Cheese Enchiladas: Best Sauces To Pair With Beans

Bean and cheese enchiladas are a popular dish, with many recipes online. The sauce is a key component of the dish, with many recipes including a red enchilada sauce, made with broiled vegetables, fresh lime juice, chipotle in adobo sauce, and spices such as cumin and garlic powder. Some recipes suggest a green enchilada sauce or a simple tomato-based sauce as an alternative.

Enchilada sauce options: red, green, or homemade

Enchiladas are a fun and flavourful dish to make, and the sauce you choose can really make them next-level. There are a few different routes you can go down when it comes to enchilada sauce: red, green, or homemade. Each will give your enchiladas a different character, so it's worth thinking about which will best suit your taste preferences and the occasion.

Red enchilada sauce is a popular choice and can be easily made at home or bought in a can. It typically includes ingredients such as chili powder, flour, vegetable or canola oil, water, tomato paste, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought red enchilada sauce as a base and add your own touches, such as chipotle in adobo, chili powder, hot sauce, dried oregano, fresh cilantro, or salt to taste.

Green enchilada sauce is another option and can be made from salsa verde (jarred or fresh). It will give your enchiladas a fresh, herbal kick. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own green enchilada sauce from scratch.

Finally, if you want to go the extra mile, you can make your own enchilada sauce from scratch. This allows you to fully customise the flavour to your liking and ensure it complements the other components of your meal. For example, one recipe includes broiled vegetables, fresh lime juice, and a chipotle in adobo sauce. Another option is to blend together canned tomatoes, chili powder, and charred vegetables like peppers, onions, and garlic. You can also add hot sauce, dried oregano, fresh cilantro, or salt to taste.

No matter which sauce you choose, the key to success is in the details. Taking the time to toast your tortillas, use high-quality ingredients, and season your sauce to perfection will result in enchiladas that are sure to impress.

Filling options: refried beans, black beans, chicken, cilantro, vegetables, or cheese

Refried Beans

Refried beans are a popular filling option for enchiladas. They are often used in combination with other ingredients, such as chicken, cheese, and vegetables. Refried beans add nutrition, fiber, and protein to the dish.

Black Beans

Black beans are another popular option for enchilada fillings. They can be used on their own or in combination with other ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or chicken.

Chicken

Chicken is a versatile protein that can be shredded, diced, or ground and used as a filling for enchiladas. It pairs well with a variety of other ingredients, including beans, vegetables, and cheese.

Cilantro

Cilantro is a fresh herb that adds a bright, tangy flavor to enchiladas. It is often used as a garnish or mixed into the filling. Cilantro pairs well with other ingredients such as chicken, beans, and vegetables.

Vegetables

Vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, corn, onion, sweet potato, or butternut squash can be added to enchiladas for extra flavor, texture, and nutrition. They can be used on their own or in combination with other fillings such as beans, chicken, or cheese.

Cheese

Cheese is a classic enchilada filling and can be used on its own or in combination with other ingredients. Popular cheese options for enchiladas include Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Mexican blends. Cheese adds creaminess and flavor to the dish.

Cheese options: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, cheddar, or vegan

When it comes to cheese, less is more with enchiladas. A light hand with the cheese allows the other flavours to shine.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a semi-firm, creamy, mild-flavoured cheese made from cow's milk that's aged for a short period. It originated in present-day San Diego with Spanish missionaries in the 1700s. It's the base cheese for Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, and Cheddar Jack. It melts easily and is a good baseline cheese because of its mild flavour.

Pepper Jack

Pepper Jack is a mix of Monterey Jack and sweet peppers, fresh herbs, habanero chillies, garlic, and jalapenos. It's a little different and varies in spiciness. It's a good option for those who like a little kick.

Cheddar

Cheddar Jack is a mix of Cheddar and Monterey Jack. Cheddar is a sharp cheese, so Cheddar Jack will give you some sharpness.

Vegan

There are vegan cheese options available. One reviewer of a bean and cheese enchilada recipe said they used Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds with grated Chao slices to make a vegan version.

Tortilla options: corn, flour, or a blend

When it comes to bean and cheese enchiladas, you can't go wrong with either corn or flour tortillas. However, there are some key differences between the two that may influence your decision.

Corn tortillas have a longer history and are considered more traditional in Mexican cuisine. They offer a more complex taste and texture and are typically smaller, making them a good choice for portion control. Corn tortillas are also gluten-free, making them a suitable option for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. On the downside, corn tortillas are less sturdy and have a higher risk of falling apart, especially when used for larger dishes like burritos.

Flour tortillas, on the other hand, are more elastic and durable, making them ideal for holding larger amounts of filling. They are also easier to prepare at home and can be made with simple ingredients like wheat flour, water, and salt. However, flour tortillas tend to have more fat and calories and are not suitable for gluten-free diets.

If you want the best of both worlds, you can opt for corn-flour blend tortillas, which offer the flavour of corn with the integrity of flour.

Ultimately, the choice between corn and flour tortillas depends on your personal preference, the availability of ingredients, and the specific requirements of your dish.

Toppings: avocado, cilantro, green onions, or sour cream

Avocado, cilantro, green onions, and sour cream are all delicious toppings for bean and cheese enchiladas. Here are some ideas on how to prepare and incorporate them into your dish:

Avocado

Avocado is a great way to add a creamy texture and healthy fats to your enchiladas. Slice a ripe avocado thinly and place the slices on top of your enchiladas after they come out of the oven. You can also mash the avocado and add some lime juice and salt to make a simple guacamole to top your enchiladas.

Cilantro

Cilantro adds a fresh, herbal flavour to your enchiladas. Finely chop a handful of cilantro leaves and sprinkle them over your enchiladas before serving. You can also mix chopped cilantro into your salsa or guacamole to incorporate its flavour throughout your dish.

Green Onions

Green onions, also known as scallions, provide a mild onion flavour and a bright pop of colour. Thinly slice the green onions and sprinkle them over your enchiladas before serving. You can also mix them into your salsa or guacamole, or add them to the filling of your enchiladas for a more subtle flavour.

Sour Cream

Sour cream adds a tangy, creamy element to your enchiladas. You can serve it on the side as a topping, or dollop it on top of your enchiladas before serving. For a lighter option, you can use Greek yoghurt instead of sour cream.

Frequently asked questions