Cheese Enchilada Recipe: How to Make the Classic Mexican Comfort Food

There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm plate of cheese enchiladas. From the gooey melted cheese to the rich, bold flavor of red enchilada sauce, this classic Mexican dish offers the ultimate comfort in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, learning how to make cheese enchiladas from scratch is easier than you might think.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything: the ingredients, the technique, and tips to get that perfect blend of flavor and texture—just like abuela used to make.

🧀 What Are Cheese Enchiladas?

Cheese enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish made by filling soft corn tortillas with cheese, rolling them up, and smothering them in enchilada sauce before baking. They’re usually topped with even more cheese, baked until bubbly, and served hot. It’s a beloved comfort food across Mexico and the southwestern United States, often enjoyed with rice, beans, or a simple salad.

🍽 Ingredients You’ll Need

To make authentic cheese enchiladas, you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients—just quality, flavorful basics.

For the Enchiladas:

• 10 corn tortillas (softened)
• 3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional but traditional)

For the Red Enchilada Sauce (homemade or store-bought):

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt to taste

👩‍🍳 How to Make Cheese Enchiladas

Let’s break it down step-by-step to make the process easy, even for beginners.

🔥 Step 1: Make the Red Enchilada Sauce

You can use store-bought enchilada sauce, but homemade gives you control over flavor and spice level.

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and stir.
4. Slowly whisk in the broth to avoid lumps.
5. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Season with salt to taste.

🌮 Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

Corn tortillas are traditional, but they can break if not softened first.

Tip: Lightly fry each tortilla in a bit of oil for about 10 seconds per side. Alternatively, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30–40 seconds to soften.

🧀 Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
3. Place a few tablespoons of cheese (and a bit of onion, if using) in each tortilla.
4. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
5. Once all enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.
6. Sprinkle additional cheese over everything.

🔥 Step 4: Bake

• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

🍴 How to Serve Cheese Enchiladas

Cheese enchiladas are best served hot out of the oven with your favorite sides. Try pairing them with:

• Mexican rice
• Refried beans or black beans
• Guacamole or avocado slices
• Pico de gallo or salsa
• Sour cream or crema

🧂 Tips for the Best Cheese Enchiladas

1. Use good-quality cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack provides a nice balance of sharpness and melt.
2. Don’t skip the sauce: It’s the heart of the dish—flavorful and rich.
3. Fry the tortillas: Just a quick dip in hot oil improves texture and prevents breaking.
4. Make ahead: You can assemble them in advance and bake later—perfect for meal prep or guests.

🌶 Variations You Can Try

• Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or use a spicier chili powder.
• Creamy: Mix cheese with sour cream or cream cheese for a creamy filling.
• Green enchiladas: Use green enchilada sauce (salsa verde) instead of red for a tangier twist.
• Protein boost: Add beans or seasoned tofu for extra substance while keeping it vegetarian.

🥄 Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Reheat: Add a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating to keep them moist.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Cheese Enchilada Recipe

• Comforting and nostalgic – just like mom or grandma used to make.
• Customizable – tweak the spice, cheese, or fillings to suit your taste.
• Easy to make – beginner-friendly with big flavor payoff.
• Budget-friendly – uses simple, pantry ingredients.

🌮 Final Thoughts

Cheese enchiladas are the ultimate Mexican comfort food—rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. With this simple and authentic cheese enchilada recipe, you can bring restaurant-style flavor right to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or indulging in a cozy solo meal, this dish is a guaranteed winner.