Randy Chandler
Enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish that can be made with a variety of fillings and sauces. While there are many variations, cheese enchiladas are a classic and simple recipe that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. The type of cheese used in enchiladas can vary, but it is important to use a variety that melts well and creates a stretchy, restaurant-style experience. This paragraph will discuss the different options for when to add cheese to enchiladas, as well as some popular cheese and sauce combinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Mexican blend, Colby Jack, Mild Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, Sharp Cheddar, Fiesta Cheese, Pepper Jack, Cheddar Jack |
| Cheese texture | Shredded, freshly grated |
| Amount of cheese | 1/2 cup, 4 cups, 2 generous tablespoons, a handful, a scoop |
| Cheese placement | Inside the enchilada, on top of the enchilada, on top of the enchilada sauce |
| Enchilada sauce | Red, green, salsa verde, sour cream, tomato and green chile, Tex-Mex, beef broth |
| Tortilla type | Corn, flour, white corn, yellow corn, gluten-free flour |
| Tortilla preparation | Fried, softened, warmed, lightly fried |
| Baking temperature | 350°F, 375°F |
| Baking time | 10-15 minutes, 20-25 minutes, 20-30 minutes, 25-30 minutes, 30 minutes |
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Before baking
Cheese enchiladas are a delicious, quick, and easy meal to make. They are also versatile, as you can use a variety of cheeses, sauces, and fillings. The type of tortilla you use can also vary, but corn tortillas are the most traditional.
The Tortillas
Firstly, you will need to decide on the type of tortilla you wish to use. Corn tortillas are the most traditional and are typically preferred for their taste and texture. However, flour tortillas are also a popular choice, especially if you are looking for a gluten-free option. You can also use white corn tortillas or yellow corn tortillas, which are sturdier and less delicate than regular corn tortillas.
Once you have selected your tortillas, you will need to prepare them for rolling. Corn tortillas should be softened before rolling, as they are more prone to cracking. One method is to wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30 to 45 seconds, or until soft and pliable. Another method is to fry them gently in a little oil, which also enhances their flavor.
The Filling
The next step is to fill your tortillas. You can use a variety of cheeses, but shredded cheese is typically recommended as it melts better. Popular choices include sharp Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses. You can also add other fillings to your enchiladas, such as refried beans, cooked shredded chicken, onions, olives, mushrooms, or any other vegetables of your choice.
Once your tortillas are filled, it's time to roll them up. Place the filling in the center of the tortilla, then roll it up snugly and place it seam-side down in your prepared baking dish.
The Sauce
After all, the enchiladas are rolled and placed in the baking dish, it's time to add the sauce. You can use a variety of sauces, such as red enchilada sauce, green enchilada sauce, salsa verde, or even a simple mixture of tomato sauce and tomato paste. Pour the sauce over the enchiladas, making sure to cover every inch of the tortilla.
Finally, it's time to add the finishing touches. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the enchiladas, and perhaps add some extra toppings like chopped onions, cilantro, or even some shredded cabbage.
Now your cheese enchiladas are ready for baking!
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After baking
Once your enchiladas are baked, you should let them cool slightly before serving. Some recipes suggest leaving them to cool for 5 minutes, while others recommend letting them cool until the cheese is no longer bubbly. This should take around 10 to 15 minutes in a 350°F oven.
You can serve your enchiladas with a variety of toppings and sides. Some common toppings include cilantro, sour cream, shredded cabbage, cotija cheese, chopped tomatoes, sliced radishes, diced white onion, avocado, and jalapeños. You can also add a squeeze of lime and a dollop of guacamole. If you want to add some crunch to your meal, serve your enchiladas with a side of tortilla chips.
If you have any leftover enchiladas, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. To reheat, bake your enchiladas at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese has remelted.
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Cheese and fillings
Enchiladas are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses and fillings. Here are some tips and options for creating delicious cheese enchiladas with various fillings:
Cheese:
When it comes to cheese, the options are endless. You can use a Mexican blend of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack, which melt beautifully and create that signature stretch. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for a mild-to-medium cheddar instead of sharp cheddar. Freshly grated cheese is always best, as it melts more smoothly and has a superior flavour and texture. However, if you're short on time, a high-quality bag of pre-shredded Mexican-blend cheese is a good alternative. For a truly restaurant-style experience, look for a blend that melts and stretches to get that signature enchilada cheese pull.
Fillings:
The most popular fillings for enchiladas include beans, chicken, and vegetables.
- Bean Enchiladas: Refried beans are a classic filling option. You can make them homemade or use canned beans. Simply add a scoop of beans to each tortilla and top with cheese before rolling it up.
- Chicken Enchiladas: Shredded chicken enchiladas are a delicious choice. Fill each tortilla with cooked, shredded chicken and cheese. You can also add various seasonings, such as taco seasoning, to enhance the flavour.
