Frederic Melton
Green enchiladas are a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner with the family. The best cheese for green enchiladas is Monterey Jack, as it doesn't overpower the flavour of the tomatillo. However, you can also use a Mexican blend, cheddar, Colby jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese. For a softer texture, you can add cream cheese to the filling. If you're baking your enchiladas, you can use a 'manchego style' or gouda, and if you're not baking them, try crumbled queso doble crema or queso fresco.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Mozzarella, Mexican blend, cheddar, Colby jack, Monterey jack, Pepper jack, Manchego style, gouda, Oaxaca, asadero, fontina, raclette, Longhorn Colby, Queso Menonita, Queso fresco, Cream cheese |
| Cheese Quantity | 1 cup, 2 cups, 1/2 cup |
| Cheese Application | Added on top of the enchiladas before serving, Mixed with shredded chicken, Rolled inside the tortillas |
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What You'll Learn
Monterey Jack cheese is the best cheese for green enchiladas
Green enchiladas are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be loaded with chicken, cheese, and green enchilada sauce. While there are many types of cheese that can be used in green enchiladas, such as mozzarella, cheddar, Colby jack, or Mexican blends, Monterey Jack cheese is the best option.
Monterey Jack cheese is the perfect choice for green enchiladas because it complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. The mild and creamy flavour of Monterey Jack pairs well with the tangy tomatillo-based green enchilada sauce, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. This cheese also has an excellent melting texture, creating a delightful, gooey consistency when combined with the sauce and other ingredients.
Using freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese will make a noticeable difference in the flavour and texture of your green enchiladas. Grating the cheese yourself ensures maximum freshness and allows the cheese to blend seamlessly with the other components of the dish. This simple step elevates the entire dining experience.
Additionally, Monterey Jack cheese is versatile and can be combined with other cheeses to create unique flavour profiles. Some people like to mix it with cheddar cheese, while others opt for pepper jack cheese to add a spicy kick to their enchiladas. This adaptability makes Monterey Jack an excellent base for experimentation, allowing you to customise your green enchiladas to your taste preferences.
In conclusion, while there are various suitable cheeses for green enchiladas, Monterey Jack stands out as the best choice. Its mild flavour, melting texture, and versatility make it the ideal ingredient to create a mouthwatering and authentic Mexican dining experience. So, the next time you're whipping up a batch of green enchiladas, be sure to reach for the Monterey Jack cheese and get ready to indulge in a flavourful feast!
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Mozzarella, Mexican blend, cheddar, Colby jack are good alternatives
Mozzarella, Mexican blend, cheddar, and Colby jack are all excellent cheese options for green enchiladas. For a quick and easy meal, you can use store-bought or homemade tortillas, shredded chicken, and your preferred enchilada sauce. Roll the tortillas around the filling, place them in a baking dish, and cover with more sauce and cheese.
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in green enchiladas. Its mild flavour and melting properties make it a popular choice for those who want a creamy, stringy texture. Mexican blend cheese is another great option, especially if you're looking for a more authentic flavour profile. This blend typically includes cheeses such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso quesadilla, which melt beautifully and add a delicious savoury note to the dish.
Cheddar is also a popular choice for green enchiladas. Its sharp flavour and melting properties make it a versatile option. When combined with other cheeses like pepper jack, it adds a creamy texture and a tangy kick to the dish. Colby jack, also known as Longhorn Colby, is another excellent alternative. It has a mild, nutty flavour and a creamy texture, making it a perfect choice for those who want a more subtle cheese presence in their green enchiladas.
When making green enchiladas, feel free to experiment with different cheeses and find the combination that suits your taste. While traditional recipes often call for Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a combination of the two, don't be afraid to try mozzarella, Colby jack, or even a Mexican blend to add your unique twist to this classic dish.
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Cream cheese can be added for extra creaminess
Green enchiladas are a delicious and easy-to-make dish. While there are many ways to make them, the choice of cheese is an important factor in determining the taste and texture of the enchiladas.
Cream cheese can be added to green enchiladas for extra creaminess. It is a versatile ingredient that can be mixed with shredded chicken or spread on tortillas before filling and rolling them. Adding cream cheese to the enchiladas can enhance their texture and make them even more indulgent.
