With these thoughtfully chosen components, you’re ready to create a taco experience that’s simple, yet profoundly satisfying.

Easy Vegetarian Breakfast Tacos, perfect for any meal of the day

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Vegetarian Breakfast Taco Recipe

There are countless reasons to add these **easy vegetarian breakfast tacos** to your regular meal rotation:

  • Speed and Simplicity: These tacos come together in just 20-30 minutes, from start to finish. This makes them an ideal solution for a last-minute dinner or a quick, satisfying breakfast on a busy morning. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, meaning you can often whip them up without a special trip to the grocery store.
  • Incredible Versatility: As mentioned, these aren’t just for breakfast! They are equally fantastic for a quick, wholesome lunch or a fun, flavorful dinner. Their light yet filling nature makes them suitable for any time of day.
  • Perfectly Scalable: Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a duo, or a larger crowd, this recipe is easily adaptable. You can halve it to serve two people or triple it to cater to a gathering, making entertaining a breeze.
  • Dietary-Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free (thanks to the corn tortillas!). Plus, if you need a dairy-free option, simply omit the cheese, and they’ll still be incredibly flavorful. They are a wonderful choice for guests with various dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious meal.
  • Unexpected & Fun: Most guests aren’t expecting breakfast tacos when they come over, and that’s precisely part of their charm! They offer a delightful change from traditional breakfast fare like scrambled eggs and hash browns, instantly adding a festive and unique touch to any meal.
  • Interactive Serving Idea: For larger gatherings, consider setting up a “breakfast taco bar.” Lay out all the warm tortillas and individual topping bowls, allowing everyone to customize and assemble their own perfect taco. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy a meal together.

Vegetarian Breakfast Tacos ready to eat, served on a rustic plate

Once you try these **cheesy scrambled egg tacos** in their charred corn tortilla glory, topped with all the fresh fixings, you’ll understand why we declare: breakfast tacos for life! They are simple, satisfying, and simply irresistible.

Vegetarian Breakfast Tacos

Vegetarian Breakfast Tacos

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Yield: 4 Servings

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 20 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Messy and cheesy soft scrambled eggs in charred corn tortillas, topped with scallions, black beans, cabbage, avocado, and salsa. Serve as a delicious easy vegetarian main course for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Ingredients

  • 8 small soft corn tortillas
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 8 large eggs *see note
  • 3 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4-5 scallions, trimmed and finely sliced
  • ¾ cup rinsed and drained canned black beans
  • Finely sliced red cabbage, roughly ¾ cup
  • 1 ripe avocado, pitted and diced
  • Jarred roasted tomatillo salsa or salsa verde
  • Jalapeño hot sauce (optional, but recommended)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnishing (optional)

Instructions

  1. This dish comes together quickly, so it is important to prepare and set out all your tacos toppings before you start cooking.
  2. Char and warm the tortillas: Line a large plate or bowl with a clean kitchen linen. Turn your gas burner over medium heat. You could use two burners at once to speed this process up, or do them one at a time. Place one corn tortilla directly over the flame and heat for 15 to 25 seconds per side, flipping them with tongs, or until lightly charred. Transfer the warm tortillas to the kitchen linen as you work, and cover them to keep them warm for serving.
  3. Crack the eggs into a medium bowl (*I choose not to scramble them vigorously and make more of a messy scramble). Heat a large non-stick skillet with the olive oil over medium-low heat. Pour the eggs into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Break the yolks using a heatproof spatula to create a ‘messy’ scramble. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring occasionally. Once the eggs are mostly set, and are close to being finished (*do not overcook the eggs), add the grated cheddar cheese and stir together to melt. Add half the sliced scallions and immediately remove the eggs from the heat.
  4. Assemble: Spoon about a tablespoon of black beans into each warm corn tortilla. Top with a spoonful of messy, cheesy scrambled eggs. Top with sliced red cabbage, diced avocado, scallions, and a generous spoonful of tomatillo salsa. Finish with a few dashes of jalapeño hot sauce and fresh cilantro, if using. Serve immediately.

Tips for Success:

  • I generally prepare about one egg per taco (2 eggs/serving), especially if I’m not preparing these tacos with black beans. If you are using black beans, you can absolutely get away with using 6 to 7 eggs total if you prefer to use less eggs.
  • If you don’t have a gas stovetop, warm the tortillas in the oven or microwave according to the package instructions until pliable and warm.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

  • Serving: 1 serving
  • Calories: 487kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 393mg
  • Sodium: 788mg
  • Fiber: 11g
  • Sugar: 3g

Author: Laura / A Beautiful Plate

Course: Vegetarian, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican, American