Breakfast Tamales (with a Fried Egg and Salsa)

Yes, tamales make a great breakfast, especially the leftover kind. Breakfast tamales are simply reheated tamales topped with a fried egg and salsa, and they’re one of the easiest, most satisfying ways to start your morning with real flavor instead of cereal or toast.

If you made a big batch of tamales for a family gathering or the holidays, you already know the leftovers pile up fast. Instead of just steaming them again and eating them the same way, try crisping them in a pan, topping with a runny fried egg, and finishing with salsa and a side of beans.

It turns “just leftovers” into its own breakfast plate, and honestly, once you try an egg on top of a tamal, you won’t want to eat them any other way again.

This is one of the simplest recipes on my blog, no long ingredient list, no fancy technique, just a hot pan and a few minutes. Let me show you exactly how I make it.

What To Do With Leftover Tamales

Leftover tamales don’t have to be eaten the same way twice. The traditional route is reheating them in a tamalera or steamer pot, though a hot pan or comal works just as well, and even the microwave will do in a pinch. See my full guide on how to reheat tamales for the details on each method.

Beyond reheating, leftover tamales are great turned into something new entirely. Stir them into a bowl of tamazole, or press them in a waffle iron for tamales waffles. But my favorite way, hands down, is breakfast.

Tamales for Breakfast, a Mexican Tradition of Not Wasting a Single One

Breakfast Tamales Ingredients

The ingredients for this one are short, this isn’t a recipe that needs much.

Of course this version is vegetarian once the egg goes on top, but I use whatever tamales I have leftover in the fridge, vegan, vegetarian, or with meat for the carnivores in the house. Any filling works here.

• Tamales: Whatever you have leftover in the refrigerator. Rojos, verdes, bean and cheese, it doesn’t matter, this method works with any filling.
• Butter or oil: Used to crisp the tamal in the pan and fry the egg. I use vegan butter, but regular butter or a neutral oil work the same way.
• Eggs: The star of the topping. A runny yolk acts almost like a sauce over the tamal, which is the whole point of this dish.
• Salsa: Whatever you have on hand. I like salsa verde here, but a smoky salsa roja or salsa taquera works too.
• Refried beans: Not required, but a spoonful on the side rounds this out into a full breakfast plate instead of just a tamal and egg.

You can also add pickled jalapenos and pickled carrots on the side if you like a little tang and heat with breakfast.

How to Make Breakfast Tamales

This is one of the easiest breakfasts you can make. I’m not a morning person, so I appreciate anything quick and close to brainless before coffee.

1. Unwrap the cooked, refrigerated tamales from their corn husks and place them on a hot pan. The fat from the tamal is usually enough, but you can add a little oil or butter if you like. Cook on both sides until browned.
2. Once you flip to the second side, push the tamal aside to make room for the egg. Melt a little butter and crack the egg into the pan. Cook until the white is set but the yolk is still runny.
3. Serve the egg over the tamal. Drizzle with salsa, add a spoonful of refried beans on the side if you’re using them, and enjoy right away.

What Goes with Tamales for Breakfast?

A fried egg and salsa are really all you need, but if you want to turn this into a full plate, add refried beans on the side.

This is my go-to the morning after a big tamalada, or over the holidays when the fridge is still full of tamales from Christmas or Día de la Candelaria. It’s simple enough for a weekday, but filling enough to serve to guests staying over for the weekend too.

If you’re feeding a crowd or want more ideas beyond breakfast, my What to Eat with Tamales | 24 Tamales Side Dishes post covers what to serve with tamales for lunch or dinner too.

Other Tamales Questions You May Have

Let me answer some other tamales questions you may have. If you don’t find the answer to your question here, do let me know and I’ll add it.

Are Tamales a Breakfast Food?

Yes. Reheated leftover tamales, often topped with a fried egg, are a common breakfast in Mexican homes. You can also just reheat and eat them plain, tamales are good any time of day.

Do Tamales Have Eggs In Them?

Not traditionally, no. The masa itself doesn’t contain egg. The egg in this recipe is added on top as a topping, not mixed into the tamal itself.

What Sauce Do You Eat Tamales With?

This depends on your preference and the type of tamal. I like salsa verde on tamales rojos and verdes, and on cheese rajas ones too. For birria tamales, I add a little extra birria sauce. Guacamole or sour cream work well too, or skip the sauce altogether, that’s fine as well.

Can You Fry Leftover Tamales?

Yes. Fry them in a little oil until golden and crispy on both sides, which is exactly the method this recipe uses.

What Is Traditionally Served With Tamales?

Every family does this differently. In mine, we just ate the tamales plain, or with salsa. Some people add rice and beans. For a drink, atole, champurrado, Mexican Christmas punch, or hot chocolate are all traditional choices.

More Tamales Making Tips

• How to Store Tamales
• How Long do Tamales Last
• How to Steam Tamales Without a Steamer

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