Patrick Oconnell
Chicken enchiladas are a popular dish, but what kind of cheese works best? There are many options to choose from, including cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Oaxaca, Colby, and Pepperjack. Some people prefer to use a blend of several cheeses to get the perfect taste and texture. In this article, we will explore the different types of cheese that can be used in chicken enchiladas and provide tips on how to create the perfect dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, Colby, Pepperjack, Medium Cheddar, Oaxaca, Mozzarella, American, Mexican |
| Texture | Creamy melt with a hint of sharpness |
| Taste | Sharp |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar jack cheese
Chicken enchiladas are a popular dish, and there are many different types of cheese that can be used to make them. One option is to use a blend of cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheese, also known as 'Cheddar Jack cheese'. This blend gives a creamy melt with a hint of sharpness, making it ideal for enchiladas.
When making chicken enchiladas with Cheddar Jack cheese, it's important to season the chicken well with salt and pepper to bring out all the dish's flavours. You can also add fresh cilantro to complement the rich flavours of the cheese and chicken.
Some people prefer to use flour tortillas for their enchiladas, as they are tender and work well for a bite-sized dish. However, if you're looking for a more traditional flavour or a gluten-free option, white corn tortillas are a great choice.
Overall, Cheddar Jack cheese is a versatile and tasty option for chicken enchiladas that will give you a creamy, sharp flavour and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Colby cheddar
If you want to make your enchiladas more traditional, you could use white corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. You could also add some fresh cilantro to complement the rich flavours of the cheese and chicken.
Some people prefer to use Mexican cheese in their enchiladas, but Colby cheddar is a good option if you want a more Tex-Mex style dish. In fact, Colby cheddar is a common enchilada ingredient in South Texas.
You could also add some black beans and diced green chillies to your enchiladas, which would go well with the Colby cheddar.
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Pepperjack
When using pepperjack cheese in chicken enchiladas, it's important to balance the other flavours in the dish. The cheese has a strong enough flavour to stand up to other bold ingredients, such as black beans, green chillies, and a rich tomato sauce. However, you may want to avoid using other strongly flavoured cheeses in the same dish, as this could overwhelm the palate.
To make the most of pepperjack's melting properties, it's best to shred the cheese before adding it to your enchiladas. This will ensure it melts evenly and creates a cohesive sauce. You can also mix the shredded cheese with other ingredients, such as cooked chicken and chopped vegetables, before rolling them up in the tortillas.
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Oaxaca
Enchiladas are a popular dish, especially in Texas and Mexico. While there are many different types of cheese that can be used in enchiladas, Oaxaca is a popular choice.
To make chicken enchiladas with Oaxaca cheese, start by shredding or grating the cheese. You can use Oaxaca cheese on its own or blend it with other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, to create a unique flavour profile. Season your chicken with kosher salt and black pepper to bring out all the dish's flavours. You can also add diced green chillies for a spicy kick.
For the tortillas, you can use either flour or white corn tortillas. Flour tortillas are softer and more tender, while white corn tortillas have a more traditional flavour and are gluten-free. Layer your tortillas with the seasoned chicken, shredded Oaxaca cheese, and any other desired fillings, such as black beans or fresh cilantro. Roll up the tortillas and place them in a baking dish. Top with more shredded cheese and your choice of enchilada sauce. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Mozzarella
When choosing mozzarella for chicken enchiladas, opt for a block of fresh mozzarella that you can grate yourself, rather than pre-grated mozzarella, which can be coated in anti-caking agents that may affect the texture of the dish.
For the best flavour, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and add fresh cilantro for a pop of colour and a burst of freshness. You could also add black beans and diced green chillies to complement the mozzarella.
If you want to make your enchiladas extra cheesy, you could add a blend of several different cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Cheddar.
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Frequently asked questions
A blend of several cheeses is recommended, including Monterrey Jack, cheddar, Oaxaca, Colby, Pepperjack, and mozzarella.
Velveeta is not recommended for chicken enchiladas, as it is considered more of a cheese sauce.
Authentic Mexican spots use different kinds of white cheeses, but almost always only white.
Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses in chicken enchiladas, such as Mexican cheese, American cheese, or a blend of several cheeses.
