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Campfire chilaquiles in a cast iron skillet with runny eggs, red salsa, crumbled cotija cheese, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro, photographed over a rustic wooden camp table with morning light

Campfire Chilaquiles

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • 10–12 inch cast iron skillet with lid
  • Spatula or large wooden spoon
  • Aluminum foil (if no lid available)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 6 oz thick-cut tortilla chips about 4–5 large handfuls; restaurant-style hold up best
  • 2 cups red salsa store-bought or homemade; medium heat recommended
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral cooking oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 small white onion finely diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika optional but recommended
  • 1/4 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth to thin salsa if needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings (to serve)

  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese crumbled; feta works as substitute
  • 1 avocado sliced or diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons sour cream or Mexican crema drizzled over top
  • 1 jalapeño thinly sliced; fresh or pickled
  • 1 lime cut into wedges for serving
  • hot sauce to taste

Instructions
 

Build the Base

  • Heat a 10–12 inch cast iron skillet over medium heat (over a campfire grate or stovetop burner). Add the olive oil and let it warm for about 30 seconds.
  • Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in the salsa and stir to combine with the aromatics. If the salsa is very thick, add the water or broth to loosen it slightly. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Add the Chips

  • Add the tortilla chips to the skillet and gently fold them into the simmering salsa using a spatula or large spoon. Work quickly and carefully — you want each chip coated in salsa but you're not looking to fully crush them. Spread them into an even layer.
  • Let the chips simmer in the salsa for 2–3 minutes. They should start to soften on the outside while retaining some structure inside. If they look too dry, add a small splash more salsa or broth.

Cook the Eggs

  • Using the back of a spoon, create 6 small wells spaced evenly across the chip-and-salsa mixture. Crack one egg into each well, being careful not to break the yolks.
  • Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or piece of aluminum foil. Cook for 5–7 minutes for runny yolks, 8–10 minutes for fully set yolks. Check at the 5-minute mark and adjust based on your preference.
  • Remove the lid carefully (steam will escape). The whites should be fully set and opaque while the yolks remain glossy and slightly jiggly for runny eggs.

Finish and Serve

  • Remove the skillet from heat. Immediately scatter the crumbled cotija cheese over the top, followed by sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños.
  • Drizzle with sour cream or crema, hit it with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and add hot sauce to taste. Serve directly from the skillet at the table or portion into bowls.

Notes

Storage: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The chips will soften significantly but still taste great reheated in a skillet over medium-low heat. Reheat eggs gently — avoid microwaving if possible for best texture.
For the campfire: Make sure your fire has burned down to consistent, medium-heat coals rather than high open flames for better control. A grate that holds the skillet steady at about 6 inches above the coals is ideal.
Make it your own: Add a drained 15 oz can of black beans with the salsa for extra protein and fiber. Shredded rotisserie chicken stirred in at the chip stage is a quick and satisfying add-in. For a green variation, swap red salsa for tomatillo salsa verde.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 16gFat: 24gSodium: 820mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6g
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