Stacked cheese enchiladas represent the pinnacle of comfort food perfection, combining layers of melted cheese, corn tortillas, and rich enchilada sauce into one irresistible dish. Unlike traditional rolled enchiladas, these stacked cheese enchiladas offer a unique presentation that’s both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying to eat. The layered approach allows each bite to contain the perfect ratio of cheese, tortilla, and sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
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Why You Should Try These Amazing Stacked Cheese Enchiladas
What makes stacked cheese enchiladas truly special is their versatility and crowd-pleasing nature. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, preparing for a potluck, or simply craving authentic Mexican comfort food, these enchiladas deliver every time. The stacking method also makes them easier to serve and portion compared to individual rolled enchiladas, making them perfect for feeding larger groups.
The beauty of stacked cheese enchiladas lies in their simplicity and bold flavors. Each layer builds upon the last, creating a tower of cheesy goodness that’s impossible to resist. The corn tortillas provide the perfect foundation, while multiple cheese varieties melt together to create that coveted cheese pull we all love. The enchilada sauce ties everything together with its rich, spicy notes that complement the creamy cheese perfectly.
These stacked cheese enchiladas also offer excellent make-ahead potential, allowing you to prepare them in advance for busy weeknights or special occasions. The dish actually improves as it sits, giving the flavors time to meld together beautifully. Once you master this technique, you’ll find yourself making stacked cheese enchiladas regularly because they’re simply that delicious and satisfying.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Stacked Cheese Enchiladas
Stacked cheese enchiladas transform the classic Mexican dish into a show-stopping layered masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion. This innovative approach to traditional enchiladas creates beautiful, restaurant-quality results at home while being surprisingly simple to prepare. The stacking method ensures every serving contains perfectly balanced layers of melted cheese, soft corn tortillas, and flavorful enchilada sauce. These stacked cheese enchiladas are ideal for feeding crowds and make an impressive centerpiece for your dinner table that everyone will remember.
Storage Options
Store leftover stacked cheese enchiladas in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Frozen portions should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The dish can also be assembled completely and frozen before baking – just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time when baking from frozen.
Stacked cheese enchiladas recipe
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Aluminum foil
- – Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
- Small brush for oiling tortillas
Ingredients
- For the Enchiladas:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 3 cups red enchilada sauce divided
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 medium white onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1 avocado sliced
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Tortillas: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lightly fry each corn tortilla for 30 seconds per side until pliable but not crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Create Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine Mexican cheese blend, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and the sautéed onion mixture. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the top layer.
- Start Layering: Spread 1/2 cup enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place 3 tortillas in a single layer, overlapping slightly if needed.
- Build the Layers: Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the tortillas, then drizzle with 1/2 cup enchilada sauce. Repeat this process two more times: tortillas, cheese mixture, sauce.
- Final Layer: Top with the remaining 3 tortillas, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, and sprinkle with the reserved cheese mixture and crumbled queso fresco.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the stacked cheese enchiladas rest for 10 minutes before cutting. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, Mexican crema, and avocado slices. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Homemade enchilada sauce will elevate the flavor significantly, but quality store-bought sauce works well too
The dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking
Different cheese combinations can be used based on preference – try adding pepper jack for heat
Allow proper resting time after baking to prevent the layers from sliding when cut
Tips for Success
The key to perfect stacked cheese enchiladas lies in proper preparation and layering technique. Ensure your tortillas are warm and pliable before stacking to prevent cracking. Don’t oversaturate with sauce during assembly, as this can make the dish soggy. Use a variety of cheeses for complex flavor and optimal melting. Allow the dish to rest after baking so the layers set properly for clean slicing. Pre-shred your own cheese rather than using pre-packaged for better melting and flavor.
Additional Tips and Variations
Transform your stacked cheese enchiladas with creative variations. Add cooked chicken, beef, or black beans between layers for protein. Incorporate roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra nutrition. Try different sauce combinations such as green enchilada sauce or mole for unique flavors. For spice lovers, add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the cheese mixture. Create a breakfast version using scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage. Vegetarian options work beautifully with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make stacked cheese enchiladas ahead of time? A: Yes, assemble the dish completely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
Q: What’s the difference between stacked and rolled enchiladas? A: Stacked cheese enchiladas are layered flat like lasagna, while rolled enchiladas are individually wrapped. Stacking creates easier serving and more even distribution of ingredients.
Q: Can I freeze stacked cheese enchiladas? A: Absolutely. Wrap assembled unbaked enchiladas tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to cooking time.
Q: What type of tortillas work best? A: Corn tortillas are traditional and provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid flour tortillas as they can become gummy when layered.
Q: How do I prevent soggy enchiladas? A: Don’t over-sauce during assembly, ensure tortillas are properly drained after frying, and let the dish rest after baking to allow excess moisture to be absorbed.
Conclusion
Stacked cheese enchiladas offer an innovative twist on the beloved Mexican classic, creating a dish that’s both impressive and deeply satisfying. This layered approach ensures every bite contains the perfect combination of melted cheese, tender tortillas, and flavorful sauce. The recipe’s versatility allows for endless customization while maintaining the essential elements that make stacked cheese enchiladas so irresistible. Whether serving family or entertaining guests, these enchiladas deliver restaurant-quality results with home-kitchen simplicity. Master this technique, and you’ll have a go-to recipe that never fails to impress and satisfy.
