Carnitas Breakfast Recipe with Eggs: A Delicious and Hearty Start to Your Day

Nothing says “good morning” like a hearty breakfast that fuels your energy for the entire day. Carnitas breakfast recipe with eggs is the perfect dish to transform leftovers into a delicious morning meal that offers protein, flavor, and a bit of spice to wake up your taste buds. This recipe is a mix of savory, tender carnitas paired with perfectly cooked eggs, creating an ideal blend of textures and flavors. Let’s explore why this dish deserves a spot in your breakfast rotation and how you can easily make it at home.

What Are Carnitas?

Carnitas is a Mexican dish made of slow-cooked or braised pork shoulder until it is tender enough to shred. Traditionally, the cooking process uses spices like cumin, garlic, and oregano, giving the meat its distinctive savory flavor. The result is tender and flavorful meat that’s crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft inside. Carnitas is versatile and can be used in tacos, burritos, or, in this case, a delicious breakfast.

To learn more about the origins of carnitas, you can check out this article on traditional Mexican cuisine. Additionally, it’s essential to have the right eggs for breakfast (learn more here), as using fresh, high-quality eggs makes all the difference in this dish.

Why Carnitas Breakfast Is a Great Option

Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day. When it’s packed with protein, it gives you the energy needed to stay full for hours. Here are some reasons why this carnitas breakfast recipe with eggs should be on your list:

• Quick to Prepare: If you have leftover carnitas, this meal can be put together in under 15 minutes.
• Rich in Protein: The combination of pork and eggs ensures you’re getting ample protein for the day.
• Flexible Ingredients: You can add veggies, sauces, or even tortillas to make it more filling and flavorful.
• Flavor Explosion: Carnitas offers deep, rich flavors from the cooking process that pairs beautifully with the creamy, soft consistency of scrambled or fried eggs.

Carnitas Breakfast Recipe with Eggs

Ingredients

To create a carnitas breakfast recipe with eggs, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover carnitas (about 12 ounces)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Reheat Carnitas: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the carnitas and cook for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through. You can add a splash of water if they seem dry.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the carnitas. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the Spices: Sprinkle cumin and smoked paprika into the skillet and stir to combine everything well. This will enhance the flavor of the carnitas and add depth to the dish.
4. Prepare the Eggs: Push the carnitas and veggies to one side of the skillet. Crack the eggs directly into the empty side of the skillet. You can either scramble them or fry them, depending on your preference. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve: Once the eggs are cooked, combine them with the carnitas mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately. Add a few dashes of hot sauce for extra spice.

Tips for the Perfect Carnitas Breakfast Recipe with Eggs

• Use Leftovers: This recipe is an excellent way to use leftover carnitas. However, if you don’t have any, consider making a fresh batch using a slow-cooker carnitas recipe.
• Add Your Favorites: This recipe can be easily modified by adding ingredients like black beans, avocado, or shredded cheese.
• Tortilla Option: Serve the carnitas and eggs in a warmed tortilla for a quick breakfast taco.

Health Benefits of Carnitas and Eggs

The carnitas breakfast recipe with eggs is packed with nutrients, making it not only tasty but also nutritious. Eggs are an excellent source of vitamins like B12, D, and E. They also provide high-quality protein and healthy fats that help you stay full longer.

On the other hand, carnitas made from pork shoulder is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, including iron and zinc. While pork is higher in fat, the type of fat in carnitas can add to the flavor and help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, especially when combined with vegetables.

Nutritional Information per Serving (for 2 servings)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 40 grams
• Fat: 34 grams
• Carbohydrates: 6 grams

Pairing Options for Carnitas Breakfast Recipe with Eggs

If you’re wondering what pairs well with carnitas breakfast recipe with eggs, here are some great options:

• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado balances out the salty flavor of the carnitas.
• Salsa Verde: Adding salsa verde gives the dish a tangy and slightly spicy kick.
• Corn Tortillas: Serve with warmed corn tortillas for an authentic Mexican breakfast experience.
• Fruit Salad: A side of fresh fruit can balance the richness of the carnitas and eggs.

Carnitas Breakfast: Variations and Tips

The beauty of a carnitas breakfast recipe with eggs lies in its flexibility. Here are some variations you can try:

1. Carnitas Breakfast Bowl

• Ingredients: Add black beans, cooked rice, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese to create a breakfast bowl.
• Directions: Arrange the rice at the bottom of the bowl, followed by the carnitas, eggs, beans, and other toppings. This makes it easy to customize for picky eaters!

2. Carnitas Breakfast Tacos

• Ingredients: Corn tortillas, shredded cheese, hot sauce.
• Directions: Warm the tortillas and add the carnitas and eggs. Top with shredded cheese and hot sauce for a tasty breakfast taco.

3. Spicy Carnitas and Eggs with Salsa

• Ingredients: Your favorite spicy salsa.
• Directions: Serve the carnitas and eggs topped with a generous spoonful of spicy salsa. Add a side of tortilla chips to complete the dish.

