Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish consisting of corn tortillas stuffed with a savory filling and covered in a chile sauce. While the filling can vary, most enchilada recipes call for cheese in the filling and/or as a topping. But with so many different types of cheese available, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your enchiladas.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about the best cheese for enchiladas:
- Monterey Jack is a good melting cheese that pairs well with Mexican flavors.
- Cheddar adds great flavor, but needs to be mixed with a melting cheese.
- Queso fresco or cotija add salty, crumbly contrast.
- Mozzarella melts beautifully, but lacks flavor.
- Pepper jack kicks up the spice level.
- A Mexican cheese blend incorporates the best qualities of several cheeses.
Melting Ability
One of the most important criteria for choosing enchilada cheese is the melting ability. You want a cheese that will melt smoothly into the other fillings and coat the tortilla. Here are some good options:
- Monterey Jack – This semi-soft cheese is perfect for enchiladas because it melts extremely well. The mild flavor also pairs nicely with Mexican spices.
- Oaxaca – Also called asadero, this Mexican cheese has excellent melting properties and a mild flavor profile.
- Cheddar – For best results, cheddar should be mixed with a more melty cheese like mozzarella. On its own, cheddar can become greasy or separate when melted.
- Mozzarella – Low-moisture mozzarella melts into the perfect consistency for enchiladas. However, it lacks flavor on its own.
Flavor Profile
The flavor of the cheese is also very important for enchiladas. Here are some guidelines for choosing a cheese with the right taste:
- Monterey Jack – Mild flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.
- Cheddar – Sharp cheddar provides a bold, delicious flavor.
- Queso fresco – Salty, milky flavor balances nicely with the other fillings.
- Pepper jack – Adds a kick of heat and a buttery taste.
- Goat cheese – Creamy, tangy flavor that contrasts with the spice.
Textural Contrast
The texture of the cheese is important too. Soft, melted cheese pairs well with crunchy components:
- Cotija – Dry, crumbly Mexican cheese adds a nice contrast.
- Queso fresco – Fresh and moist, with a bit of crumble.
- Feta – Brings a firm, salty texture.
- Cheddar – Sharp cheddar can add a pleasant bite.
Best Bets
Taking all the factors into consideration, here are some of the best options for enchilada cheese:
- Oaxaca – This melty Mexican cheese is specially made for melted cheese dishes.
- Monterey Jack – Extremely melty and perfect mild flavor.
- Cheddar-Jack Blend – Combines cheddar flavor with melting ability.
- Pepper Jack – Spicy but still very melty.
- Mexican Blend – Mix of melty cheeses like asadero and queso quesadilla.
Cheese Combinations
You can also use combinations of cheeses for more complex flavor:
- Monterey Jack and cheddar
- Monterey Jack and pepper jack
- Oaxaca and cotija
- Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco
- Mozzarella and goat cheese
The options are endless! Play around with different cheese textures and flavors to find your perfect enchilada cheese blend.
Amount of Cheese
When making the enchilada filling, about 1 cup of shredded cheese per 4-6 tortillas is usually sufficient. If also using cheese as a topping, you’ll need about 1/2 cup grated cheese to sprinkle over a 9×13″ pan of enchiladas. Adjust amounts based on your preferences for cheesiness!
Preparing the Cheese
Shred or grate the cheese to the desired consistency. For melted cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar, a finer shred will melt most smoothly. Crumbly cheeses like cotija can be used either grated finely or in larger crumbles.
If making cheese fillings in advance, under-season slightly and avoid over-mixing, which can make the cheese rubbery or tough when baked.
Melting the Cheese
For fully melted cheese, enchiladas should be baked at 350°F to 375°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes if assembled from pre-warmed ingredients. For a topping that retains some texture, add grated cheese about 5 minutes before the end of baking.
You can also broil the enchiladas for just 1-2 minutes at the very end to melt and lightly brown the cheese on top.
Keep it Authentic
For the most authentic flavor, use Mexican cheese varieties like Oaxaca, queso quesadilla, or asadero. Queso fresco is also a traditional topping. While cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack work very well, they don’t provide quite as genuine a Mexican enchilada experience.
Consider Cost
Of course, cost and availability are also factors when choosing enchilada cheese. Here is a table comparing the price ranges for some common options:
| Cheese | Price per Pound |
|---|---|
| Oaxaca | $8-$12 |
| Monterey Jack | $6-$8 |
| Cheddar | $4-$8 |
| Pepper Jack | $5-$9 |
| Queso Fresco | $4-$6 |
While specialty Mexican cheeses can get pricey, Monterey Jack provides excellent quality at a more affordable cost in most cases. Cheddar is also budget friendly and can be mixed with Monterey Jack for great results!
Budget-Friendly Cheese Blends
To save money, you can make your own Mexican cheese blend at home! Try mixing together:
- 1 part Monterey Jack
- 1 part cheddar
- 1 part queso quesadilla or other melty cheese like Asadero
This will give you that authentic Mexican cheese flavor for less!
Special Diet Needs
If cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, there are many cheese options:
Lactose-Free
- Lactose-free cheddar
- Dairy-free cheese substitutes
Vegetarian/Vegan
- Daiya vegan cheese shreds
- Kite Hill almond milk soft cheese
- Miyoko’s vegan mozzarella
Consult the packaging for suitability for melting and baking.
Conclusion
For most enchilada recipes, a combination of Monterey Jack for melting ability and cheddar for big flavor is foolproof. For authentic Mexican enchiladas, melty Oaxaca cheese cannot be beat. Queso fresco or cotija also make excellent toppings. Consider your budget, flavor preferences, and dietary needs, and experiment with different cheese textures and types in your enchiladas for your perfect cheesy enchilada experience!