Some recipes suggest using 8 ounces of cream cheese in addition to sour cream for extra creaminess. This combination can be especially tasty and help keep the enchiladas moist. The cream cheese can be mixed with the chicken and other ingredients, such as diced green chillies, garlic powder, chilli powder, and onion powder, to create a creamy and flavourful filling.
When using cream cheese, it is important to consider the overall flavour profile and texture of the enchiladas. The addition of cream cheese can affect the balance of flavours, so it may be advisable to adjust the amount of other ingredients or seasonings used. Additionally, cream cheese has a rich and creamy texture, so it can impact the overall mouthfeel of the dish.
For those who enjoy creamy textures and flavours, adding cream cheese to green enchiladas can be a delicious option. It can be easily incorporated into the recipe and baked along with the other ingredients. The result is a creamy, indulgent, and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
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Manchego or gouda are good options if baking
While there are several cheese options for green enchiladas, manchego or gouda are good options if you're baking them. These cheeses are commonly sold in slices in Mexican supermarkets, and they're ideal for enchiladas because they melt well and have a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients.
If you're looking for a more authentic Mexican option, manchego or gouda are great choices. These cheeses are commonly used in central Mexico when baking enchiladas. They might be harder to find in the US, but you may have better luck in cities with larger Mexican populations, such as Texas, LA, NYC, or Chicago.
When making green enchiladas, it's essential to use a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavours in the dish. While some people prefer the traditional choice of Monterey Jack, you can experiment with different cheeses to find your favourite. For example, some people like to use a combination of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack and cheddar, to create a unique flavour profile.
In addition to the type of cheese, the quantity and preparation method are also important considerations. Most recipes call for shredded or grated cheese, and the amount you'll need will depend on the size of your dish and the number of enchiladas you're making. Typically, you'll use some of the cheese in the filling and then add more on top before baking to create a delicious, melted topping.
Remember, when it comes to green enchiladas, feel free to get creative and experiment with different cheeses and ingredients to find the combination that suits your taste buds!
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Soft mild cheeses like fontina and raclette work well
Soft, mild cheeses with melting capabilities are ideal for green enchiladas. Fontina and raclette are two excellent options that can be used in enchiladas, as suggested by a user on Reddit. The user notes that these cheeses worked well in their chilaquiles, a similar Mexican dish.
Fontina cheese is an Italian cow's milk cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavour. When melted, it becomes smooth and creamy, making it a perfect addition to enchiladas. Raclette, on the other hand, is a Swiss cheese variety made from cow's milk. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavour and a creamy, buttery texture. Its melting properties make it ideal for enchiladas as well.
When selecting cheeses for green enchiladas, it is important to consider the flavour of the sauce. Green enchilada sauce typically features tomatillos, giving it a tangy and bright flavour. Cheeses that are mild and soft in flavour and texture complement the sauce without overwhelming it.
Monterey Jack is a popular choice for green enchiladas, as its mild flavour and melting capabilities enhance the dish without overpowering the other ingredients. Other cheeses commonly used in enchiladas include cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, and cream cheese. These cheeses offer a range of flavours and melting abilities that can enhance the enchilada experience.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese for green enchiladas depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile. Soft, mild cheeses like fontina and raclette are excellent options, but feel free to experiment with other varieties to find your perfect combination.
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Frequently asked questions
Monterey Jack cheese is the best cheese for green enchiladas, as it doesn't fight with or overpower the flavour of the tomatillo. Other good options include a Mexican blend, mozzarella, cheddar, Colby jack, pepper jack, gouda, manchego, and cream cheese.
Here is a simple recipe for green enchiladas with cheese:
- Combine cooked shredded chicken, cheese, diced green chillies, sour cream, garlic powder, chilli powder, and onion powder in a mixing bowl.
- Dip a flour tortilla in a bowl of green enchilada sauce until covered.
- Place the tortilla on a plate and add the chicken filling.
- Roll the tortilla and place it in a greased baking dish.
- Repeat for all tortillas.
- Cover the enchiladas with the remaining sauce and cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted.
You can serve green cheese enchiladas with sour cream, lime wedges, and cilantro. You can also add sliced olives and pico de gallo on top of your enchiladas.
