Classic Cheese Enchiladas

Craving cheesy enchiladas? This cheese enchilada recipe is pure comfort! Easy sauce, melty cheese, perfect for weeknights. A family fave! Get the recipe now.

Recipe Introduction

Ever find yourself craving that cheesy, saucy goodness? honestly, who doesn't? that's why i'm sharing my go-to cheese enchilada recipe .

It's a family favorite, and trust me, it's a winner. get ready for a flavour explosion!

Quick Hook

This cheese enchilada recipe brings all the comfort food vibes. melty cheese, tangy sauce, and soft tortillas, all baked to perfection.

You know, i think this recipe is as satisfying as chicken enchiladas mexican.

Brief Overview

Cheese enchiladas have been a tex-mex staple for ages. they are an authentic dish that has a wide audience that loves that.

It’s an easy dish to put together, and this version is proper quick. we are talking about 40 minutes, start to finish.

This recipe makes 6 enchiladas – ideal for a family of three. you can also use it as a side dish, serving 6.

Main Benefits

One of the best things? the simple ingredients pack a surprising nutritional punch, with protein and calcium. this dish is ideal for a week night.

I always make it, and it is now a tradition. you can even throw an enchilada party ideas ! what makes this cheese enchilada recipe special is the smoky chipotle kick in the sauce.

And now, time to talk about our ingredients! Get those rolling pins ready, mate.

The Secret is in the Sauce, Seriously

The sauce is not your usual salsa verde enchilada sauce . we are talking about a custom made. trust me, i've tried jarred stuff, and it's never quite the same.

I'm thinking we can get some green enchilada recipe chicken here with a chicken broth.

Building Your Cheesy Masterpiece

Let's be honest, the cheese is key to this cheese enchilada recipe. forget that pre-shredded nonsense. buy a block of good cheddar.

And don’t overfill the tortillas, you know? otherwise, you might get a mess everywhere. chicken chili verde enchiladas can also be an option if you want to include chicken.

Baking it to Perfection and Don't Forget the Toppings

Remember, don't worry if your salsa enchiladas aren't perfectly rolled. they're still gonna taste amazing. i love adding some diced white onion and cilantro, maybe a dollop of sour cream.

You could even get some chicken enchiladas with cream cheese and sour cream . honestly, i'm already drooling just thinking about it.

But be open! try some different enchilada toppings and you will have some nice enchilada ideas !

Alright then, let's dive into what you'll need to make a killer cheese enchilada recipe . trust me, even if you think you can't cook, you can nail this.

We are aiming for an easy creamy chicken enchilada recipe vibe, but keeping it classic.

Ingredients & Equipment

So, what do we need to make these cheesy wonders?

Main Ingredients - The Cheese Fiesta!

Okay, picture this: warm, melty cheese oozing out of a soft tortilla blanket. That's the dream, right? Here's the shopping list to get us there.

• Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Any neutral oil will do.
• All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons (30 g). This thickens the sauce.
• Chili powder: 2 tablespoons (30 ml/16 g). This is your base flavor. Go for a good quality one for the best taste.
• Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon (5 ml/2 g). Adds that earthy, smoky vibe.
• Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml/1 g). Because garlic makes everything better.
• Onion powder: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml/0.5 g). Enhances the savory notes.
• Chipotle chili powder: ⅛ teaspoon (a pinch!) (0.625 ml/0.25 g). Seriously, just a pinch! For a tiny kick.
• Tomato sauce: 1 (15-ounce) can (425 g). The base of our sauce.
• Chicken broth: 1 cup (240 ml). Adds depth of flavor. For Chicken Chili Verde Enchiladas or a Green Enchilada Recipe Chicken , consider using a chicken broth with a touch of lime.
• Corn tortillas: 6 . These are traditionally used, but flour work too.
• Cheddar cheese: 2 cups shredded (approx. 200g). Or Monterey Jack, or a blend! A great base for your Enchiladas No Cheese if you are looking to modify.

Cheese Quality: Honestly, spring for a decent cheddar. Pre-shredded is fine, but freshly grated melts better.

Seasoning Notes - Spice Up Your Life!

