Patrick Oconnell
Cheese enchiladas are a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that can be served with a variety of sides and toppings. While they can be enjoyed on their own, they truly shine when loaded with toppings and served with complementary sides. So, what are some of the best options to serve with cheese enchiladas?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Dish | Cheese Enchiladas |
| Sides | Refried beans, Mexican rice, Spanish rice, salad, guacamole, sour cream, chips, dip, avocado, cilantro, radishes, diced white onion, shredded cabbage, lettuce, iceberg lettuce, jalapeños, lime |
| Toppings | Shredded cabbage, cotija cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, radishes, diced white onion, shredded lettuce, shredded cabbage, iceberg lettuce, sour cream, green onions, black olives, pickled jalapeños, diced red onions, sliced black olives |
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What You'll Learn
Salads and sides: Mexican rice, refried beans, and lettuce
When it comes to serving cheese enchiladas, there are several side dishes that can complement the flavours of the main course. Here are some ideas for salads and sides focusing on Mexican rice, refried beans, and lettuce:
Mexican Rice
Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a flavourful and colourful addition to the plate. It is often seasoned with various spices and vegetables, such as onions, garlic, and tomatoes, giving it a distinct red or orange hue. Mexican rice has an authentic flavour that pairs perfectly with the cheese enchiladas, providing a balanced and satisfying meal.
Refried Beans
Refried beans are a classic side dish in Mexican cuisine and go exceptionally well with cheese enchiladas. They offer a creamy and hearty texture, blending seamlessly with the flavours of the enchiladas. You can make them with pinto or black beans, seasoned to your preference, creating a comforting and tasty complement to the main course.
Lettuce
Lettuce, specifically iceberg lettuce, is a refreshing and crunchy side to serve with cheese enchiladas. It provides a cool contrast to the warm and spicy flavours of the dish. Simply slice the lettuce thinly, sprinkle it with apple cider vinegar and salt, and you have a delicious and healthy side that will enhance your dining experience.
These salad and side options will surely elevate your cheese enchiladas, offering a well-rounded and flavourful Mexican feast. Don't be afraid to get creative and explore different variations of these dishes to suit your taste preferences.
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Toppings: Sour cream, avocado, and cilantro
Cheese enchiladas are a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. One popular option is to top them with sour cream, avocado, and cilantro. Here are some ideas on how to prepare and serve cheese enchiladas with these toppings:
Preparing the Enchiladas
The first step is to prepare the enchiladas themselves. This typically involves filling corn tortillas with a generous amount of shredded cheese, rolling them up, and placing them in a baking dish. You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as black beans, spinach, or meat if desired. Once the tortillas are filled and rolled, they are covered with enchilada sauce and more cheese. The enchiladas are then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Adding the Toppings
Once the cheese enchiladas are baked and slightly cooled, it's time to add the toppings. For a delicious combination, try topping the enchiladas with sour cream, avocado, and cilantro. The sour cream adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour, while the avocado provides a smooth and buttery contrast. The cilantro, with its fresh and bright flavour, brings the dish together. You can chop or slice the avocado and cilantro, and drizzle or dollop the sour cream on top.
Other Topping Ideas
While sour cream, avocado, and cilantro make a great combination, you can also get creative and add other toppings to your cheese enchiladas. Some other popular options include sliced jalapeños, radishes, green onions, shredded cabbage, lettuce, or even a squeeze of lime. You can also serve cheese enchiladas with sides such as refried beans, Mexican rice, or a fresh salad.
Making it Your Own
Feel free to experiment and add your own twist to the toppings. You can try different types of cheese, such as cotija or Oaxaca cheese, or even add some shredded chicken or ground beef to the filling. You can also adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding pickled jalapeños or using mild chili powder in the enchilada sauce. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with your own variations, cheese enchiladas with sour cream, avocado, and cilantro are sure to be a hit!
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Meat: Shredded chicken, ground beef, or shredded beef
Cheese enchiladas can be a meal in themselves, but they can be even better when paired with meat. Here are some meat options to serve with cheese enchiladas:
Shredded Chicken
Shredded chicken is a great option to add protein to your cheese enchiladas. You can cook and shred chicken thighs or a baked chicken breast and then add the shredded chicken to each enchilada before rolling. This option allows you to incorporate a generous portion of chicken into your meal.
