Quick Cheesy Enchiladas: Microwave Magic

Cheese enchiladas are a delicious, family-friendly meal that can be made in large batches and stored for up to 3-4 days. They are also freezer-friendly and can be frozen for up to 3 months. While traditionally baked in the oven, cheese enchiladas can also be made in the microwave in just 5-7 minutes, making them a quick and convenient option for busy weeknights. This dish is versatile and can be adapted to include various ingredients, such as meat or vegetables, to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

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Warming the tortillas

Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas

Place the desired number of tortillas on a microwave-safe plate. It is recommended to warm 5 to 8 tortillas at a time. If you are making a large batch, you can always warm them in smaller batches.

Step 2: Dampen a Paper Towel

Take a paper towel and dampen it with water. The damp paper towel will help create a humid environment in the microwave, preventing the tortillas from drying out and becoming brittle.

Step 3: Cover the Tortillas

Cover the stack of tortillas with the damp paper towel. Make sure the tortillas are completely wrapped, as this will ensure even warming.

Step 4: Microwave

Place the plate with the covered tortillas in the microwave and microwave them for about 20 seconds. The exact time may vary depending on your microwave's wattage and the number of tortillas you are warming. Start with a shorter time and increase as needed to avoid overcooking the tortillas.

Step 5: Keep Warm

After removing the warmed tortillas from the microwave, keep them covered with the damp paper towel. This will help retain the moisture and keep the tortillas pliable while you prepare the others. Repeat the process until you have warmed all the tortillas you need.

By following these steps, you will have warm, pliable tortillas that are ready to be filled, rolled, and baked into delicious cheese enchiladas.

Preparing the sauce

To prepare the sauce for your cheese enchiladas, you can either make your own or use a store-bought option.

If you want to make your own enchilada sauce, you can use a variety of ingredients, including tomato paste, chilli powder, salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, and vegetable oil. You can also add flour to your sauce, with a recommendation to use a measure-for-measure or 1:1 gluten-free flour. If you don't need gluten-free flour, you can use all-purpose flour. For a smoky flavour, add some cumin.

To make the sauce, simply combine your chosen ingredients in a bowl and mix until you have a smooth, thick sauce. You can adjust the seasoning and spice level to your taste.

If you're short on time or don't want to make your own sauce, you can use a store-bought option. Look for a 16-ounce jar of enchilada sauce at your local grocery store. You can find red chile sauce or green chile sauce, depending on your preference.

Once you have your sauce, you can assemble your enchiladas. Spread some sauce on the tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, roll them up, and place them in a baking dish. You can also dip the tortillas in the sauce before filling and rolling them. Repeat this process until your baking dish is full.

Top your enchiladas with more sauce, ensuring they are completely covered to prevent any dry spots. Then, sprinkle with cheese and bake until melted and bubbly.

Enjoy your cheese enchiladas!

Filling and rolling the tortillas

Firstly, prepare the tortillas by warming them in the microwave. Place a stack of 5-8 tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds. This step helps to soften the tortillas, making them easier to roll and reducing the chances of breakage. Keep the warmed tortillas covered with the damp paper towel until you are ready to fill and roll them.

For the filling, you can use a variety of cheeses, such as shredded Mexican cheese blend, Cheddar cheese, Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. You can also add vegetables like onions, mushrooms, and olives to the filling, or even meat if desired. Sauteeing the vegetables before adding them to the filling can enhance their flavour and reduce their water content.

Now, it's time to fill and roll the tortillas. Take one warmed tortilla and place it on a plate or a clean, flat surface. Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese onto the tortilla, forming a line down the middle. If using additional fillings, place them on top of the cheese. Be careful not to overfill the tortilla, as this can make it difficult to roll.

Gently lift the edge of the tortilla closest to you and slowly start rolling it away from you, keeping the filling enclosed within the tortilla. Continue rolling until you reach the end of the tortilla, forming a compact cylinder. Ensure that the tortilla is rolled tightly enough so that the filling doesn't fall out from the ends.

Finally, place the rolled tortilla, seam-side down, on a greased baking dish or plate. Repeat this process with the remaining warmed tortillas until you have filled your dish or reached the desired number of enchiladas. Remember to keep the tortillas warm and flexible by covering them with a damp paper towel between fillings and rollings.

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Baking the enchiladas

To bake your cheese enchiladas, first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 7x11-inch pan and pour about 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of the pan.

Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese onto a warmed tortilla, then roll the tortilla up tightly. Place the enchilada into the sauce in the pan, with the seam side down. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and cheese. Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Cover the baking dish with non-stick sprayed foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbling. If you're baking from frozen, you may need to bake for longer, around 30-35 minutes.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Storing and reheating cheese enchiladas can be a tricky process, but with the right techniques, you can enjoy your leftovers without sacrificing flavour or texture. Here are some detailed instructions for storing and reheating cheese enchiladas cooked in the microwave:

Storing Leftovers

It is best to store leftover cheese enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 3-4 days for food safety and optimal freshness.

Reheating in the Microwave

When reheating cheese enchiladas in the microwave, it is important to take steps to prevent sogginess and rubbery cheese. Here are the steps:

• Place the leftover enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate.
• Poke holes or cut small slits in the enchiladas to allow steam to escape.
• Cover the plate with a splatter guard or plastic wrap to retain moisture.
• Set the microwave to 50% power and heat in 1-minute intervals, checking and flipping the enchiladas after each interval.
• Continue reheating until the enchiladas are heated through, which usually takes around 2-4 minutes, depending on the size and thickness.
• Let the enchiladas rest for 1-2 minutes before serving, as the filling will be hotter than the tortilla.

Reheating in the Oven

If you want to avoid the microwave, reheating cheese enchiladas in the oven is a great alternative. This method helps prevent sogginess and ensures even heating:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Lightly grease an oven-safe baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
• Place the enchiladas in the dish, ensuring they do not overlap.
• Cover the dish tightly with aluminium foil to prevent drying out.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the tortillas, if desired.
• Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving.

Other Reheating Methods

In addition to the microwave and oven methods, you can also reheat cheese enchiladas using a skillet, air fryer, or toaster oven. Each method has its own advantages and considerations:

• Skillet: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the enchiladas in a single layer and cook for 2-4 minutes per side until heated through and crispy.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Brush both sides of the enchiladas with oil and place them in the air fryer basket. Heat for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Toaster Oven: Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F. Place the enchiladas on a baking tray covered with tin foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently asked questions