Now, about that sauce. This is where you can really make it your own. We are aiming to create a Salsa Verde Enchilada Sauce type of feel with our spices.

• Essential Spice Combos: Chili powder + cumin = the classic enchilada flavour.
• Flavor Enhancers: A tiny bit of smoked paprika can add some depth.
• Quick Subs: Don't have chili powder? Use a mix of paprika, cayenne, and oregano.

Equipment Needed - Keep It Simple!

No need for fancy gadgets here.

• Large skillet. For making the sauce.
• 9x13 inch baking dish. To bake the enchiladas.
• Small bowl. For dipping tortillas.

Household Hacks: No baking dish? An oven-safe skillet works in a pinch.

Right, i think that's everything! you are now fully equipped to give this cheese enchilada recipe a bash. these make great lunch recipes with cream cheese because it is the kind of left over lunch that brings joy to the workplace.

Next up, we're diving into the actual cooking process!

Right then, let's get cracking on those enchiladas! i reckon a good cheese enchilada recipe is a must-have in everyone's kitchen arsenal.

It's proper comfort food, innit? quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. this ain't your average, boring enchilada bake, though. we're gonna give it a bit of love and make it something special.

You know, something that makes you go "oh my gosh, that's amazing!"

Cheesy Goodness: Classic Cheese Enchiladas

Fancy a hug in a tortilla? these cheese enchiladas are all that and more. picture this: melty cheese, a sauce that's got a bit of a kick, and soft tortillas.

Perfect for a quick week night chicken recipes dinner or a bit of enchilada party ideas . honestly, it's simpler than you think.

Even if you're not exactly nigella lawson, you'll nail this.

Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 25 minutes. Total time: 40 minutes. This serves six.

Prep Like a Pro

• Essential mise en place: Get your ingredients ready. Chop your onions and cilantro. Grate that cheese! Having everything prepped saves loads of time. No one wants to be faffing about while the sauce is burning!
• Time-saving tips: Pre-shredded cheese is your friend, but freshly grated melts better. Lunch recipes with cream cheese could use up your leftovers.
• Safety first: Don't burn yourself when dipping the tortillas! Hot oil is no joke.

Roll with It: The Enchilada Dance

1. Sauce it up! Heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour. Cook for 1 minute . Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of chipotle chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds . Slowly add 1 can of tomato sauce and 1 cup of chicken broth. Simmer until thickened. Season to taste. Trust me, this sauce is the secret weapon.
2. Tortilla time! Heat a little oil in a pan. Briefly dip each of your 6 corn tortillas in the oil for about 5 seconds per side. This stops them from cracking. I learnt that the hard way!
3. Fill 'em up! Dip each tortilla in the enchilada sauce. Load it with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese . Roll it up and place it in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Think of it like wrapping a little present of cheesy goodness.
4. Bake to perfection! Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas. Sprinkle with extra cheese. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20- 25 minutes . You want it bubbly and golden brown.
5. Garnish and grub! Top with onion and cilantro (if using). Serve with sour cream or Mexican crema. It's delish.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Enchiladas

• Don't overfill! Too much cheese and they'll burst. Nobody wants a cheesy explosion in the oven.
• Warm tortillas are key! Seriously, don't skip this step. It's a game-changer.
• Cheese matters! Good quality cheese melts better. Try Monterey Jack for a change or green chicken enchiladas cream cheese

And there you have it – a cheese enchilada recipe that's easy as pie. you can totally switch it up – maybe try some chicken chili verde enchiladas next time or even salsa enchiladas .

I hope you enjoy them as much as i do!

Right, let's get into those extra bits that make a recipe sing , yeah?

Recipe Notes

Okay, so you’ve got your cheese enchilada recipe down. amazing! but let's elevate those bad boys, shall we? these notes are like little secrets to take your cheesy goodness to the next level.

Serving Suggestions: It's All About the Vibe

Presentation is key, innit? for plating, think about a bed of shredded lettuce to give it some colour and freshness.

A dollop of sour cream is always welcome! or go fancy with a drizzle of mexican crema if you're feeling posh.

