Breakfast burritos and breakfast tacos are both beloved Tex-Mex staples that feature delicious breakfast ingredients wrapped in tortillas. But despite their similarities, there are key differences between these two popular breakfast items. If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between a breakfast burrito and a breakfast taco, this guide will break down everything you need to know, from size and fillings to tortilla type and presentation.
Understanding these distinctions can help you decide which option best fits your taste and appetite. Plus, if you’re interested in exploring classic sauces to accompany your breakfast, try this recipe for cowboy butter—a rich, savory addition that pairs well with both tacos and burritos.
1. Size and Portion Differences
One of the main differences between breakfast burritos and breakfast tacos is their size.
- Breakfast Burrito: Typically larger than a taco, a breakfast burrito is often a full meal on its own. It’s made with a large flour tortilla, rolled and fully enclosed to hold a generous amount of fillings. Because of their size, breakfast burritos are popular as a satisfying, portable breakfast option.
- Breakfast Taco: Breakfast tacos are generally smaller and lighter. Made with either a corn or small flour tortilla, breakfast tacos are often served as a pair or trio, allowing you to mix and match fillings. Due to their smaller size, breakfast tacos make a great choice for those looking for a lighter or more customizable breakfast.
2. Types of Tortillas Used
The choice of tortilla is another major distinction between breakfast burritos and tacos.
- Breakfast Burrito: Flour tortillas are almost always used for breakfast burritos. Their large, flexible size makes them ideal for wrapping the fillings securely, creating a fully enclosed pocket that’s easy to eat on the go.
- Breakfast Taco: Breakfast tacos are typically made with smaller corn or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas bring a slightly chewy, earthy flavor, while flour tortillas offer a softer bite. Since tacos are not fully wrapped, the tortilla serves more as a base, with the fillings simply placed on top.
For a traditional Tex-Mex side dish that complements these flavors, consider serving either option with a side of Mexican-style rice.
3. Filling Variety and Quantity
The fillings are a defining feature when comparing breakfast burritos and breakfast tacos. Both use classic breakfast ingredients, but the portion sizes and combinations differ.
- Breakfast Burrito Fillings: Breakfast burritos are usually packed with a variety of hearty ingredients. Common fillings include scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage, hash browns, beans, and even vegetables like peppers and onions. Due to the burrito’s larger size, it can hold multiple layers of fillings without falling apart.
- Breakfast Taco Fillings: Breakfast tacos generally contain fewer ingredients per taco, making them lighter than burritos. Classic fillings include scrambled eggs, cheese, and one protein, like bacon, sausage, or chorizo. Toppings are added for extra flavor, such as salsa, pico de gallo, avocado, or cilantro, creating a balanced bite with each taco.
Looking for a light side to balance out these flavorful fillings? Try this refreshing crunchy banana yogurt, which pairs well with the rich ingredients of breakfast burritos or tacos.
4. Preparation and Assembly
The assembly process for burritos and tacos further highlights their differences:
- Breakfast Burrito Assembly: A breakfast burrito is carefully rolled so that it fully encloses the fillings, which are often layered. This wrapping technique ensures that the fillings stay inside, making the burrito ideal for eating on the go. Burritos require a bit of skill to roll tightly, ensuring that the ingredients don’t spill out.
- Breakfast Taco Assembly: In contrast, breakfast tacos are usually served open-faced. The fillings are simply placed on top of the tortilla and may be folded slightly when eaten. This open-face style makes tacos easier to assemble, and their smaller size makes them ideal for experimenting with different flavor combinations.
5. Customization Options
Both breakfast burritos and tacos are highly customizable, but their formats lend themselves to different types of modifications:
- Breakfast Burritos: Because they hold more fillings, breakfast burritos are ideal for combining multiple ingredients. You can mix scrambled eggs with hash browns, beans, cheese, and a variety of meats, all in one burrito. The size allows for creativity without worrying about ingredients spilling out.
- Breakfast Tacos: Breakfast tacos offer easy customization as well, especially since they’re typically served in pairs or trios. Each taco can have different fillings, allowing for a variety of flavors in one meal. You can try one with scrambled eggs and bacon, another with chorizo, and a third with avocado and beans.
If you’re looking for more Tex-Mex breakfast ideas, this easy breakfast wrap offers another quick, portable option for mornings.
6. Flavor and Texture Variations
The combination of tortilla type, fillings, and portion sizes creates unique flavor and texture experiences for breakfast burritos and tacos.
- Breakfast Burrito Flavor: Since burritos are tightly wrapped and packed with multiple layers, the flavors blend together more cohesively. This means that each bite brings a taste of eggs, cheese, meat, and other fillings all at once, creating a hearty, savory experience.
- Breakfast Taco Flavor: In breakfast tacos, the open-faced style and lighter fillings mean that each ingredient stands out more distinctly. Tacos have a more individualized flavor experience in each bite, with the tortilla adding a subtle base that enhances the fresh toppings.
For a classic Tex-Mex sauce to enhance your breakfast tacos or burritos, try a side of cowboy butter, perfect for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a breakfast burrito or a breakfast taco more filling?
Breakfast burritos are generally more filling due to their larger size and multiple layers of fillings. Breakfast tacos, on the other hand, are smaller and lighter, making them a good choice for a lighter breakfast or a mix-and-match meal.
2. Are breakfast tacos or burritos healthier?
Both options can be healthy depending on the fillings you choose. Breakfast tacos can be lighter if you stick to simple fillings like eggs and vegetables, while breakfast burritos can be more calorie-dense due to their larger portion size.
3. What type of tortilla is best for breakfast burritos and tacos?
Breakfast burritos are almost always made with large flour tortillas, while breakfast tacos can be made with small corn or flour tortillas, based on preference.
4. Can I make breakfast burritos and tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare fillings ahead for both. Breakfast burritos can be fully assembled, wrapped, and stored in the fridge or freezer for a quick meal. Breakfast tacos are best assembled fresh, but fillings can be made in advance.
5. What are the best fillings for breakfast burritos and tacos?
Popular fillings include scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage, beans, and hash browns. Tacos may have lighter fillings with fresh toppings, while burritos can handle multiple layers for a hearty meal.
6. Are breakfast burritos or tacos easier to eat on the go?
Breakfast burritos are typically easier to eat on the go, as they are fully wrapped and enclosed. Breakfast tacos are usually open-faced and smaller, making them better suited for sit-down meals.
Final Thoughts: Breakfast Burrito vs. Breakfast Taco
In the debate of breakfast burrito vs. breakfast taco, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference. If you’re in the mood for a filling, portable meal, a breakfast burrito is a fantastic choice with its hearty portions and fully wrapped structure. However, if you’re looking for something lighter and more customizable, breakfast tacos offer a mix-and-match experience with fresh toppings and individualized flavors.
Whether you choose a burrito or a taco, these Tex-Mex favorites are sure to satisfy your breakfast cravings. Don’t forget to serve them with sides like Mexican rice, crunchy banana yogurt, or even a savory omelette for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and toppings to make each breakfast burrito or taco your own!