50 Delicious Mexican Breakfast and Brunch Ideas

Mexico has some of the best breakfasts in the world. The menu is endless! This Mexican breakfast and brunch roundup features a delightful array of traditional and modern breakfast dishes that range from flavorful egg dishes, to molletes, tacos, and tostadas. Whether you’re celebrating Mexican Mother’s Day or gathering with a group of family and friends, I think you’ll find that these Mexican breakfast options are as tasty as they are beautiful.

A BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF MEXICAN BREAKFAST

Read on to learn what a traditional Mexican breakfast entails, and how this meal differs from Mexico’s other main meals of the day.

What is a traditional Mexican breakfast?

Desayuno, almuerzo, comida, cena, and merienda: What do the different mealtimes in Mexico mean? Before I get started on all of the wonderful breakfast options available in Mexico, it’s important to understand the difference in mealtimes along with their names and loose English equivalents. You’ll notice that brunch is not listed below, and that’s because American-style brunch hasn’t really caught on in Mexico.

• Desayuno, or breakfast, is served first thing in the morning, typically between 7 and 10 a.m., and is a warm, hearty meal.
• Almuerzo, also known as la hora de comida, is similar to lunchtime, but unlike its American counterpart, this is the main meal of the day and can be served anytime from 2 to 5 p.m. In many places, it includes a soup or pasta dish to start; plato fuerte, or main entree; and postre, or light dessert.
• Cena or merienda is the lightest of the three meals and usually consists of a light snack such as pan dulce and tea or café con leche, enjoyed later in the evening, after 7 or 8 p.m.

DESAYUNO MEXICANO

WHAT MAKES A PROPER MEXICAN BREAKFAST?

A full Mexican breakfast is a multi-course affair: 

• It starts with a hot drink such as hot chocolate, tea, or coffee, served alongside a spread of pan dulce. If you’re lucky, you might get to sip on champurrado or atole! 
• Next comes a spread of beautifully cut seasonal fresh fruit, sometimes served with yogurt, honey, and granola. My favorite fruits include a mix of watermelon, mango, banana, papaya, and pineapple — all tropical frutas that definitely get your digestive system moving first thing in the morning.
• Then comes the plato fuerte, or main entree, which is usually hot, always delicious, and sometimes consists of an egg- or corn-based dish, although soups such as pozole or menudo, can also be enjoyed for breakfast. No proper Mexican breakfast would be complete without a little bit of spice, usually from a homemade salsa. And you can expect to wash down your desayuno with freshly squeezed orange juice or a homemade agua fresca. Yum!

BRUNCH MEXICANO: PLATOS FUERTES (MAIN DISHES)

Now that you have hopefully learned a thing or two about breakfast a la Mexicana, I’d like to share a delicious desayuno roundup with you to inspire your next Mexican brunch or breakfast. 

MOLLETES CON PAPAS Y CHORIZO

Molletes are a Mexican breakfast dish consisting of toasted bread topped with refried beans, melted cheese, and often garnished with pico de gallo or other flavorful ingredients. For this recipe, I created my own version and added another breakfast favorite to the mix: papas con chorizo. The result is as gratifying as it is tasty.

HUEVOS DIVORCIADOS

Huevos divorciados, or “divorced eggs,” is a classic Mexican breakfast dish that features two sunny-side-up eggs, separated by two different salsas – one verde, the other roja – symbolizing the complexities of love on a plate.

PAPITAS CON CHORIZO

Papitas con chorizo is a classic Mexican breakfast dish that requires minimal ingredients and about 30 minutes to make. Growing up, every time we’d go on our annual family road trip to Mexico, my great grandma Macky would send us off with about 30 tightly wrapped burritos filled with potatoes and chorizo.

TACOS DE HUEVOS A LA MEXICANA

Huevos a la Mexicana, which loosely translates to Mexican-style scrambled eggs, is an iconic dish that graces the tables of both restaurants and homes throughout Mexico. The name derives from its easy-to-find ingredients that are red (tomatoes), white (onion), and green (serrano peppers), and emblematic of the Mexican flag. Serve these breakfast tacos with salsita, y ¡provecho! 

TACOS DE BARBACOA

Tacos de barbacoa, with their flavorful, slow-cooked beef, fresh toppings, and warm corn tortillas, are a fiesta in every bite. This is a recipe that my family makes for birthdays and large gatherings throughout the year because it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

CHORIZO BURRITO

Burritos de chorizo con huevo are traditional Mexican breakfast burritos filled with flavorful chorizo sausage and scrambled eggs. The spicy and savory chorizo pairs perfectly with the fluffy eggs, creating a satisfying and hearty combination. They are often served with sals and avocado for added deliciousness. For extra protein, add refried beans to your burritos!

