Grab For Eats Boy! Do we ever need an excuse to whip up some delicious Mexican dishes at home? Mexican recipes are super easy to make, and many of them make for great dinner options. When you want a straightforward, crowd-pleasing dish, Pancho’s Cheese Enchilada Recipe is a go-to favorite.
Pancho’s Cheese Enchilada Recipe is perfect for home cooks who want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll have this delectable dish on the table in under an hour. So, follow along with our easy Pancho’s Cheese Enchilada Recipe, and you’ll have a scrumptious meal in no time.
Once you learn this recipe, we’re sure you’ll be excited to make it again and again.
How to Make Pancho’s Cheese Enchilada Recipe?
One common issue with homemade enchiladas is that they can become soggy. However, our Pancho’s Cheese Enchilada recipe makes moist and delicious enchiladas, just like at your favorite Mexican restaurant. The key to achieving this perfect texture lies in getting all the ingredients right. While you can add shredded chicken or ground meat if you like, we’re going to keep it simple with a meatless version.
Essential Ingredients for Pancho’s Cheese Enchilada Recipe
Corn Tortillas (12 oz.): We recommend using yellow corn tortillas because they hold up better. While white corn tortillas are an option, yellow ones soften faster and avoid the gummy texture that flour tortillas can produce.
Corn Oil: Corn oil is perfect for frying the tortillas as it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point. You’ll need about 2 cups.
Red Enchilada Sauce: A 28 oz. can of red enchilada sauce from the grocery store will do the trick. Although you can use taco sauce as a substitute, it doesn’t quite have the same flavor profile.
Sour Cream (2 cups): Sour cream helps keep the enchiladas moist and adds a creamy texture that prevents them from becoming soggy.
Cheddar Cheese (3 cups): While queso blanco is traditional, cheddar cheese works well and is often more affordable.
Green Onion: One large green onion, sliced, will add a sweet, caramelized flavor to the dish.
Ground Cumin (½ teaspoon): Cumin adds depth to the enchilada sauce.
Cayenne Pepper (¼ teaspoon): This optional ingredient can mask any bitterness in the sauce and add a bit of spiciness.
Step by Step Instructions for Pancho’s Cheese Enchilada Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready for baking.
Step 2: Warm the Enchilada Sauce
While the oven preheats, use a medium saucepan to warm the enchilada sauce over medium-low heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, combine the sliced green onion, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper.
Step 4: Heat the Corn Oil
Using a small skillet, heat the corn oil over medium-low heat.
Step 5: Fry the Tortillas
Fry each tortilla one at a time in the hot corn oil for 5 to 10 seconds, just until pliable.
Step 6: Coat the Tortillas in Sauce
After frying, remove each tortilla from the oil and dunk it in the warmed enchilada sauce.
Step 7: Assemble the Enchiladas
Place a coated tortilla on a plate and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the sour cream mixture in the center. Roll the tortilla up and place it seam side down in a 9×13 inch baking pan. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Step 8: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the assembled enchiladas.
Step 9: Bake
Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until they are hot and bubbly.
Step 10: Serve
Serve your delicious Pancho’s Cheese Enchiladas with an extra dollop of the sour cream mixture on top for added flavor.
Tips for the Best Pancho’s Cheese Enchiladas
- Choosing Tortillas: The right tortillas make all the difference. Yellow corn tortillas soften well without becoming gummy. Avoid flour tortillas as they can produce an undesired texture.
- Frying Time: Don’t over-fry the tortillas. A few seconds on each side is enough to make them pliable without making them greasy.
- Sauce Warmth: Keeping the enchilada sauce warm ensures the tortillas absorb it well, enhancing the flavor.
- Cheese Selection: While cheddar is a great choice, you can mix in some queso blanco or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Customize the Heat: If you like your enchiladas spicy, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some chopped jalapeños to the filling.
Pancho’s Cheese Enchilada Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 Yellow Corn Tortillas
- 2 Cup Corn Oil
- 28 Oz Red Enchilada Sauce
- 2 Cup Sour Cream
- 3 Cup Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Large Green Onion
- 1/2 tbsp Ground Cumin
- 1/4 tbsp Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
- Using a medium saucepan to warm the enchilada sauce over medium-low heat.
- Combine the green onion, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cumin, cayenne pepper, and sour cream.
- Fry the tortillas one at a time for 5 to 10 seconds in corn oil.
- Then, remove the tortillas from corn oil and dunk them in the enchilada sauce.
- Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the sour cream mixture in the middle of the tortilla
- Roll the tortilla and place the tortilla seam upside-down the baking pan.
- Add the remaining cheese over the tortillas.
- Bake the enchilada for 20 minutes until it's hot and bubbly.
Nutrition
Wrapping Up
Making Pancho’s Cheese Enchilada Recipe at home is an easy and delightful way to enjoy a classic Mexican dish. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create moist, flavorful enchiladas that will impress your family and friends. So, next time you’re in the mood for some Mexican cuisine, give this recipe a try and savor the delicious results. Enjoy!
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