Andy Montoya
Enchiladas are a simple, comforting dish that can be made in a variety of ways. The type of cheese used in enchiladas can vary depending on personal preference and the desired level of meltiness. Common cheeses used in enchiladas include cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper jack, Oaxaca, and queso blanco. Some people also use a blend of cheeses, such as a Mexican-style blend that melts and stretches when hot. In addition to the type of cheese, the filling, sauce, and toppings used in enchiladas can also be customized to create a unique and tasty dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Jack, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Monterey, Oaxaca, Mozzarella, American, Chihuahua, String, Cheesillo, Cotija, Feta, Queso Fresco |
| Cheese texture | Melty, crumbly, soft, mild, milky, shredded, pre-shredded, stretchy, tangy |
| Cheese amount | 12 oz (one and a half 8 oz blocks) |
| Tortilla type | Corn, flour, gluten-free, soft, white, yellow, thin, super soft, corn/flour blend, homemade |
| Tortilla brand | Mi Rancho Thincredible, Mission |
| Other ingredients | Black beans, spinach, avocado, cilantro, jalapenos, radishes, white onion, cabbage, lettuce, sour cream, Greek yogurt, mild green chiles, spices, refried beans, cilantro lime chicken, cumin lime slaw, garlic powder, cumin, salt, taco-seasoned shredded chicken, vegetable broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Creole-style seasoning, onion, olives, mushrooms, chicken, fiesta cheese, hatch ro-tel, salsa |
| Toppings | Cheese, meat, vegetables, avocado, cilantro, jalapenos, radishes, white onion, shredded cabbage, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, lime |
| Temperature | 350°F |
| Baking time | 20-25 minutes, 25-30 minutes, 45 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheese types: Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Oaxaca, and cheddar are popular
- Cheese blends: Pre-shredded Mexican blends are available
- Cheese amounts: About 12 oz. of cheese is needed for a batch of enchiladas
- Cheese textures: Melty cheese is a must for enchiladas
- Cheese alternatives: Some use yoghurt or sour cream with their cheese
Cheese types: Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Oaxaca, and cheddar are popular
When it comes to enchiladas, there are several types of cheese that can be used, including Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Oaxaca, and cheddar.
Monterey Jack is a popular choice for enchiladas, as it melts beautifully and has a mild, milky flavour. It pairs well with other cheeses, such as cheddar, and can be used in a variety of enchilada recipes, including those with red or green sauce. It can be shredded or torn into strips to be used in the filling or topping of enchiladas.
Mozzarella is another mild, milky cheese that melts exceptionally well. It is often used in green chicken enchiladas, where it complements the tangy green enchilada sauce and sour cream-based filling. Mozzarella can be shredded or torn into strips to achieve the desired melting effect.
Oaxaca cheese, also known as queso Oaxaca, is commonly used in Mexican cuisine and enchilada recipes. It has a stringy, melty texture that makes it ideal for enchiladas. Oaxaca cheese can be shredded or torn into strips, and it adds a creamy, stretchy element to the dish.
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for enchiladas due to its sharp flavour and melting capabilities. It can be paired with other cheeses, such as Jack, or used on its own. Cheddar adds a distinct flavour to enchiladas and can be shredded or grated to be used in the filling or topping.
These four cheese types offer a range of flavours and textures that can enhance the taste and creaminess of enchiladas. They can be used individually or combined to create a blend of cheeses that stretches and melts, resulting in a restaurant-style cheese enchilada experience.
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Cheese blends: Pre-shredded Mexican blends are available
When making enchiladas, you can use a variety of cheeses, depending on your preferences. While some recipes call for specific types of cheese, others are flexible and allow you to use whatever you have on hand.
One option is to use pre-shredded Mexican blends, which are readily available in grocery stores. These blends are designed to provide the perfect mix of cheeses that melt and stretch when heated, giving you that restaurant-style cheese enchilada experience. They typically include cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Oaxaca, which complement each other well and create a creamy, stretchy texture.
If you're looking for a more customizable option, you can create your own cheese blend by shredding and combining different types of cheese. For example, you can mix Cheddar, Pepper Jack, and Monterey cheeses, as suggested by a user on budgetbytes.com. This combination adds a sharp flavor from the Cheddar and a creamy, stretchy texture from the Jack and Monterey cheeses.
