Green enchilada sauce is a flavorful sauce made from green chiles and a variety of spices and herbs. It is a key ingredient in enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes. With so many brands of enchilada sauce on the market, it can be tough to determine which one is the best. This article will compare and contrast the most popular brands of canned green enchilada sauce to help you find the right one for your kitchen. We’ll dive into factors like flavor, spice level, texture, and price to see how the top brands stack up. Read on to become an enchilada sauce expert!
What Makes a Good Enchilada Sauce?
When evaluating enchilada sauce brands, here are some key factors to consider:
- Flavor – The sauce should taste rich, fresh, and well-balanced. It should have depth from ingredients like garlic, onion, cumin, and oregano. The flavors should complement, not overwhelm, whatever dish you pair it with.
- Spice level – Green enchilada sauce should have a noticeable kick but not be overwhelmingly hot. It should provide some spice without overpowering other flavors.
- Texture – A good texture is smooth and saucy. It should coat ingredients like tortillas or chicken without being watery or too thick.
- Quality ingredients – The best sauces are made with fresh green chiles, not powders. They avoid preservatives and artificial flavors.
- Versatility – The sauce should work well in enchiladas, tacos, burritos, tamales, and more. A sauce with broad uses is a better value.
- Price – While you often get what you pay for, cheaper isn’t always worse. The top sauces provide great flavor without breaking the bank.
Keeping these factors in mind, let’s see how some popular enchilada sauce brands compare.
Reviews of the Top Green Enchilada Sauce Brands
El Pato
El Pato is a long-time favorite enchilada sauce brand in many parts of the American Southwest. Here are the pros and cons of this classic sauce:
Pros:
- Rich, savory flavor with a light smoky note
- Made with high-quality ingredients like guajillo chiles
- Good medium spice level that isn’t overpowering
- Smooth, medium-thick consistency
- Works well in enchiladas, tacos, tamales, etc.
- Typically under $3 per can
Cons:
- Spice level can vary between batches
- Some find the smoky flavor overpowering
- Contains preservatives
- Not as readily available nationwide as some brands
Overall: With its flavorful sauce made from quality dried chiles, El Pato is a southwestern staple for a reason. This sauce makes delicious enchiladas with a nice mild spice.
Las Palmas
Las Palmas enchilada sauce is another old-school brand popular west of the Mississippi. Here is how it stacks up:
Pros:
- Bright, fresh green chile flavor
- Excellent herby notes like cilantro and oregano
- Smooth, medium consistency
- Works well in enchiladas, burritos, chili, etc.
- Typically under $2 per can
- Widely available at grocery stores
Cons:
- Spice level is fairly mild
- Flavor can vary between batches
- Contains preservatives and stabilizers
- Some find it too watery
Overall: With its bright chile flavor and affordable price, Las Palmas is a very solid choice for enchilada and taco nights. Add your own spices to kick up the heat.
Old El Paso
As one of the biggest enchilada sauce brands, Old El Paso is easy to find at any grocery store. Here’s how it stacks up:
Pros:
- Mild flavor appealing to a wide range of palates
- Very affordable, often under $2
- Smooth, medium-thick texture
- Works well in enchiladas, tacos, etc.
- Widely available at any grocery store
Cons:
- Flavor is somewhat flat and generic
- Not made with authentic ingredients – contains chili powder
- Spice level is very mild
- Contains preservatives and stabilizers
Overall: Old El Paso is readily available and budget-friendly, but it sacrifices authentic flavor. Boost it with your own spices or try fresher-tasting brands.
Frontera
Frontera is the gourmet line from acclaimed chef Rick Bayless. Here’s how it compares:
Pros:
- Outstanding fresh, complex flavor
- Made with quality ingredients like fire-roasted tomatoes and chiles
- Nice mild heat with a slight smokiness
- Smooth, medium-thick consistency
- Excellent in enchiladas, tamales, chilaquiles, etc.
Cons:
- Around $5 per can, so one of the most expensive
- Limited availability compared to mass brands
- Flavor profile may be too bold for some
Overall: For superior flavor made with fresh, quality ingredients, Frontera stands out. This is restaurant-quality sauce worth the splurge.
Rosarita
Rosarita is another very affordable and readily available brand. Here’s the rundown:
Pros:
- Inexpensive, typically under $2 per can
- Smooth, medium thickness
- Works well in enchiladas, tacos, etc.
- Readily available at most grocers
Cons:
- Flavor is flat and somewhat artificial tasting
- Not made with quality green chile ingredients
- Spice level is nearly nonexistent
- Contains many preservatives and stabilizers
Overall: Rosarita is affordable and easy to find, but it lacks authentic flavor. Only recommended for mild palates on a tight budget.
And the Winner Is…
While taste is subjective, Frontera seems to rise above the rest regarding fresh, bold flavor made with quality ingredients. However, it comes with a higher price tag. For an affordable but still flavorful option, El Pato is a great choice. Las Palmas also impresses with its bright green chile taste.
Here is a quick recap of the best green enchilada sauces:
| Brand | Price | Flavor | Heat | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontera | $$$ | Fresh, complex | Mild | 5/5 |
| El Pato | $ | Savory, smoky | Medium | 4/5 |
| Las Palmas | $ | Bright, herby | Mild | 4/5 |
How to Choose the Right Enchilada Sauce
Here are some final tips for picking the best green enchilada sauce for your tastes:
- Read the ingredients list. Quality sauces use real chiles, not chili powder.
- Consider the flavor profile. Do you want bright and herby or smoky and savory?
- Determine your preferred spice level. Brands vary from mild to moderately spicy.
- Watch out for preservatives. Some brands use better ingredients than others.
- Factor in your budget. Prices range from $2 to $5 per can.
- Pay attention to texture. Look for a smooth, medium thickness.
- Think about planned uses. Versatile sauces work for enchiladas, tacos, etc.
The best green enchilada sauce for you depends on your taste preferences and budget. With this guide, you can pick from among the top brands with confidence. Now go make some amazing enchiladas!
Conclusion
Green enchilada sauce is an integral part of Mexican cuisine. When choosing a brand, factors like flavor, spice, ingredients, texture, versatility, and price all come into play. Top-rated options like Frontera and El Pato have bold, complex flavors made with fresh chiles and quality ingredients. Affordable brands like Las Palmas and Old El Paso work great for those on a budget. Whatever sauce you choose, use this guide to find the right one to spice up your next Mexican meal. With so many options to pick from, there’s a best green enchilada sauce out there for everyone!