Ground Beef
Ground beef is another excellent choice to pair with cheese enchiladas. You can cook the ground beef with your preferred taco seasoning and then add a spoonful to each enchilada before rolling. This option provides a hearty and flavourful addition to the dish.
Shredded Beef
Shredded beef offers a tender and savoury option to accompany your cheese enchiladas. You can cook and shred beef and then add it to each enchilada before rolling. This option allows you to enjoy the richness of beef alongside the cheesy goodness of the enchiladas.
These meat options can enhance the flavour and texture of your cheese enchiladas, making them even more satisfying and indulgent. You can choose the type of meat that best suits your taste preferences and create a delicious and hearty meal.
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Drinks: Horchata
Horchata is a popular Mexican drink that is often described as a sweet rice milk beverage. It is made out of rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon and is served in many Mexican restaurants. It is a perfect pairing for spicy and flavorful meals.
To make Horchata, you will need the following ingredients:
- Rice
- Milk (or almond milk for a vegan option)
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon sticks
- Water
- Sugar (optional, to taste)
Preparation:
Place the rice in a colander and rinse it under cold water. Then, place the rice, cinnamon sticks, and water in a bowl. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it overnight or for at least 4 hours. The longer it soaks, the better the flavor will be.
Blending:
After the rice mixture has soaked, it's time to blend the ingredients. Add half of the rice mixture, half of the soaking water, and some of the cinnamon sticks to a blender. Blend until the rice and cinnamon sticks are roughly ground. Then, add the remaining water and blend again.
Straining:
Pour the blended rice mixture into a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a pitcher. Strain the mixture to remove the ground rice and cinnamon, and discard them.
Finishing the Horchata:
Once the mixture is strained, it's time to add the finishing touches. Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar (if using) to taste. Chill the Horchata until it's ready to serve. Before serving, stir the Horchata well and pour it over ice.
Horchata is a delicious and refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with cheese enchiladas. It can be made lactose-free by using almond or coconut milk, and its sweet and creamy taste can balance out the spice and tang of the enchiladas.
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Extras: Guacamole, chips, and dip
When it comes to serving cheese enchiladas, there are several extras you can include to elevate the dish and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas for extras and sides to serve with your cheese enchiladas:
Guacamole is a delicious and creamy addition to cheese enchiladas. You can make your own guacamole by mashing ripe avocados and mixing in some lime juice, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a chunkier guacamole, you can roughly mash the avocados, leaving some larger pieces. This can be served as a side dish or even used as a topping for your enchiladas.
Chips are a great crunchy contrast to the soft and cheesy enchiladas. You can choose from a variety of options, such as tortilla chips, corn chips, or even homemade fried tortilla strips. These chips can be served on the side or used for dipping into the enchilada sauce or any other dips you might have.
As for dips, you can offer a variety of options such as salsa, queso, or even a bean dip. Salsa can be store-bought or homemade by blending tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and your choice of chilli peppers to your desired spice level. For a queso dip, you can melt some cheese with milk and spices to create a creamy and delicious dip. Bean dips can be made with refried beans, blended with spices and cheese, creating a hearty and tasty option.
These extras will add variety to your meal and provide different textures and flavours to enhance the overall dining experience. You can encourage your guests to get creative and combine the guacamole, chips, and dips to find their favourite combinations.
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Frequently asked questions
Some side dishes that go well with cheese enchiladas include Mexican rice, Spanish rice, refried beans, salad, and guacamole.
Cheese enchiladas can be topped with shredded cabbage, cotija cheese, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and jalapeños.
Cheese enchiladas can be made with Oaxaca cheese, cheddar cheese, Jack cheese, or a mix of different cheeses.
Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas can also be used. Sturdier yellow corn tortillas hold up better than more delicate white corn tortillas.
Cheese enchiladas should be baked for around 20 to 25 minutes in a 350°F oven, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
