The Best Homemade Cheese Enchilada Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These homemade cheese enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser, bringing cheesy goodness and rich flavors to your table. What makes them special is how simple they are to whip up, yet they taste like they came straight from your favorite Mexican restaurant. * The gooey melted cheese inside each enchilada will make you smile from the first bite. * You’ll love the homemade sauce, which adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick that store-bought versions just can’t match. * Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings, like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced onions, making them perfect for any occasion.
Recipe

Cheese enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that combines soft tortillas with a flavorful cheese filling, topped with a rich enchilada sauce. This recipe is simple to make and perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced onion (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
- Warm the tortillas in a microwave or skillet to make them pliable.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Sprinkle any remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and diced onion if desired.
Notes:
- For a spicier version, use pepper Jack cheese or add jalapeños to the filling.
- Homemade enchilada sauce can be made using tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic, and cumin.
Equipment:
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet or microwave for warming tortillas
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Cuisine:
Mexican
Serving:
4 servings
Nutrition
This homemade cheese enchilada recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my cheese enchiladas with simple sides, like Mexican rice or refried beans, because they balance the flavors perfectly. A crisp salad or roasted veggies add freshness, and I always pair them with a cold horchata or tangy margarita. Trust me, these combos make the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight from the enchiladas.
Side Dish Pairings
When you’re diving into a plate of homemade cheese enchiladas, it’s worth thinking about the side dishes that’ll make the meal complete. I love pairing them with cilantro-lime rice—it’s fresh, zesty, and balances the richness of the cheese. Refried beans are a must, creamy and comforting, while a crisp cabbage slaw adds crunch. For something lighter, grilled corn with chili powder hits the spot. Don’t forget guacamole—it’s creamy, cool, and perfect for dipping. These sides turn enchiladas into a feast, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Mix and match to find your favorite combo!
Beverage Recommendations
Nothing finishes off a homemade cheese enchilada feast quite like the perfect drink to go with it. I love pairing mine with a cold Mexican beer—think Corona or Modelo—for that crisp, invigorating contrast to the rich, cheesy goodness. If you’re not into beer, a tangy margarita with a salted rim balances the spices beautifully. For something non-alcoholic, try horchata—its sweet, cinnamon flavor cools the heat. Even a simple limeade works wonders, cutting through the richness with its zesty kick. Whatever you choose, make sure it complements the bold flavors without overpowering them. Cheers to the perfect meal!