Cheese enchiladas are a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, beloved for their comforting combination of melted cheese, soft tortillas, and a rich, flavorful enchilada sauce. This simple yet hearty dish is perfect for dinners or family gatherings, and it offers the flexibility to customize to your liking. Whether you stick with a basic cheese filling or spice it up with various toppings and sides, cheese enchiladas are a crowd pleaser.
While enchiladas are a common menu item at Mexican restaurants, making them at home is much easier than you might think. The beauty of a homemade cheese enchilada recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing you to create a delicious dish with minimal effort. Plus, homemade enchilada sauce can elevate the dish beyond anything you might find in a can, giving you full control over the flavor.
Choosing the right tortillas is key to the texture of your enchiladas. Corn tortillas are the traditional choice because they offer the perfect chew and absorb just enough sauce without becoming soggy. If you’re new to cooking with corn tortillas, it’s important to use high-quality tortillas that won’t crack when rolled. Check out the best soft white corn tortillas to achieve the perfect texture for your enchiladas.
Another critical component of great enchiladas is the sauce. While you can certainly buy pre-made enchilada sauce, making it from scratch is surprisingly easy and well worth the effort. With a handful of pantry ingredients like chili powder, tomato paste, and broth, you can whip up a sauce that’s rich and flavorful. For those looking to add even more depth to their Tex-Mex meals, consider learning how to make a large batch of taco seasoning, which can be used to flavor beef, chicken, or even vegetarian enchiladas.
Key Ingredients for Cheese Enchiladas Recipe
A great cheese enchilada recipe begins with high-quality ingredients that come together to form a deliciously cheesy and saucy meal. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make the perfect batch of enchiladas:
1. Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas are the foundation of traditional enchiladas. Their slightly firm texture softens as they bake, allowing them to soak up the sauce while still holding their shape. It’s essential to soften them before rolling to prevent cracking. If you prefer a gluten-free option, corn tortillas naturally fit the bill.
Pro Tip: To soften corn tortillas and prevent them from breaking, you can either warm them in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel or lightly fry them in oil. This not only makes them pliable but also adds a bit of extra flavor.
2. Cheese
Melted cheese is the heart of this dish, so choosing the right kind is important. A combination of Monterey Jack, Queso Asadero, or Queso Quesadilla gives the enchiladas the perfect creamy texture and rich flavor. Alternatively, a pre-shredded Mexican blend works well if you’re short on time.
For an extra creamy texture, consider using Oaxaca cheese, a Mexican cheese known for its excellent melting properties. It has a similar texture to mozzarella but with a slightly richer flavor that pairs perfectly with the enchilada sauce.
3. Red Enchilada Sauce
The sauce ties everything together and gives enchiladas their signature flavor. Making your own enchilada sauce might seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. The base consists of vegetable oil, flour, and chili powder, which are cooked together to create a roux. Tomato paste and broth (either chicken or vegetable) are added to the mixture, creating a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the enchiladas beautifully.
Seasoning is essential for balancing the sauce’s flavors. Garlic powder, cumin, and oregano add depth, while onion powder enhances the overall savory profile. If you want to add a kick, a dash of cayenne pepper will do the trick.
4. Seasonings
Aside from the enchilada sauce, seasonings play an essential role in the overall flavor of the dish. For the sauce, the combination of chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder is classic. If you’re adding additional proteins like beef or chicken, seasoning them with a homemade taco seasoning mix will add depth to your enchiladas.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Cheese Enchilada Recipe
Making cheese enchiladas from scratch is easier than it seems. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect batch.
1st Step: Making the Red Enchilada Sauce
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about a minute to remove the raw taste of the flour.
- Add Spices: Stir in 3 tablespoons of chili powder, followed by ½ teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Let the spices cook for about 2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Finish with Liquid: Stir in ¼ cup of tomato paste, whisking constantly until smooth. Gradually pour in 2 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option), whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then set aside.
2nd Step: Preparing the Tortillas
- Soften the Tortillas: Corn tortillas tend to crack if they aren’t softened before rolling. Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 20-30 seconds. Alternatively, lightly fry each tortilla in oil for 10-15 seconds per side to soften.