Cooking Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When heating carnitas, don’t overcrowd the skillet as this will prevent them from getting crispy.
• Egg Options: This dish works well with any style of eggs, whether scrambled, fried, or poached.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spice level with hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

Expanding Your Breakfast Horizons: More Carnitas Ideas

Carnitas and eggs are just the beginning when it comes to creating delicious and filling breakfasts. There are numerous ways you can incorporate carnitas into your breakfast routine, each offering a unique twist that keeps things fresh and exciting. Here are some additional ideas to help you get creative in the kitchen.

Carnitas Breakfast Burrito

A breakfast burrito is always a winner, especially when stuffed with delicious carnitas and eggs. Here’s how to make a carnitas breakfast burrito:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups of carnitas
  • 4 scrambled eggs
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Salsa and sour cream for serving
• Directions:
  1. Prepare Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over the stove flame for a few seconds until pliable.
  2. Assemble Burrito: Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Add 1 cup of carnitas, 2 scrambled eggs, 1/4 cup cheese, diced tomatoes, and green onions.
  3. Roll It Up: Fold in the sides and roll up the tortilla to form a burrito. Repeat with the second tortilla.
  4. Serve: Serve with salsa and a dollop of sour cream. Slice in half if desired.

This burrito is perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or even for meal prep. Simply wrap the assembled burrito in foil, and you have a portable breakfast for busy mornings.

Carnitas breakfast recipe with eggs Skillet

For a rustic and hearty breakfast option, try cooking up a carnitas egg skillet. This dish involves cooking eggs directly in the skillet with carnitas, veggies, and other ingredients, creating a meal that can easily feed a group.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of carnitas
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Directions:
  1. Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
  2. Add Carnitas: Add the carnitas to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the carnitas to crisp up.
  3. Add Eggs: Create small wells in the carnitas mixture and crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
  4. Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese over the dish, cover, and allow the cheese to melt.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the skillet hot. This dish can be served with tortillas, toast, or even over rice for a satisfying meal.

Carnitas breakfast recipe with eggs Hash

Pulled pork hash is a delightful breakfast option that involves crispy potatoes, tender carnitas, and sunny-side-up eggs all cooked together for a flavorful, filling start to the day.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of diced potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 cups of carnitas
  • 4 large eggs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions for garnish
• Directions:
  1. Cook Potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Add Onions and Carnitas: Add diced onions and carnitas to the skillet with the potatoes. Sprinkle smoked paprika over the mixture and continue to cook until the onions are soft and the carnitas are heated through.
  3. Cook Eggs: Make small wells in the hash mixture and crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot. This hash pairs well with a side of salsa or hot sauce.

Carnitas breakfast recipe with eggs Pizza

Who says pizza is just for dinner? Carnitas breakfast pizza is a fun and unique way to enjoy carnitas in the morning, and it works wonderfully as a brunch option for friends and family.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pre-made pizza crust or flatbread
  • 1 cup carnitas
  • 1/2 cup salsa verde
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup diced red onions
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Directions:
  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Assemble Pizza: Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet. Spread salsa verde over the crust as the base. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by carnitas and diced red onions.
  3. Add Eggs: Carefully crack the eggs directly onto the pizza, spacing them out evenly.
  4. Bake: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the crust is golden.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Slice and serve hot for a unique breakfast experience.

Carnitas breakfast recipe with eggs Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a wonderful way to enjoy a savory breakfast with a Mexican twist. These breakfast enchiladas are filled with carnitas, scrambled eggs, and cheese, then smothered in enchilada sauce for a comforting and hearty dish.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 small flour tortillas
  • 2 cups carnitas
  • 4 scrambled eggs
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
• Directions:
  1. Prepare Tortillas: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet until pliable.
  2. Assemble Enchiladas: Place a small amount of carnitas and scrambled eggs into each tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and roll up tightly.
  3. Place in Baking Dish: Place the enchiladas seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Pour the enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring all the tortillas are covered.
  4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot. These enchiladas pair well with a side of refried beans or rice.

Adding a Healthy Twist to Your Carnitas breakfast recipe with eggs

While carnitas breakfast recipe with eggs is already loaded with protein, you can easily add more nutrients to the meal to make it even healthier. Here are some tips for incorporating additional wholesome ingredients into your breakfast:

• Add Veggies: Adding vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms will increase the fiber and nutrient content of your breakfast.
• Use Egg Whites: If you are looking to reduce the fat content of your meal, consider using a combination of whole eggs and egg whites. Egg whites are lower in calories and cholesterol but still provide quality protein.
• Incorporate Whole Grains: Serve the carnitas and eggs with whole grain tortillas or a side of quinoa to add complex carbohydrates and fiber.
• Avocado for Healthy Fats: Adding a few slices of avocado not only adds creaminess but also provides healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health.

These additions will help balance out the meal and provide you with a wider range of nutrients to keep you fueled throughout the day.