Patrick Oconnell
Red enchiladas casseroles are a delicious and simple meal that can be made in just 30 minutes. The key ingredients are corn tortillas, red enchilada sauce, and cheese. For the cheese, a blend of shredded Mexican cheeses is typically used, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, Colby, and pepper jack. These cheeses melt and stretch when hot, creating a bubbly, restaurant-style dish. The enchiladas are filled with the cheese, baked, and then often topped with additional cheese to create a gooey, comforting meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Mexican blend cheese, including Colby Jack, sharp or medium Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Asadero, and Queso Quesadilla |
| Cheese texture | Shredded |
| Amount | 3-4 cups |
| Additional toppings | Sliced avocado, sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, diced green onions, diced jalapeno peppers, Pico de Gallo, Homemade Salsa, Guacamole, Avocado Cream Sauce, sour cream, cotija cheese, or queso fresco |
| Sauce | Red enchilada sauce, homemade or canned |
| Tortillas | Corn or flour |
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What You'll Learn
Shredded cheese vs. block cheese
When it comes to making cheese enchiladas, the type of cheese you use can make a big difference in terms of flavour and texture. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated cheese from a block is generally considered superior. This is because pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents and preservatives, which can affect its melting properties and flavour. In contrast, freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and has a more natural, creamy flavour.
For cheese enchiladas, it is recommended to use a mild-to-medium cheddar cheese rather than a sharp cheddar. This is because milder cheddars are softer and creamier, making them ideal for melting. Monterey Jack is also a popular choice for enchiladas, as it has excellent melting properties and a mild, slightly sweet flavour that pairs well with cheddar. When combined, these two cheeses create a delicious, creamy texture that is perfect for enchiladas.
If you're short on time, a high-quality bag of Mexican-blend shredded cheese can be a good substitute for freshly grated cheese. However, it's important to choose a brand that uses minimal additives to ensure the best melting and flavour. When using pre-shredded cheese, it's also a good idea to let it come to room temperature before using it, as this will help it melt more evenly.
Ultimately, the decision to use shredded or block cheese comes down to personal preference and time constraints. While freshly grated cheese from a block may result in a slightly creamier texture and more flavourful enchilada, pre-shredded cheese can still produce delicious results, especially if you choose a high-quality Mexican-blend variety.
In terms of the amount of cheese to use, this will depend on the size of your casserole dish and the number of enchiladas you are making. As a general guideline, a standard-sized casserole dish that serves 4-6 people typically requires around 3-4 cups of shredded cheese. This may vary depending on how cheesy you prefer your enchiladas, so feel free to adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
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Mexican cheese blend
When making enchiladas, it is recommended to shred the cheese yourself, as this allows the cheese to melt more effectively. The cheese is then sprinkled into the centres of corn or flour tortillas, which are then rolled up and placed in a casserole dish. A red enchilada sauce is then poured over the tortillas, and the dish is baked in the oven.
Some recipes suggest sprinkling additional cheese on top of the enchiladas before baking, to create a crispy, cheesy topping. This can be a good option if you're looking for a more indulgent dish. Other toppings can include sliced avocado, black olives, diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapeno peppers, and sour cream.
For those who prefer a spicier dish, adding green chillies or cayenne pepper to the enchiladas can provide an extra kick. Additionally, the type of chilli powder used can impact the colour of the enchiladas, with some powders resulting in a darker appearance.
Overall, when it comes to red enchiladas and casseroles, a Mexican cheese blend is a versatile and tasty option that can be customised to suit individual tastes and preferences.
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Homemade vs. canned enchilada sauce
While canned enchilada sauce is convenient and useful when you're short on time, making your own enchilada sauce at home is a great option too. Not only does it allow you to adjust the flavour to your liking, but it also lets you avoid unnecessary processed ingredients and additives like MSG (monosodium glutamate).
Homemade enchilada sauce recipes often include ingredients like flour, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and cinnamon. You can easily adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences and even make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Plus, you can make a large batch and freeze it for later use.
On the other hand, canned enchilada sauce is readily available and can save you time in the kitchen. It forms a great base for creating restaurant-style enchilada sauce with simple modifications. You can add ingredients like butter, bacon grease, chicken or beef stock, salt, and additional spices to enhance the flavour. Canned enchilada sauce is versatile and can be used in various dishes beyond the obvious, such as savory pasta, stuffed peppers, and soups.