Additionally, you can experiment with other types of cheese to find your preferred blend. Some options include mozzarella, queso Oaxaca, unaged Jack cheese, or even American cheese, which is commonly used in Americanized Mexican restaurants for its melting capabilities.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese blend for your enchiladas depends on your taste preferences and the desired texture. Whether you opt for pre-shredded Mexican blends or create your own combination, the right mix of cheeses will elevate your enchiladas and make them irresistibly cheesy.
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Cheese amounts: About 12 oz. of cheese is needed for a batch of enchiladas
Cheese Amounts
For a batch of enchiladas, you'll need about 12 oz. of cheese. This is equivalent to one and a half 8 oz. blocks. You can use a single type of cheese or mix and match—it's up to you!
If you're making a large batch, it's a good idea to use a blend of cheeses that both melt and stretch. This will give you that restaurant-style cheese enchilada experience. A Mexican blend of cheeses usually works well, consisting of sharp cheddar cheese, Colby, and Monterey Jack cheese. You can also use a mix of cheddar, pepper jack, and Monterey cheeses, or even try a melty white American cheese.
When working with the tortillas, fill each one with a handful of cheese, then roll and place them in a baking dish. Repeat until the dish is full. Sprinkle a small amount of cheese on top. This will give your enchiladas a nice, cheesy finish.
If you're making a double batch, you'll need to adjust the cheese amount accordingly. Remember, it's always better to have too much cheese than too little!
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Cheese textures: Melty cheese is a must for enchiladas
Enchiladas are a simple, comforting dish that can be made in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences. The key to a great enchilada is in the cheese you choose—a melty, gooey texture is a must for the perfect enchilada.
When it comes to cheese textures, you'll want something that melts easily and stretches when hot. This eliminates crumbly cheeses like queso fresco or cotija, which are more commonly used as toppings. Instead, opt for cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or cheddar, which all melt beautifully and provide that irresistible, stretchy texture. You can also use a blend of cheeses, such as a Mexican-style shredded cheese blend, to get that perfect melt.
For an authentic Mexican restaurant feel, shredded Monterey Jack and mozzarella are a great choice. These mild, milky cheeses melt like no other, creating a gooey, irresistible texture. You can also add cheddar to the mix for a sharp flavor contrast. If you're looking for a meatless option, pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick. For an even creamier texture, include some sour cream or Greek yogurt in your enchiladas.
If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different cheese combinations. Some other options to try include Oaxaca cheese, which melts well and is commonly used in Mexican cuisine, or American cheese, which is often used in queso dips and can provide a similar melting effect in enchiladas. You can even try using soft cheeses like Chihuahua or string cheese, which will also melt nicely and add a unique twist to your dish.
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Cheese alternatives: Some use yoghurt or sour cream with their cheese
Enchiladas are a simple, comforting dish that can be made in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences and dietary requirements. While cheese is a key ingredient in enchiladas, there are alternatives and additions you can consider to mix up the recipe.
Some enchilada recipes call for yoghurt or sour cream to be added alongside the cheese. This can add extra creaminess and a tangy flavour to the dish. For example, you can try a mix of cheddar, pepper jack, and Monterey cheeses with either sour cream or Greek yoghurt. Full-fat sour cream is recommended over low-fat, as the latter is more likely to curdle while baking.
You can also get creative with your toppings and add a dollop of sour cream to your enchiladas before serving. This can provide a fresh contrast to the cheesy filling.
In addition to sour cream and yoghurt, you can experiment with various types of cheese to find your preferred taste and texture. Common cheese options for enchiladas include Monterey Jack, mozzarella, cheddar, Oaxaca, and queso blanco.
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Frequently asked questions
Monterey Jack, mozzarella, cheddar, Oaxaca, and pepper jack are all popular cheese options for enchiladas. You can also use a blend of cheeses, such as a Mexican-style shredded cheese blend.
Corn tortillas are the most commonly used type of tortilla for enchiladas. However, you can also use flour tortillas or tortillas made with a corn/flour blend.
Enchiladas are often served with toppings such as avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, radishes, white onion, shredded cabbage or lettuce, and sour cream. Enchiladas can also be filled with ingredients like black beans, spinach, chicken, and various vegetables.
