Cheese Enchiladas: Choosing The Perfect Melty Topping

Enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish that has become a family favourite for many. The best cheese for enchiladas is a topic of hot debate, with many options to choose from. The most popular cheeses for enchiladas are Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Colby, Pepper Jack, and Mexican blends. Mexican blends typically consist of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Colby Jack, Asadero, and Oaxaca. However, some people prefer Queso Fresco, Mozzarella, or even Feta. The type of cheese you choose will depend on your taste preferences and the desired texture of your enchiladas.

Monterey Jack

For a more authentic Mexican flavour, a blend of cheeses is typically used, including Monterey Jack, cheddar, Colby Jack, Asadero, and Oaxaca (or Queso Quesadilla). This blend ensures a mix of cheeses that melt easily and stretch, creating that sought-after, stringy cheese texture.

When making enchiladas with Monterey Jack, it is important to note that the cheese may benefit from being combined with other ingredients to create a creamier consistency. For example, sour cream or softened cream cheese can be mixed with the shredded cheese to create a richer, more luscious filling.

Additionally, to prevent soggy enchiladas, it is recommended to lightly toast the tortillas before filling and coating them with sauce. This helps remove excess moisture and creates a barrier that reduces the amount of liquid absorbed.

Cheddar

When making enchiladas with cheddar, it is important to consider the type of cheddar to use. Mild or sharp cheddar can be used, depending on your preference for a milder or sharper taste. It is also important to grate the cheese before using it, as this will ensure that it melts evenly and creates a smooth and creamy texture within the enchiladas.

To make cheddar enchiladas, start by preheating your oven to 350-400°F (177-204°C). Combine grated cheddar with other ingredients such as diced green chilies, sour cream, and spices like garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Warm your tortillas in a pan over medium heat to make them more pliable and remove any excess moisture. Fill each tortilla with the cheese mixture, roll them up, and place them in a baking dish. Cover the enchiladas with enchilada sauce and sprinkle with more shredded cheese.

Bake the enchiladas for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbling. It is important not to overbake them, as this can cause the filling to curdle. Serve the enchiladas hot with your choice of toppings and sides, such as sour cream, guacamole, green onions, or a side of black beans or rice.

Mexican blend

The beauty of Mexican blend cheese is that it provides a combination of cheeses that both melt and stretch, giving you that signature stretch of cheese as you pull a bite of enchilada away from the pan. This blend of cheeses ensures a creamy, stretchy, and flavourful experience.

When making enchiladas with Mexican blend cheese, you can follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Make the Enchilada Sauce

The first step is to make a delicious enchilada sauce that will coat your tortillas and provide a flavourful base. This is typically made by heating oil in a pot, adding flour to create a roux, and then adding spices such as chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and oregano. You then add chicken broth and whisk until you have a smooth, thickened sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

Get your tortillas ready by dipping each one into the enchilada sauce until it's soft. You can also warm them in a damp paper towel in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to make them more pliable and less likely to crack when rolling.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Place about 1/4 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese onto each tortilla, roll it up, and place it into a greased baking dish. Continue filling and rolling tortillas until your dish is full.

Step 4: Bake

Once your dish is full, pour any remaining sauce over the tortillas, making sure to cover them completely. Sprinkle more shredded cheese on top, and then bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes, and then serve them with your favourite toppings and sides. Some popular options include sour cream, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro.

By using Mexican blend cheese, your enchiladas will have a delicious, stretchy, and creamy texture that will impress your guests and satisfy your cheese cravings!

Queso fresco

If you are looking for a melting cheese, there are other options such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, Colby, or pepper jack. These cheeses deliver an enticing cheese pull and gooey melt. However, if you are looking for a more authentic Mexican flavour, queso fresco is a great choice.

Pepper Jack

When making Pepper Jack cheese enchiladas, you can choose to use corn or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are more traditional and hold up well in the sauce, giving a delicious corn flavour to the dish. However, some people prefer the texture of flour tortillas, which are softer and creamier.

To make Pepper Jack cheese enchiladas, you will need the following ingredients: tortillas, Pepper Jack cheese, chicken (or another filling of your choice), enchilada sauce, and any additional seasonings or toppings.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Prepare your chosen filling. For chicken enchiladas, you will need to cook and shred the chicken, then mix it with seasonings, enchilada sauce, and other ingredients like sour cream, green chiles, and fresh cilantro.
• Fill each tortilla with the filling and roll them up.
• Place the filled tortillas seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
• Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas.
• Top with shredded Pepper Jack cheese.
• Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
• Let the enchiladas cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

You can also add other ingredients to your enchiladas, such as ground beef, cooked ground turkey, or chopped cooked chicken. Additionally, you can top your enchiladas with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or other toppings of your choice.

Frequently asked questions