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How To Make Authentic Cheese Enchiladas!

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Have you ever wondered how to make authentic cheese enchiladas? Well, look no further because this is the only recipe that you need!

There is a restaurant near where I grew up that serves real, authentic Mexican food. Their cheese enchiladas are THE best, and people will drive long distances to enjoy them. When I met my husband, I took him to this restaurant, and he loved it because the cheese enchiladas tasted similar to his grandma’s. We have since made it our mission to find authentic cheese enchiladas in a restaurant near where we live, but unfortunately, most restaurants serve them with some sort of odd cheese sauce, and they are nowhere near as good as these…and the key, I have found out, is something called “gravy” and quality cheese!

Authentic Cheese Enchiladas

Real, authentic, delicious Mexican cheese must be oozing with real cheese and enchilada gravy, my friends. Remember that. Do not settle for less!

So…to be uber authentic with this recipe, you will need lard, not oil. I have never, used lard, and we cannot tell the difference, but I do find avocado oil is the best choice. Use what you have on hand or make a trip to the store to get some real lard; it’s up to you!

I love making cheese enchiladas because they are delicious, of course, but also because my KIDS think they are delicious! Luckily they have never had my husband’s family to make them enchiladas because they say mine are the best! They even get in on the fun of making them.

Make a side of Instant Pot Mexican Rice, Instant Pot Refried Beans, and Guacamole to accompany your enchiladas!

Authentic Cheese Enchiladas

Authentic Cheese Enchiladas

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

These authentic cheese enchiladas are out of this world delicious!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup avocado oil
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 TBSP chili powder
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 15-18 corn tortillas

Instructions

  1. Heat 1/2 cup of avocado oil pan over medium heat.
  2. Add in 1/3 cup of flour and whisk together to form a roux.
  3. Add in salt, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder and whisk together well.
  4. Add in 2 cups of chicken broth and whisk until the sauce thickens. (If it is too thick, add more broth, a tablespoon at a time)
  5. Turn enchilada gravy down to low and simmer while you complete the next steps, about 15 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  7. Heat 1/2 cup of oil or lard in a skillet on medium high. (This will make your tortillas not break when you fold them up.)
  8. When oil is hot, place one tortilla in oil for 20 seconds and flip.
  9. Cook for 10 more seconds and remove it. Place it on a paper towel lined pan or plate to absorb some of the oil.
  10. Repeat for the rest of your tortillas.
  11. When all your tortillas have been slightly cooked, sprinkle cheese in the middle of each tortilla and roll them up.
  12. Place rolled up, cheese stuffed tortillas on an oven safe plate, skillet, or casserole dish.
  13. Spoon enchilada sauce/gravy over the tortillas.
  14. Sprinkle as much shredded cheese on top of enchiladas as you like.
  15. Cover the dish with foil.
  16. Cook enchiladas in the oven for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully so they don't burn.
  17. Serve with rice and beans, or eat them by themselves!

How much did you love this recipe?

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Becca

Thursday 22nd of August 2024

We all thought the gravy was spot on.

Gena

Friday 23rd of August 2024

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your comment!

Nancy

Monday 29th of April 2024

Chef Lyssa, wow! Life is way too short to be that angry about a recipe comment. . She was simply asking a question. I hope you have a good day today.

Gina

Monday 29th of April 2024

Very clever, putting all the ads where it blocks any hope of seeing the recipe.

Gena

Monday 29th of April 2024

I'm sorry you had that experience. I was able to pull up the recipe with no ads blocking the recipe. Sometimes if you refresh it allows whatever is happening to clear itself. If you want to take a screenshot or describe the experience, I can share with my ad service to prevent that from happening. Unfortunately, bloggers post recipes for free so the ads are a necessary source of income, but they shouldn't be blocking the recipe.

Kathy Soule

Monday 22nd of August 2022

I much perfer grating my own cheese, but I have 2lbs of grated cheese in a bag! I must use it up. Will just add additional time and make sure the cheese melts. I know it's laden with corn starch, but can't c pitching it!

Linda Parman

Friday 29th of April 2022

I made the authentic enchilada sauce/gravy. I was worried about the amount of avocado oil (1 cup) used. The gravy tasted just like the oil. Really awful!

Gena

Friday 29th of April 2022

Hi Linda! You definitely don't want to use the whole cup of oil in the gravy itself. Half of it is supposed to be for frying the tortillas. I encourage you to try the recipe again and only use the 1/2 cup for the gravy. Good luck!

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Tyler, TX
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