Whether you choose to make your own enchilada sauce or opt for the convenience of canned sauce, both options have their advantages. Homemade sauce allows for customization and control over ingredients, while canned sauce offers time-saving convenience and versatility in creating different dishes. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences, the time you have available, and the specific requirements of your recipe.
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Corn tortillas vs. flour tortillas
Enchiladas are a family-friendly meal that can be made in a variety of ways, including with corn or flour tortillas. While corn tortillas are more traditional, flour tortillas are also commonly used.
Corn tortillas have a distinct flavor that plays a key role in the enchilada experience, whereas flour tortillas are more like a blank slate. Corn tortillas are also more tender and easier to eat, as they don't require a knife to cut through. Additionally, corn tortillas maintain their structure when rolled, reducing the likelihood of broken or seeping enchiladas. To prevent corn tortillas from tearing or becoming soggy, they can be quickly fried in oil for about 10 seconds on each side before being used to make enchiladas. This adds a barrier that prevents the tortillas from absorbing too much sauce.
On the other hand, flour tortillas have their own advantages. They are strong and stretchy, making them ideal for holding fillings without tearing. This quality also makes them a popular choice for burritos and soft tacos. Flour tortillas can also absorb sauce, resulting in crispy edges. However, they may become gummy or soggy, and their reheating potential is limited as they tend to turn mushy.
When making red enchiladas with corn tortillas, it is recommended to sprinkle shredded Mexican blend cheese into the centers of the tortillas before rolling and placing them in a casserole dish. Popular cheeses for this blend include sharp cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack. The enchiladas can then be topped with more cheese and baked in the oven.
In conclusion, both corn and flour tortillas can be used to make enchiladas, each with its own unique advantages and drawbacks. Corn tortillas offer a more authentic flavor and texture, while flour tortillas provide a neutral base that is less likely to tear. Ultimately, the choice between corn and flour tortillas depends on personal preference and the desired outcome.
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Toppings: avocado, black olives, tomatoes, etc
Avocado, black olives, tomatoes, and other toppings can be used to add flavour, texture, and colour to red enchiladas casseroles. Avocado is a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of ways. For example, it can be sliced and served fresh as a topping, or it can be mashed and mixed with other ingredients to make guacamole. Black olives also offer a range of possibilities, as they can be used whole, sliced, or chopped. They provide a salty, savoury flavour and a distinctive appearance.
Tomatoes are another popular choice for red enchiladas casseroles. They can be used in a variety of ways, such as diced, sliced, or pureed. They add a burst of freshness and flavour to the dish. In addition to these three main ingredients, other toppings can be used to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish. For example, green onions, also known as scallions, can add a mild onion flavour and a crisp texture. They can be sliced, chopped, or left whole, depending on the desired presentation and taste.
Jalapeño peppers can also be a great addition, providing a spicy kick and a crisp texture. They can be used fresh or pickled, and can be sliced, chopped, or left whole. Pico de gallo, which is a fresh salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeño peppers, is another popular choice that adds a burst of flavour and texture to the dish. Sour cream is also a versatile ingredient that can be used as a topping or mixed with other ingredients to create a creamy sauce. It provides a tangy, creamy flavour that complements the other toppings well.
When choosing toppings for red enchiladas casseroles, it's important to consider the balance of flavours, textures, and colours. Avocado, black olives, and tomatoes provide a range of options in terms of flavour and texture, and they can be prepared in different ways to suit the desired presentation and taste. By combining these toppings with other ingredients such as green onions, jalapeño peppers, pico de gallo, sour cream, and cheese, a delicious and visually appealing dish can be created.
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Frequently asked questions
Red enchilada casseroles typically use shredded Mexican blend cheese, consisting of sharp cheddar cheese, Colby, and Monterey Jack cheese. However, any cheese combination will work.
In addition to cheese, red enchilada casseroles typically include corn tortillas and red enchilada sauce. Some recipes also include ingredients such as chicken, black beans, refried beans, vegetables, and sour cream.
Red enchilada casseroles can be prepared and baked in about 30 minutes. However, if you are making the enchilada sauce from scratch, you may need additional time.