3rd Step: Rolling and Filling the Enchiladas
- Fill the Tortillas: Spoon about ¼ cup of shredded cheese into the center of each tortilla, then roll them tightly. Place the filled tortillas seam side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, making sure all the tortillas are covered. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
4th Step: Baking the Enchiladas
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling. If you want the cheese to brown slightly, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Variations of Cheese Enchilada Recipe
Cheese enchiladas are delicious on their own, but you can easily change the recipe to fit different tastes or diets. Here are some fun variations to try:
1. Beef and Cheese Enchilada Recipe
For a heartier option, add cooked ground beef. Brown the beef in a pan with garlic and onion, then season with cumin, chili powder, and salt. Mix the beef with the cheese and roll it inside each tortilla before baking.
2. Chicken and Cheese Enchilada Recipe
Shredded chicken breast or chicken thighs are perfect for this variation. You can use leftover rotisserie or cook and shred chicken breasts. Mix the chicken with the cheese and roll them up in the tortillas.
3. Vegetarian Enchiladas Recipe
For a vegan option, add black beans or refried pinto beans to the cheese filling. You can also sauté vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor before adding them to the tortillas.
4. Green Chile Enchiladas Recipe
If you prefer a milder flavor, switch the red sauce with green enchilada sauce. The addition of green chiles gives the dish a tangy kick that works perfectly with the melted cheese.
Tips for Perfect Cheese Enchilada Recipe
Creating the perfect batch of cheese enchiladas is simple with these helpful tips:
1. Prevent Tortilla Cracks
To prevent your tortillas from cracking while rolling, make sure to heat them up before filling. Microwaving them in a damp towel or lightly frying them in oil makes the tortillas more pliable.
2. Choose the Right Cheese
Not all cheeses melt the same way. For the best results, opt for cheeses like Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or Asadero, which melt and provide that gooey, creamy texture. If you’re in a rush, a pre-shredded Mexican blend can also work.
3. Make Ahead and Freeze
Cheese enchiladas are perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the enchiladas in advance and store them in the frigde for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze unbaked enchiladas for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
4. Avoid Soggy Enchiladas
To keep your enchiladas from getting soggy, make sure each tortilla is coated in a thin layer of sauce before rolling. Also, avoid over baking, as too much time in the oven can cause the tortillas to become mushy.
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes for Cheese Enchilada Recipe
While cheese enchiladas are a satisfying meal on their own, adding a few extra garnishes and sides can elevate the dish to the next level.
Garnishes
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the rich cheese and sauce.
- Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes: Add some diced tomatoes for a refreshing bite and a pop of color.
- Pickled Jalapeños: For those who love spice, pickled jalapeños are the perfect topping.
Side Dishes
- Mexican Rice: Serve the enchiladas with a side of fluffy Mexican rice to soak up the extra sauce.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans complement the cheesy enchiladas perfectly. For an easy side dish, try this easy pinto beans recipe.
- Guacamole: Add a scoop of homemade guacamole for a refreshing contrast to the rich enchiladas.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers for Cheese Enchilada Recipe
Cheese enchiladas are just as delicious the next day, making them a great option for leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigeration
Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
Unbaked enchiladas can be frozen for up to three months. Assemble the enchiladas as directed, but don’t bake them. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual.
Reheating
To reheat in the oven, cover the enchiladas with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last few minutes of reheating.
FAQs about Cheese Enchilada Recipe
What kind of tortillas should I use for enchiladas?
Corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas because of their texture, which softens while absorbing the sauce. However, flour tortillas can be used for a softer version, though they may become soggier.
How do I keep my tortillas from cracking?
To prevent cracking, make sure the tortillas are warmed before filling. Wrapping them in a damp towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds or lightly frying in oil helps keep them pliable.
Can I make cheese enchilada recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free. For the sauce, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour, or thicken it with cornstarch.
What’s the best cheese for enchiladas?
Cheeses that melt well, like Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or Asadero, are ideal for enchiladas. Pre-shredded Mexican cheese blends can also work well for convenience.
Can I freeze cheese enchilada recipe?
Absolutely. You can assemble the enchiladas, freeze them before baking, and thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cheese enchiladas are a timeless and incredibly versatile dish that can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re making a classic cheese version or customizing the recipe with additional fillings like beef, chicken, or beans, these enchiladas are a perfect meal for any occasion. Not only are they simple to prepare, but they also deliver bold flavors with minimal effort.
By using fresh, high-quality ingredients like homemade enchilada sauce and the right cheese, you can elevate this classic dish into something truly special. Plus, with so many options for variations, serving suggestions, and make-ahead tips, cheese enchiladas can quickly become a go-to recipe in your household.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness of homemade cheese enchiladas. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, this dish is sure to impress every time!