Cheese Enchiladas: Choosing The Perfect Cheesy Filling

Cheese enchiladas are a delicious, family-friendly meal that can be made in a variety of ways. The type of cheese you use in your enchiladas will depend on the flavour and texture you want to create.

If you're looking for a melty, stretchy cheese, a Mexican-style blend is a good option. This usually includes a combination of Monterey Jack, Asadero, and Queso Quesadilla. You can also use other melting cheeses such as Colby, Pepper Jack, or Cheddar. For a saltier flavour, sprinkle on Cotija, Queso Fresco, or Parmesan.

For a creamier filling, you can mix in some sour cream or cream cheese with your shredded cheese. And if you're looking to add some spice, include some diced green chillies or chilli powder.

Whatever combination of cheeses and fillings you choose, cheese enchiladas are a great comfort food that can be easily customised to your taste preferences.

Melting cheese

There are several cheeses that fit the bill, and you can use just one or a combination of a few. Monterey Jack is a popular choice, known for its enticing cheese pull and gooey melt. Cheddar is another go-to, with a sharper flavour. Colby, pepper jack, and mild or sharp cheddar are also common additions. For a more authentic Mexican blend, you can use asadero, oaxaca (also known as quesadilla cheese), or queso fresco. These Mexican cheeses melt beautifully and are often used in restaurants.

If you're looking for convenience, a pre-shredded Mexican blend is a great option. This typically includes a mix of cheddar, asadero, queso quesadilla, and Monterey Jack. You can also add in some sour cream or cream cheese to your blend for a creamier, richer enchilada.

Corn tortillas

To prevent corn tortillas from cracking when rolling, you can try warming them in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 20 seconds or lightly frying them in oil for a few seconds on each side before filling.

When assembling the enchiladas, it is best not to soak the corn tortillas in sauce, as this can make them soggy and increase the risk of them falling apart. Instead, lightly coat them with sauce or dip them in the sauce before filling and rolling.

Enchilada sauce

Some recipes also include tomato paste or tomato sauce, which adds a rich flavour and a reddish colour to the sauce. However, traditional enchilada sauce does not include tomatoes, and some cooks prefer to omit them as they can make the sauce too raw or goopy.

For a gluten-free option, a cornstarch slurry or a gluten-free flour blend can be used instead of regular flour. Additionally, the spice blend can be adjusted to suit personal preference, and some recipes include a small amount of vinegar or cream for extra flavour.

Filling

The type of cheese you use for your cheese enchiladas is important, as it forms the bulk of the filling. You can use almost any type of melting cheese, and a blend of cheeses will give you the best melt and stretch, just like in restaurants.

A blend of Monterey Jack, mild or sharp cheddar, and pepper jack is a great combination for your cheese enchiladas. You can also add in some mozzarella, Colby, or asadero, which is often used in Mexican restaurants. If you want to add a little extra spice, toss the cheese with some taco seasoning or chilli powder.

For a truly authentic Mexican flavour, you could use a blend of Monterey Jack, cheddar, asadero, and queso quesadilla. This blend will give you the perfect restaurant-style cheese pull and gooey melt.

If you want to add a little extra creaminess to your cheese filling, you can include some sour cream or cream cheese. This will also help to bind the filling together.

For a vegetarian option, simply leave out any meat and add in some extra veggies, like sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, zucchini, corn, or beans.

Baking

Once you've assembled your enchiladas, it's time to bake them! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Adjust your oven rack to the centre position and preheat the oven to 350-400°F (177-204°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Add about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce to the bottom of a large casserole or baking dish and spread it evenly. This will prevent the enchiladas from sticking and add flavour.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Place about 3 tablespoons of your cheese filling in the centre of each tortilla. If you're adding any extra fillings, such as cooked chicken or beans, add them now. Roll the tortilla up and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all your tortillas are filled and rolled.

Step 4: Top with Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas, making sure to coat them evenly. You can leave some of the tortillas exposed if you prefer them extra toasty. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on your enchiladas to ensure they don't overbake, as this can cause the filling to curdle or separate.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with your favourite condiments and enjoy! Some popular options include sour cream, guacamole, green onions, pico de gallo, salsa, avocado, cilantro, and pickled red onions.

Frequently asked questions