How to Make Cheese Enchiladas: Easy Recipe

Cheese enchiladas are a warm, comforting dish made with soft corn tortillas, melted cheese, and a smooth, savory sauce. This simple recipe is easy for anyone to make, whether you’re cooking a cozy family meal or treating yourself after a long day. The flavors are familiar, satisfying, and full of classic comfort.

This version keeps things approachable with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps. Freshly grated cheese melts smoothly, warm tortillas stay soft, and the red sauce brings everything together. The guide includes ingredients, instructions, tips, customization ideas, nutrition info, and serving suggestions to help you cook confidently and enjoy the relaxing process.

Ingredients Needs

This ingredients list serves four but it can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.

For the enchiladas

• 12 corn tortillas
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the sauce

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste

Step by Step Cooking Instructions

Warm and prepare the tortillas

Start by warming the corn tortillas. This step prevents tearing later and helps them absorb the sauce more evenly. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brush it lightly with a small amount of vegetable oil. Warm each tortilla for about twenty to thirty seconds per side until soft and flexible. Stack them on a plate and cover them with a clean towel to keep them warm.

Prepare the sauce

Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour until smooth and lightly golden. Add the chili powder and cook until fragrant. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, then add the seasonings and tomato paste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes until thick and smooth, then taste and adjust the salt if needed.

Sauté the onion and garlic

In a small skillet heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent. This usually takes about five minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.

Mix the cheese filling

In a large bowl combine the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Toss everything together until evenly combined. This mixture will be the flavorful filling that makes the enchiladas rich and comforting.

Assemble the enchiladas

Preheat the oven to 375°F and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take a warm tortilla, add a generous scoop of the cheese mixture to the center, then roll it up and place it seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, arranging them snugly so they hold their shape while baking.

Add the sauce and bake

Pour the remaining sauce over the rolled enchiladas, making sure each tortilla is fully covered. Add a little extra cheese on top if you want it extra cheesy. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. The edges may crisp slightly and the sauce will deepen in flavor. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Cheese enchiladas are easy to customize to your taste. You can swap cheeses using pepper jack for heat, queso fresco for a traditional touch, or a blend for extra richness. Add veggies like spinach, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, or mushrooms, adjusting the cheese slightly so the tortillas roll well. For more spice, increase chili powder, add cayenne, or mix in pickled jalapeños. If you prefer brighter flavors, use a green tomatillo sauce instead of red. You can also make the dish creamier with a bit of sour cream in the filling or sauce, and use whole wheat or flour tortillas if you want a softer texture.

Nutritional Information

One serving of these cheese enchiladas (out of four) contains roughly 480 calories, 22g of protein, 25g of fat, 38g of carbohydrates, 5g of fiber, and about 900mg of sodium. It’s a rich, satisfying dish, so consider lighter sides or smaller portions if you want a more balanced meal.

erfect for comfort food nights. If you want to lighten it a bit you can reduce the cheese slightly and include more vegetables in the filling.

Serving Suggestions

Cheese enchiladas pair nicely with simple sides and toppings. Fresh additions like cilantro, diced tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, or avocado brighten the dish. Spanish rice, black beans, buttered corn, or a crisp salad make great accompaniments, and a squeeze of lime adds a refreshing pop of acidity. Serving the enchiladas family-style placing the dish in the center of the table creates a warm, communal feel.

Frequently Asked Questions