Andy Montoya
Cheese enchiladas are a delicious, family-friendly meal that can be made with a handful of everyday ingredients. They are made with tortillas, cheese, and enchilada sauce. The tortillas are typically corn, but flour tortillas can also be used. The cheese is usually a Mexican blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar, but other melting cheeses such as Colby Jack, Asadero, and Oaxaca can also be used. The enchilada sauce is made with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, oregano, and chicken broth. The tortillas are dipped in the sauce, filled with cheese, rolled up, and baked in the oven.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Jack, Oaxacan, Chihuahua, Cheddar, Colby Jack, Asadero, Oaxaca, American, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Fiesta Cheese, Mexican Blend Cheese, Greek Yogurt, Sour Cream, Cotija Cheese, Queso Fresco |
| Tortilla | Corn, Flour |
| Sauce | Enchilada Sauce, Red Enchilada Sauce, Salsa, Guacamole, Avocado Cream Sauce, Tomato Sauce |
| Seasoning | Chili Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Oregano, Salt, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, Creole-style Seasoning |
| Broth | Chicken Broth, Vegetable Broth |
| Toppings | Avocado, Black Olives, Tomatoes, Green Onions, Jalapeno Peppers, Pico de Gallo, Sour Cream, Cotija Cheese, Queso Fresco, Cilantro |
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What You'll Learn
Enchilada sauce
For a milder sauce, less chili powder can be used, or alternative spices such as cayenne pepper can be added for a spicier kick. The sauce is made by heating oil in a saucepan, adding flour and whisking until combined, and then adding the spices and whisking until fragrant. Tomato paste, if used, is added at this stage. The broth is then slowly streamed in while continuously whisking to create a smooth sauce. The sauce is then simmered until it thickens, and can be cooled and stored for later use or warmed up and used immediately.
Some recipes suggest adding cocoa or unsweetened baking chocolate to the sauce for a unique flavour profile. Others recommend using a combination of chicken broth and water, or even just water, for a lighter sauce. The type of chili powder used can also impact the flavour and colour of the sauce, with options ranging from mild to hot.
The enchilada sauce serves as a base for the dish, providing a layer of flavour and moisture to the tortillas. It is important to ensure that the tortillas are completely coated in the sauce to prevent any dry spots, and the sauce can also be poured over the assembled enchiladas before baking to ensure they are fully coated. The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for later use.
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Cheese
For a truly authentic Mexican flavour, try using a Mexican blend of cheeses, which typically includes Monterrey Jack and Cheddar. Other great options include Colby Jack, Asadero, and Oaxaca (or 'quesadilla cheese'). These Mexican cheeses are known for their meltability and will give your enchiladas that perfect, stretchy texture. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try Chihuahua cheese, which is similar to mozzarella but is braided instead of kneaded into balls.
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, a simple mix of Cheddar and Pepper Jack cheese is a great choice and will still deliver on taste. You can also add some sour cream or Greek yoghurt to your cheese mix to make it extra creamy. For a truly indulgent twist, some recipes suggest adding a small amount of cocoa or unsweetened baking chocolate to the cheese sauce.
When preparing your cheese enchiladas, it's important to heat your tortillas before assembling them. This step changes the flavour and texture of the tortilla for the better. You can also fry your tortillas in hot oil for 8-10 seconds on each side to prevent them from becoming soggy when baked.
So, get creative with your cheese choices, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations and additions to find your perfect cheese enchilada recipe.
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Tortillas
Enchiladas are traditionally made with corn tortillas, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Corn tortillas are said to hold up better in the sauce and give a delicious corn flavour to the dish.
Once heated, the tortillas are dipped in the enchilada sauce until soft and then filled with cheese and any other desired ingredients. The tortillas are then rolled up and placed in a greased baking dish. The enchiladas are then covered in the remaining sauce and cheese and baked in the oven.
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Seasonings
Chilli powder is a popular choice for adding heat to the dish. The amount of chilli powder can be adjusted to control the spiciness, with mild, regular, or hot chilli powder being used accordingly. Gebhardt brand chilli powder is a well-known option, but any brand will work. Cayenne pepper can also be added for an extra kick.
Garlic powder and onion powder are convenient ways to add garlic and onion flavours to the dish without having to chop fresh garlic or onions.
Dried oregano, cumin, and garlic salt are other seasonings that can be added to enchiladas, contributing to the overall flavour profile.
Salt is typically added in small amounts, just a pinch, to enhance the other flavours in the dish.
Some people also add cocoa or unsweetened baking chocolate to their enchilada sauce for a unique flavour profile.
In addition to these dry seasonings, chicken broth or vegetable broth is used as a base for the sauce. This adds savoury depth to the dish.
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Filling
Cheese enchiladas are a delicious and easy-to-make meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party. The filling for cheese enchiladas is primarily made of cheese, as the name suggests. You can use just about any type of melting cheese or a combination of cheeses, such as Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Asadero, Oaxaca (or quesadilla cheese), Chihuahua cheese, or even a Mexican blend of cheeses. Some recipes also include vegetables in the filling, such as onions, olives, mushrooms, and jalapeno peppers. You can also add meat to the filling, such as chicken or beef, if desired.
When preparing the filling, you can simply mix the shredded or diced cheese with other ingredients, such as vegetables or meat, and then fill the tortillas. Some people like to heat the tortillas before filling them, as it changes the flavour for the better. You can do this by heating some vegetable oil in a skillet and frying each tortilla for a few seconds on each side. This helps prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy before baking.
To make the enchiladas, you can either roll up the filling in the tortillas or layer them in a baking dish like a casserole or lasagna. If rolling, dip each tortilla in the enchilada sauce until soft, place the filling in the centre, roll it up, and place it in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process until your pan is full. If layering, simply spread some enchilada sauce at the bottom of the baking dish, add a layer of tortillas, a layer of filling, and repeat until the dish is full.
For a vegetarian or vegan version of cheese enchiladas, you can omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the enchilada sauce. You can also get creative with the type of cheese and vegetables you use, making it a versatile and customizable dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese enchiladas are made with corn or flour tortillas, cheese, enchilada sauce, and various seasonings.
Common cheeses used in cheese enchiladas include cheddar, pepper jack, monterey jack, colby jack, Oaxaca, and Chihuahua cheese.
Typical seasonings include chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and salt.
Enchilada sauce is typically made with chicken broth or vegetable broth, tomato paste, and various seasonings.
Yes, cheese enchiladas can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting any meat fillings.