- Vegetable Enchiladas: Enchiladas can be a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal. Popular vegetable options include onions, mushrooms, green onions, and olives. You can also add vegetables like spinach or chopped cabbage as toppings after baking.
- Other Options: Enchiladas can be customised to your taste. Some people enjoy adding rice, such as Mexican rice or Spanish rice, to their enchiladas. You can also include other proteins like shrimp or ground beef. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of sauces, such as salsa verde or green enchilada sauce, to create a unique flavour profile.
No matter which fillings you choose, the key to delicious enchiladas is to ensure that your tortillas are warmed, softened, and rolled tightly before baking. This helps create a seamless dining experience where the flavours and textures blend harmoniously.
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Cheese and sauce
When making cheese enchiladas, you can use a variety of cheeses, such as freshly grated mild cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend of sharp cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack. It is recommended to shred the cheese yourself, as this will make it melt better. You can also add other ingredients to your cheese enchiladas, such as refried beans, cooked shredded chicken, or vegetables like onions, mushrooms, and olives.
For the sauce, you can use a canned or homemade red enchilada sauce, green enchilada sauce, or salsa verde. You can also get creative and make your own sauce by combining tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Creole-style seasoning, or beef broth, flour, and spices for a Tex-Mex "gravy." If you want to add some extra creaminess to your sauce, you can mix in some sour cream.
To assemble your cheese enchiladas, start by warming your tortillas. Corn tortillas are traditional, but you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer. Soften the tortillas by frying them gently in a little oil, warming them in the oven, or microwaving them wrapped in a damp paper towel. Once your tortillas are soft, it's time to add the cheese and roll them up. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in a baking dish.
After assembling the enchiladas, it's time to add the sauce. Pour the sauce over the enchiladas, making sure to cover every inch of the tortillas. Then, sprinkle more shredded cheese on top. You can also add some toppings at this point, such as chopped onions, cilantro, or other ingredients like guacamole, pico de gallo, jalapeños, or sour cream.
Finally, bake your cheese enchiladas in the oven at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you're short on time, you can bake them at a higher temperature of 375°F for 20 minutes, and then uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
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Cheese and toppings
When it comes to cheese and toppings, there are a few options to consider for enchiladas. Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of cheese for the best flavour and texture. A blend of cheeses is often recommended, such as a Mexican blend of sharp cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack, which melts well and stretches for that restaurant-style experience. Other cheese options include Colby Jack, mild cheddar, and Monterey Jack, or simply a high-quality bag of Mexican-blend shredded cheese. Freshly grated cheese is always preferable to pre-shredded for optimal melting and flavour.
Once the cheese is selected, it's time to assemble the enchiladas. For a simple cheese enchilada, fill each tortilla with a handful of cheese, roll it up tightly and place it in a baking dish seam-side down. Repeat this process until all the tortillas are filled and rolled. Then, pour the enchilada sauce over the tortillas, making sure they are completely covered to avoid dryness. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Some recipes suggest adding other ingredients to the cheese filling, such as refried beans, cooked shredded chicken, onions, olives, and mushrooms. These additional ingredients can enhance the flavour and texture of the enchiladas. However, it is essential to note that the focus of this dish remains the cheese.
After baking the enchiladas, various toppings can be added to enhance their flavour and presentation. Common toppings include chopped white onions, cilantro, shredded cabbage, cotija cheese, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, iceberg lettuce, and avocado. For a spicier kick, toppings such as jalapeños, green chiles, and spicy salsa can be offered on the side.
Additionally, some recipes suggest making a "gravy" to top the enchiladas, which consists of a blend of spices, beef broth, and flour to create a thick and creamy sauce. This sauce is then poured over the enchiladas before serving, adding a savoury and authentic Tex-Mex touch to the dish.
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Frequently asked questions
You should put cheese in your enchiladas when you are filling your tortillas. You can fill your tortillas with cheese only, or you can add other ingredients such as refried beans, chicken, or vegetables.
There are many types of cheese that you can use for enchiladas, including Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, and Colby Jack. You can also use a Mexican blend of cheeses, which will provide the perfect mix of melting and stretching cheeses.
This is up to personal preference, but generally, you should put a "handful" or a "generous" amount of cheese in each tortilla, reserving some to sprinkle on top of the enchiladas before baking.
Yes, you can make cheese enchiladas ahead of time. You can fill and roll your tortillas and place them in a baking dish, then store them in the refrigerator for a few hours or even freeze them for up to a month. Just be sure to add the sauce and final layer of cheese just before baking.
Besides cheese, you will need tortillas, enchilada sauce, and a baking dish. You can also add various fillings and toppings, such as refried beans, chicken, vegetables, sour cream, or salsa.