EASY BREAKFAST TOSTADAS

These easy breakfast tostadas are a delightful combination of classic flavors. Crispy corn tortillas provide a sturdy base, generously layered with creamy refried beans. Topped with perfectly fried eggs, their golden yolks adding richness to each bite. The crowning touch is the creamy avocado and vibrant salsa, offering a refreshing and satisfying finish. A harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will elevate any breakfast experience.

TURKEY PICADILLO TOSTADAS

Turkey picadillo tostadas showcase a savory and lean twist on a classic dish. Ground turkey is simmered with diced veggies and aromatic spices, creating a flavorful filling that is then piled onto crispy tostada shells. Topped with fresh garnishes, these tostadas offer a satisfying and wholesome meal option.

TACOS DE PAPA

Tacos de papa, also known as potato tacos, are a popular Mexican dish made with crispy tortillas that are filled with mashed potatoes and topped with fresh garnishes and spicy salsa. These delicious and filling crispy potato tacos explode with flavor and are sure to become one of your new favorite meatless Mexican dishes.  

MOLE NEGRO

An authentic mole negro or black mole sauce made with dried chiles, sesame seeds, garlic, raisins, chocolate, and warm spices. This sultry, complex sauce is traditionally served over chicken but would also make delicious enchiladas.

SQUASH BLOSSOM OMELET

One of my absolute favorite breakfasts in Oaxaca is a squash blossom omelet served with salsa verde from La Casa de Mis Recuerdos bed and breakfast. It was beautiful and delicious. Fresh squash blossoms are delicately cooked onto a fluffy omelet, creating a vibrant burst of color and a subtle zucchini flavor. This refined dish highlights the beauty of seasonal ingredients and showcases the artistry of Mexican cuisine.

HUEVOS RANCHEROS

This traditional Mexican breakfast recipe consists of fried eggs served over a lightly fried corn tortilla, and then topped with ingredients representative of la bandera Mexicana, spicy jalapeño (green), onion (white) and tomato (red). Huevos rancheros are definitely a must-try!

MEXICAN AVENA

Here’s an easy spiced oatmeal recipe I make regularly for my kids and is great for a lighter Mexican breakfast. It’s perfect for chilly mornings and to meal prep for the week, too.

MEXICAN BRUNCH IDEAS: SIDE DISHES AND APPETIZERS

No Mexican brunch is complete without delicious side dishes. Keep reading for a few of my favorites!

CLASSIC REFRIED BEANS

Refried beans are a vital component when served alongside traditional Mexican breakfast dishes. They add nutrition, flavor, and a creamy texture that compliments eggs, potatoes, tortillas, and salsa. 

HOT PINK CORN TORTILLAS

Add a pop of color to your meals with handmade pink corn tortillas! Using heirloom masa harina and organic beets, these vibrant and delicious tortillas will elevate all of your breakfast dishes with their unique color and authentic corn flavor.

FRIJOLES DE LA OLLA (EASY SLOW COOKER RECIPE)

Frijoles de la olla, or Mexican beans that are cooked slowly in a large clay pot, are just the beginning of so many wonderful dishes. I’ve simplified the recipe so that you can easily make foolproof frijoles in the crockpot.

ENSALADA DE NOPALES

Ensalada de nopales, also known as nopales salad or simply nopalitos, is a nutritious Mexican side dish that bursts with flavor. It combines fresh nopales (cactus paddles) with tomatoes and onion to create a versatile dish bursting with flavor and nutrition. This ensaladas de nopales recipe hails straight from my mom’s cocina, so I know you’re going to love it. If you’re working with whole nopales, be sure to check out my blog post on How to Clean and Eat Nopales.

FRIJOLES CHARROS

Frijoles charros originate in northern Mexico where meat and charros, or Mexican cowboys, are aplenty.

JALAPENO DEVILED EGGS

Jalapeño deviled eggs are a spicy and flavorful twist on classic deviled eggs. The vinegar from pickled jalapeños add a great kick.

KALE AND MUSHROOM EGG BITES

Made with nutrient-packed kale, Baby Bella mushrooms, and eggs, these bite-sized mushroom and kale egg bites will keep you energized and satisfied throughout the day. Serve them alongside your favorite hot sauce or my spicy red salsa for an additional burst of flavor! 

BEST SALSAS TO SERVE WITH MEXICAN BRUNCH

A delicious array of salsas and spice are essential for any Mexican fiesta! Here are a few ideas to inspire your Mexican brunch menu, from my Grandma Lola’s famous salsa roja, to a creamy green salsa that requires absolutely no cooking.

CHILE JAPONES SALSA

Chile japones, or Japanese pepper, has a fascinating history in Mexico. Today it is a staple in Mexican and Asian cuisines, commonly used in salsas, sauces, condiments, and stir fries. This chile japones salsa is a family favorite because it’s spicy, easy to make, and delicious on my grandma’s ground beef tacos.

