Arkansas

Cheese Dip Breakfast Burrito

Arkansas claims to have invented cheese dip, and this breakfast burrito showcases the state's creamy, spicy white cheese sauce in all its glory. Fluffy scrambled eggs, seasoned breakfast sausage, and crispy hash browns wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, all smothered in Arkansas's famous queso.

Total 40min 🍴 Serves 4 Easy 🧀 Cheesy

Equipment Needed

🍳 Large Skillet
🍽 Saucepan
🥨 Whisk
🥣 Mixing Bowl
🥩 Spatula

Instructions

1

Make the Arkansas cheese dip: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the white American cheese and milk. Stir frequently until cheese is completely melted and smooth, about 8-10 minutes.

Tip: Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming grainy.
2

Season the cheese dip: Stir in the diced green chiles, minced jalapeno, cumin, and garlic powder. Keep warm over very low heat, stirring occasionally.

3

Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

4

Crisp the hash browns: In the same skillet with sausage drippings, add the frozen hash browns in an even layer. Let cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy on the bottom. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

5

Scramble the eggs: In a separate non-stick pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper. Pour into pan and gently scramble, stirring frequently, until just set but still creamy.

6

Warm the tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 20-30 seconds. This makes them pliable for rolling.

7

Assemble the burritos: Lay each tortilla flat. Layer scrambled eggs, sausage crumbles, and crispy hash browns down the center. Drizzle with a generous amount of warm cheese dip.

8

Roll the burritos: Fold in the sides of each tortilla, then roll from the bottom up, tucking tightly as you go. Place seam-side down on plates.

9

Serve Arkansas-style: Ladle extra Arkansas cheese dip generously over each burrito. Top with pico de gallo and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and flowing.

💡 Pro Tips & Variations

  • The cheese matters: White American cheese is key to authentic Arkansas cheese dip. It melts smoothly without separating like other cheeses.
  • Arkansas cheese dip history: Little Rock's Mexico Chiquito restaurant claims to have invented cheese dip in the 1930s. It's now a beloved Arkansas tradition.
  • Adjust the heat: Arkansas cheese dip ranges from mild to spicy. Add more jalapeno or a splash of hot sauce for extra kick.
  • Crispy vs. soft: For a crispy exterior, briefly pan-fry the assembled burrito seam-side down before adding the cheese topping.
  • Make it smothered: For true Arkansas style, serve the burrito on a plate completely covered in cheese dip - the "smothered" style.
  • Leftover cheese dip: Store extra cheese dip in the fridge. Reheat slowly with a splash of milk, stirring until smooth again.