The 1 Addition to Scrambled Eggs I Wait All Summer For

To me, nothing is worse than a boring plate of scrambled eggs. While I love a flavorful omelet or breakfast casserole, I just can’t eat plain eggs on their own. 

In desperate times, I have resorted to adding everything from cheese to salsa to even ketchup to my eggs to spice them up. And I’m not alone in searching for the best way to prepare this versatile breakfast staple. There are endless debates about what to do with scrambled eggs to make them perfect: Add cottage cheese, olive oil, or mayonnaise. The options make my head spin. 

But, there is one magical time of year when I know that I don’t need to worry about how to give my scrambled eggs the upgrade they deserve. From late summer to early fall, this seasonal ingredient is all I need to turn my meal from boring to brilliant. It is so delicious, that I go to sleep excited for my breakfast the next morning. 

What Are Hatch Chile Peppers?

Hatch chile peppers are a special variety of chile grown in Hatch, New Mexico. Their smoky heat makes them a versatile addition to a variety of foods–from enchiladas to chili, to salsa. 

They are harvested from late August to late September. And while they might sound like your average seasonal pepper, they are much more than that. Hatch chiles are so popular, that people celebrate them every Labor Day weekend in Hatch with a harvest festival. 

I’m not from New Mexico, and I have, sadly, never been to the Hatch Chile Festival. (But, it’s high on the bucket list). However, I am lucky enough to live one state over from New Mexico in Texas, where my local grocery store is stocked with Hatch chiles starting at the end of August. 

While it is easiest to find the peppers in areas near New Mexico, you also can get them shipped right to your door. Or, you can opt for the canned alternative when they are no longer in season. It just won’t be quite the same. 

Their popularity in Texas means that I can add them to all sorts of dishes like mac and cheese and quesadillas. But, my favorite food to add hatch chile peppers to is also the simplest. Because it couldn’t be easier to put together, and because it is so delicious, it has become my breakfast on repeat for the entire end of summer.

Hatch Chiles Are the Upgrade Your Scrambled Eggs Need

When I finally get my hands on some Hatch chiles at the end of August, all I need to do to enjoy their magic is toss them into some scrambled eggs, and I’m happy. 

As such a versatile ingredient, there really are so many options for how to use hatch chiles. But sometimes, I can’t wait until dinner to enjoy this spicy pepper. Besides, breakfast is really where they get their time to shine. 

To make some Hatch chile scrambled eggs, I prepare my scrambled eggs as I usually would. The only difference is that I cook my chopped, fresh chile peppers (with the seeds removed) in some butter before I add the eggs to my pan. Today, I also added some tomatoes. Right before my scrambled eggs are ready, I mix in some cheese. Then I’m good to go! 

I’m happy to have my scrambled eggs with some toast or just on their own, but these eggs with a kick would also be delicious in breakfast tacos. To me, they pack the perfect level of spice and smokey heat.

With the addition of a little spice, my scrambled eggs have the only upgrade they could possibly need. Next time you stumble upon Hatch chile peppers, make sure to stock up for the best breakfast upgrade ever…if you can handle the heat.