GUACAMOLE SALSA

Guacamole salsa, also known as Guacasalsa, is one of the easiest recipes to make because it requires absolutely no cooking! The fresh blend of green ingredients blended with avocado create a creamy, dreamy salsa that’s perfect on just about anything!

TANGY TOMATILLO SALSA

With a few simple ingredients, this tangy tomatillo salsa with vinegar and arbol chile peppers is one of the easiest to make and is loaded with flavor. It’s my favorite Mexican salsa to top tacos de barbacoa and it pairs perfectly with eggs, homemade tortilla chips, and so many other dishes.

YELLOW TOMATO SALSA

This spicy golden salsa combines the sweetness of yellow cherry tomatoes with the spiciness of arbol chile peppers for a delicious salsa. It’s a play on my tangy tomatillo salsa.

CHILES TOREADOS

Chiles toreados, a popular Mexican side dish, are blistered and seasoned peppers that add the perfect amount of heat and flavor to any meal – especially tacos.

MEXICAN DRINKS FOR BRUNCH

Jugo verde is a must for un desayuno salable. I’ve also included a few of my favorite aguas frescas on this list.

JUGO VERDE

I make and drink this jugo verde daily! This Mexican green juice promotes better health, vibrant skin, and overall energy and is one of my favorite Mexican drink recipes. It’s always available for breakfast in Mexican mercados, too!

ISKIATE CHIA LIME DRINK

Iskiate, also known as chia fresca or chia agua fresca, is a hydrating chia drink made with chia seeds, water, lime juice, and sweetener.

AGUA DE TUNA

I make this hot pink agua de tuna by blending red prickly pear cactus fruit, water, and sugar. You can make it with red or green tunas, but this hot pink color comes derives from the red ones!

NARANJADA (SPARKLING ORANGE AGUA FRESCA)

A naranjada is a fizzy agua fresca made with freshly squeezed orange juice, sugar, and mineral or sparkling water. 

AGUA DE FRESA

Agua de fresa is a refreshing Mexican drink made with fresh strawberries, water, and a hint sugar. It’s naturally sweet, hydrating, and packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the strawberries. 

AGUA DE GUAYABA

Agua de guayaba (guava agua fresca) is a refreshing Mexican drink made by blending fresh guava fruit, water, and a touch of sweetener. This guava drink is perfect to make in the fall when fresh guavas are in abundance.

I kept this list non alcoholic, but you can always search my Mexican Cocktails list for more ideas.

SWEETS AND DESSERTS

I’m ending this Mexican breakfast roundup on a sweet note, with my favorite sweets and desserts – most of which you can make ahead of time!

CHOCOLATE FLAN

Chocolate flan is a delicious and chocolatey spin on traditional flan. I infuse the creamy custard in my flan de chocolate with the rich flavor of Mexican chocolate, which pairs perfectly with the caramel topping.

GUAVA JAM

Guava jam is a tropical fruit spread made with ripe guavas and sugar. For this recipe, I also use vanilla and lemon. The lemon zest and juice balance the guava jam’s sweetness while also serving as a natural pectin and preservative. 

COFFEE AND CREAM CHEESE FLAN

Flavored with instant espresso, this homemade Coffee Flan has a light cheesecake-like texture that is both creamy and firm, without the “eggy” flavor that can turn people off. The individual portions are also perfect for a crowd!

KUMQUAT JAM

I make this easy kumquat jam recipe with just 4 ingredients and its unique bittersweet flavor is delicious in both sweet and savory dishes.

FRESAS CON CREMA

This one’s for the mamis fresas! My take on fresas con crema has a gourmet twist that will tantalize your taste buds.

S’MORES CLUSTERS

No-bake dark chocolate s’mores clusters bring the campfire to your kitchen. Made with rich dark chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy cinnamon squares cereal, this hassle-free recipe is perfect to keep on hand for Mother’s Day, holidays, birthdays, and parties. They make a great edible gift, too!

LOOKING FOR MORE MEXICAN BREAKFAST INSPIRATION?

Be sure to check out the following Mexican breakfast recipes and my post How to Build a DIY Breakfast Tostada Bar for more inspiration.

• Chilaquiles with Beef Chorizo and Spicy Chipotle Crema
• Homemade Flour Tortillas
• Chiles Rellenos (with Red Salsa)
• Chilaquiles Verdes
• Enmoladas con Papa
• Breakfast Charcuterie Board
• Baked Challah French Toast Casserole
• Easy and Quick Black Beans

LOOKING FOR MEXICAN DRINKS TO SERVE WITH BREAKFAST?

• Agua de Avena
• Agua de Piña y Pepino (Pineapple Cucumber Agua Fresca)
• Strawberry Agua Fresca with Beets
• Agua Fresca de Tamarindo
• Agua de Melon (Cantaloupe Agua Fresca)

Recipe originally published on May 8, 2018 and updated with more clear instructions and photos on May 2, 2024.

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