For sides, classic mexican rice and refried beans are a must. but consider a fresh avocado salad too! drinks-wise, a cold mexican beer or a refreshing margarita hits the spot.

If you're off the booze, sparkling limeade does the trick. enchilada party ideas galore!

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? (If you do, you're stronger than me, mate!). For refrigeration, pop those enchiladas in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. They'll be good for about 3-4 days.

Freezing? absolutely! wrap them individually in cling film, then foil. they’ll last for up to 3 months. when reheating, oven is best, but the microwave works in a pinch.

Just add a splash of water to keep them moist.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy a lighter version? Adaptations are your friend.

Firstly, swap some cheese for veggies. Courgette, bell peppers, sweetcorn - anything goes! For a dietary variation. If you're feeling fancy, try making Chicken Chili Verde Enchiladas !

Secondly, think seasonal! In summer, use fresh tomatoes in the sauce. In autumn, butternut squash adds a lovely sweetness.

For a bit of comfort food, you can also try Green Chicken Enchiladas Cream Cheese . If you don't want cheese, why not try Enchiladas No Cheese ?

Nutrition Basics: A Little Something Extra

Okay, so enchiladas aren’t exactly health food. but let's be real, sometimes you just need that cheesy fix! roughly, each serving packs a decent punch of protein and calcium.

Plus, the chili powder adds a little antioxidant boost.

Keep things balanced by serving with plenty of fresh veg. Want to lean towards the light side? Consider the health benefits of Salsa Verde Enchilada Sauce

Honestly, a Green Enchilada Recipe Chicken is good for you to feel happy, and it is not bad to be happy sometimes!

Craving more than just cheese and sauce? consider some enchilada toppings . some enchilada ideas could include fresh herbs. you could even serve salsa enchiladas ! i once took some lunch recipes with cream cheese and used them as enchilada party ideas .

And don't forget, the key is to keep it fun!

Right then, you’re armed with everything you need. Now get in that kitchen and make some seriously awesome enchiladas. You've got this! Seriously!

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My tortillas keep cracking when I roll them. What am I doing wrong with this cheese enchilada recipe?

Ah, the dreaded tortilla crack! The most common culprit is not warming your tortillas enough. This recipe recommends briefly dipping them in hot oil to soften them up – think of it like a spa day for your tortillas, making them pliable and ready to roll. You can also warm them in a dry skillet or even wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them briefly.

Can I make these cheese enchiladas ahead of time? I'm having a dinner party, you know, like Downton Abbey style, but with enchiladas.

Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since they'll be starting cold. Just don't add the sour cream topping until after baking so it doesn't curdle. This is like having your own Mrs. Patmore in the kitchen!

What kind of cheese is best for a cheese enchilada recipe?

That's a smashing question! While this recipe calls for cheddar, you've got options! Monterey Jack is a classic choice for its melty goodness and mild flavor. Oaxaca cheese is also wonderful, giving you that amazing cheese pull. You can even mix cheeses for a more complex flavor – cheddar and Monterey Jack is a foolproof combo, like Ant and Dec but cheesier!

How can I make these cheese enchiladas spicier? My family likes it hot, like a curry from Brick Lane!

Right, let's crank up the heat! The easiest way is to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeño to the enchilada sauce. You could also use a hotter chili powder or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce – think Sriracha or a smoky chipotle sauce. For extra oomph, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, that'll definitely bring the fire.

How do I store leftover cheese enchiladas? And how long will they last?

Proper storage is key to enjoying those delicious leftovers! Let the enchiladas cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them (though they might get a bit softer) or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through - sort of like a "ready meal" but way better!

Are there nutritional concerns I should be aware of when consuming this cheese enchilada recipe?

Cheese enchiladas are a delicious treat, but can be relatively high in calories, fat, and sodium, depending on the cheese and sauce you use. Consider using lower-fat cheese, and keep an eye on the sodium content of your tomato sauce and broth. This will keep things healthier. Serving with a side salad is a good idea and will help you to get one of your "5 a day" like the government recommends!

Previous Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchilada Recipe: Speedy Weeknight Fix!
Next Recipe: Authentic cuban black beans recipe: Abuela's Secret!