What To Know
- Queso Oaxaca melts well and is a good choice for green enchiladas if you want a cheese that will stretch when you bite into it.
- It has a mild flavor and is a good choice for green enchiladas if you want a cheese that will not overpower the other ingredients.
- The best cheese for green enchiladas is one that has a mild flavor, melts well, and has a low melting point.
Green enchiladas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. But what makes a green enchilada truly special is the cheese. The right cheese can elevate the flavor and texture of the dish, while the wrong cheese can ruin it.
What to Look for in a Cheese for Green Enchiladas
When choosing a cheese for green enchiladas, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Flavor: The cheese should have a mild flavor that will not overpower the other ingredients in the dish.
- Texture: The cheese should be melty and smooth, so that it will spread evenly over the enchiladas.
- Melting point: The cheese should have a low melting point, so that it will melt quickly and evenly in the oven.
The Best Cheeses for Green Enchiladas
Based on the criteria above, the following are the best cheeses for green enchiladas:
1. Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is a mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully. It is a great all-purpose cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including green enchiladas.
2. Cheddar
Cheddar is a classic cheese that is loved by many people. It has a slightly sharper flavor than Monterey Jack, but it is still mild enough to not overpower the other ingredients in green enchiladas. Cheddar also melts well, making it a good choice for this dish.
3. Pepper Jack
Pepper Jack is a spicy cheese that will add a kick to your green enchiladas. It is made with jalapeño peppers, which give it a slightly spicy flavor. Pepper Jack melts well, but it can be a bit stringy, so it is important to shred it finely before using it in enchiladas.
4. Queso Oaxaca
Queso Oaxaca is a Mexican cheese that is similar to mozzarella. It has a mild flavor and a slightly stringy texture. Queso Oaxaca melts well and is a good choice for green enchiladas if you want a cheese that will stretch when you bite into it.
5. Queso Fresco
Queso Fresco is a fresh Mexican cheese that has a crumbly texture. It has a mild flavor and is a good choice for green enchiladas if you want a cheese that will not overpower the other ingredients. Queso Fresco does not melt well, so it is best to use it as a topping for green enchiladas.
How to Use Cheese in Green Enchiladas
Once you have chosen a cheese, you can use it to make green enchiladas. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked green salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Spread a thin layer of green salsa in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Fill each tortilla with chicken, cheese, onion, and cilantro. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam side down in the baking dish.
4. Pour the remaining green salsa over the enchiladas.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Making the Best Green Enchiladas
Here are a few tips for making the best green enchiladas:
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible.
- Make your own green salsa. It is easy to make and tastes much better than store-bought salsa.
- Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Do not overfill the tortillas. If the tortillas are too full, they will be difficult to roll up and they will break apart when you bake them.
- Bake the enchiladas until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will ensure that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the enchiladas.
Final Thoughts: The Best Cheese for Green Enchiladas
The best cheese for green enchiladas is one that has a mild flavor, melts well, and has a low melting point. Monterey Jack, cheddar, pepper Jack, queso Oaxaca, and queso fresco are all good choices for green enchiladas.
What You Need to Learn
1. What is the difference between green enchiladas and red enchiladas?
Green enchiladas are made with green salsa, while red enchiladas are made with red salsa. Green salsa is typically made with tomatillos, while red salsa is made with tomatoes.
2. What are some other ingredients that I can add to green enchiladas?
In addition to chicken, cheese, onion, and cilantro, you can also add other ingredients to green enchiladas, such as beans, corn, potatoes, or zucchini.
3. Can I make green enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can make green enchiladas ahead of time. Simply assemble the enchiladas and place them in a covered baking dish. Refrigerate the enchiladas for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to serve, bake the enchiladas according to the recipe instructions.
