Cheese Enchilada Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 08, 2025

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The Ultimate Cheese Enchilada Recipe: A Flavor Fiesta in Every Bite

Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that's both comforting and incredibly flavorful? Look no further than this ultimate cheese enchilada recipe! This guide will walk you through creating a cheesy, saucy, and utterly irresistible Mexican-inspired masterpiece that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Get ready to experience a flavor fiesta in every bite!

Ingredients You'll Need: A Symphony of Flavors

Before we dive into the cooking process, let's gather our ingredients. This recipe emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure an exceptional taste. You'll need:

• For the Enchilada Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Cheese Filling:

  • 16 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (A blend of Mexican cheeses would be fantastic!)
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions

• Other Essentials:

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for topping)
  • Cooking spray or oil for greasing the pan

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Enchilada Perfection

Now, let's embark on the journey of creating these delightful cheese enchiladas. Follow these simple steps and you'll be rewarded with an unforgettable culinary experience.

Step 1: Crafting the Enchilada Sauce

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 2: Assembling the Enchiladas

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.
3. Warm the corn tortillas. You can do this by microwaving them for 15-20 seconds, or by heating them in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side until pliable.
4. Fill each tortilla with about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture. Roll tightly and place seam-down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Baking to Golden Perfection

1. Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas.
2. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 4: Serving and Enjoying Your Creation

Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra green onions, sour cream, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of your homemade cheese enchiladas!

Tips and Variations: Elevating Your Enchilada Game

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the enchilada sauce for an extra kick.
• Add some veggies: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers or onions into the cheese filling for added flavor and texture.
• Make it vegetarian: Use a vegetarian cheese blend to keep your enchiladas completely vegetarian.
• Experiment with different cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Queso fresco, Oaxaca, or Chihuahua cheeses would be excellent additions or substitutions.

This recipe is your starting point; feel free to adapt and modify it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy the process and the delicious results!