Baking Enchiladas: Melting Cheesy Goodness For The Perfect Dish

Baked cheese enchiladas are a delicious, family-friendly meal that can be made in under an hour. This Mexican dish is a great way to use up leftover cheese and tortillas, and can be customised with extra vegetables, spices, or meat. The perfect comfort food, cheese enchiladas are warm, creamy, and cheesy.

How to make a cheese sauce for enchiladas

Ingredients

You can make a cheese sauce for enchiladas with a variety of cheeses, including Monterey Jack, mild or sharp cheddar, queso fresco, asadero, queso quesadilla, colby, pepper jack, and Velveeta. You can also use a pre-shredded Mexican blend of cheese, which usually contains cheddar, asadero, queso quesadilla, and Monterey Jack.

Method

To make the sauce, start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in your chosen shredded cheese until melted. You can also add in sour cream and green chiles at this stage, cooking the mixture until it is heated through without letting it boil. Alternatively, you can combine the cheese sauce ingredients in a double boiler and heat them until the cheese melts.

Serving

Once your cheese sauce is ready, you can pour it over your enchiladas before baking them. This will help the cheese sauce to bake into the enchiladas, creating a crispy top. You can also add some extra shredded cheese on top of the sauce for an extra cheesy dish.

How long to bake enchiladas in the oven

Baking is the final step in making enchiladas, a Mexican dish consisting of tortillas, cheese, and other ingredients. The baking process typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes in an oven preheated to around 350°F (175°C).

Preparing the Enchiladas for Baking

Before baking, the tortillas should be warmed in a microwave or oven to prevent cracking when rolling. The tortillas are then filled with cheese and other ingredients such as vegetables, meat, or beans. The filled tortillas are placed in a baking dish, covered with enchilada sauce, and sprinkled with more cheese.

Baking the Enchiladas

Covering the baking dish with foil before placing it in the oven helps retain moisture and prevent the tortillas from drying out. The enchiladas are baked for about 15 minutes with the foil on, and then the foil is removed for the final 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown and achieve a bubbly texture.

Customization and Serving Suggestions

The beauty of enchiladas lies in their versatility. Different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, Colby, or pepper jack, can be used based on preference. The dish can also be customized by adding various fillings like vegetables, meat, or beans.

Enchiladas are often served with toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, green onions, pico de gallo, cilantro, or avocado. They pair well with fiber-rich side dishes like seasoned black beans, cucumber and black bean salad, or cowboy caviar.

How to assemble enchiladas

Assembling enchiladas is a straightforward process, but there are a few key steps to keep in mind. Here's a detailed guide on how to assemble enchiladas:

Prepare the Ingredients:

Before you start assembling, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. This includes your choice of tortillas (flour or corn), fillings (such as meat, beans, vegetables, or cheese), enchilada sauce, and any additional toppings or seasonings.

Heat the Tortillas:

Heating the tortillas makes them more pliable and easier to roll. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving in short intervals, frying them in a pan with a light coating of oil for about 30 seconds on each side, or baking them in the oven wrapped in foil at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Fill and Roll the Enchiladas:

Take a heated tortilla and dip both sides in enchilada sauce to soften it further. Place your chosen filling (about 1/3 cup) in the center of the tortilla, being careful not to overfill. Pull one end of the tortilla over the filling and tuck it in, then continue rolling until you reach the other end. Repeat this process for each enchilada.

Assemble in a Baking Dish:

Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or oil. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent the enchiladas from sticking. Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the dish, arranging them snugly side by side.

Top with Sauce and Cheese:

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the enchiladas to keep them moist. If using shredded cheese, sprinkle it over the enchiladas first, then add the sauce to prevent the cheese from burning. You can also add additional toppings like sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or green onions at this point.

Bake and Serve:

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a more browned crust, you can broil for a few additional minutes. Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving.

Feel free to experiment with different fillings, sauces, and toppings to create your own unique enchilada recipe!

What to serve with cheese enchiladas

Cheese enchiladas can be served with a variety of toppings and sides.

Some ideas for toppings include:

• Sour cream
• Shredded lettuce
• Sliced green onions
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Pickled jalapeños
• Diced red onions
• Sliced black olives
• Green onions
• Guacamole
• Pico de gallo
• Avocado
• Cilantro
• Pickled red onions
• Cotija cheese

Some ideas for side dishes include:

• Quick Seasoned Black Beans
• Cucumber and Black Bean Salad
• Cowboy Caviar
• Cilantro Lime Rice

How to make enchiladas ahead of time

Enchiladas are a great dish to make ahead of time, whether you're preparing for a busy week or a big gathering. Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious enchiladas in advance:

Choose Your Ingredients

Select your preferred type of tortillas, such as corn or flour tortillas. Gather your choice of fillings, such as cooked chicken, beef, beans, vegetables, or cheese. You can also use a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a pre-shredded Mexican blend. Don't forget to include enchilada sauce, which can be store-bought or homemade.

Prepare the Filling

Combine your chosen fillings in a large bowl and mix them well. If you're adding vegetables like onions, garlic, bell peppers, or zucchini, you may want to sauté them beforehand. You can also add a creamy element, such as sour cream or cream cheese, to your filling for a richer texture.

Warm the Tortillas

Take a few minutes to warm your tortillas before filling them. This step adds flavour and makes the tortillas more pliable and easier to work with. Warm them in a pan over medium-high heat for about 10 to 15 seconds on each side. This step is especially important if you're using corn tortillas to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Assemble the Enchiladas

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place about 1/3 cup of the filling in the centre of each tortilla and roll them up. Place the filled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process until you've filled the dish. Remember not to oversauce your enchiladas, as this can make them soggy.

Prepare for Baking

Cover the baking dish with foil to retain heat and moisture. If you're planning to bake the enchiladas immediately, preheat your oven to 350-400°F (175-204°C). However, if you're making them ahead of time, simply cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for up to 2-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Baking Instructions

When you're ready to bake your enchiladas, preheat the oven if you haven't already. Remove the foil and pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a more browned crust, you can broil for a few minutes at the end, keeping a close eye on the colour.

Serving Suggestions

Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish them with toppings such as sour cream, pico de gallo, avocado, cilantro, or pickled red onions. Enjoy your delicious, homemade enchiladas!

Frequently asked questions