Egg White Breakfast Burrito

This American-style breakfast burrito wraps soft egg whites, sautéed peppers and onion, and turkey bacon in a whole-wheat tortilla, with salsa on the side. It is a quick, savoury breakfast that comes together in one pan.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml)olive oil
- 1 Tbsp (about 15 g)bell pepper
- 1 Tbsp (about 15 g)bell pepper
- 1 Tbsp (about 15 g)green bell pepper
- 1 Tbsp (about 10 g)onion
- 3egg whites
- 1 (8-inch; about 20 cm)whole-wheat tortilla
- 1 slice, choppedturkey bacon
- to tasteblack pepper
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml)salsa
Instructions
- 1
Heat the oil
Warm the olive oil in a medium non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- 2
Soften the vegetables
Add the bell peppers and onion. Cook, stirring often, for 3–4 minutes, or until softened.
- 3
Cook the egg whites
Add the egg whites and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 2–3 minutes, until set.
- 4
Fill the tortilla
Spoon the egg mixture onto the tortilla and add the chopped turkey bacon. Season with black pepper if desired.
- 5
Roll the burrito
Fold and roll the tortilla burrito-style.
- 6
Serve with salsa
Serve the burrito with salsa.
What is an egg white breakfast burrito?
A breakfast burrito is a tortilla wrapped around a warm savoury filling, a format popular in American breakfast cooking. This version pairs egg whites with peppers, onion and turkey bacon, then adds salsa for a bright finish.
The vegetables soften before the eggs go into the pan, so they bring sweetness and colour without leaving the filling raw and crunchy. A whole-wheat tortilla makes a sturdy wrapper for the filling.
Nutrition and macros by portion
The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 389 calories, 19g protein, 29g carbs, 22g fat.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Use less olive oil | 272 kcal | 13g | 20g | 15g |
| This serving | As written | 389 kcal | 19g | 29g | 22g |
| Hungry | Add another tortilla | 584 kcal | 29g | 44g | 33g |
The tortilla supplies most of the carbohydrates, while olive oil contributes much of the fat; egg whites and turkey bacon provide protein. Pair the burrito with fruit or a fresh vegetable side for a more balanced plate.
The vegetables
Pepper mix: the listed bell pepper portions give the filling its vegetable base. Cut or chop them evenly so they soften at a similar rate.
Onion: a small amount adds savoury sweetness as it cooks. Stir regularly and take the vegetables off the heat once tender rather than waiting for them to brown heavily.
Getting the egg whites right
Gentle stirring: once the egg whites are in the pan, keep them moving over medium heat. This helps them cook evenly while keeping the curds soft.
Doneness: the eggs are ready when they are set rather than wet and runny. Avoid cooking them for much longer, as they can turn dry before you have rolled the burrito.
Building a tidy burrito
Filling placement: keep the egg mixture and turkey bacon towards the centre of the tortilla, leaving space at the sides for folding. This makes the wrap easier to close.
Rolling: fold the sides in, then roll from the edge nearest you over the filling. If the tortilla feels stiff, a brief warm-up in a dry pan can make it more pliable.
A quick one-pan breakfast
The vegetables take 3–4 minutes to soften, followed by 2–3 minutes for the egg whites to set. Have the tortilla, bacon and salsa ready before you start cooking so the filling can be wrapped while warm.
The listed cooking time is 17 minutes in total, including preparation and assembly. The pan work itself is brief, so stay nearby and stir the vegetables and eggs as directed.
Serving ideas
Salsa: serve it alongside as listed, or spoon it over the filling before rolling if you prefer the flavour inside the burrito. Keep the amount modest so the tortilla does not become soggy.
For a more complete plate, add fresh fruit or a simple side salad. These pair well with the warm, savoury filling without requiring another pan.
Recipe notes & tips
- Chop the peppers and onion to a similar size so they soften evenly.
- Stir the vegetables often as they cook over medium-high heat.
- Lower the heat to medium before adding the egg whites.
- Stop cooking as soon as the egg whites are set.
- Keep the filling centred to make the tortilla easier to roll.
- Serve salsa on the side if you want the tortilla to stay firm.
Variations
- More vegetables: add extra pepper or onion, cooking it until softened before adding the egg whites.
- Fresh herbs: scatter chopped coriander over the filling before rolling.
- Spicier salsa: choose a hotter salsa or add a little chilli to the finished filling.
- Cheese addition: sprinkle a little grated cheese over the hot eggs so it softens before wrapping.
- Meat-free option: leave out the turkey bacon and season the eggs to taste.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the filling: too much filling makes the tortilla difficult to close; keep it centred and leave room at the edges.
- Overcooking the egg whites: they can become dry; remove the pan from the heat once they are set.
- Skipping the stirring: vegetables may cook unevenly; stir frequently while they soften.
- Adding salsa too early: excess moisture can soften the tortilla; serve it alongside or add just before rolling.
- Rolling a stiff tortilla: it may split; warm it briefly in a dry pan to make it more flexible.
How to store
For best texture, eat the burrito soon after assembling. If storing leftovers, refrigerate in a covered container and use within 2 days; reheat the filling until hot and wrap it in a freshly warmed tortilla.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make the filling ahead?
You can cook the vegetables and egg whites ahead and refrigerate them in a covered container for up to 2 days. Reheat until hot, then assemble with the tortilla and salsa.
How do I know when the egg whites are cooked?
They should be set with no visibly runny liquid. Take them off the heat promptly to help keep them tender.
Can I use a different tortilla?
Yes. Another tortilla can work, though its size and ingredients may change how easily it wraps and its nutritional values.
Can I use fresh or frozen peppers?
Either can work. Thaw frozen peppers and drain off excess water before cooking so they soften rather than steam in liquid.
Can I assemble this burrito the night before?
It is better to store the filling separately and roll the burrito just before serving. This helps prevent the tortilla from becoming damp.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from goodcleaneats.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on goodcleaneats.com