Enchiladas

Cheese Enchiladas Suizas

Name: Cheese Enchiladas Suizas
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 large tomatillos, husked and rinsed; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 dried arbol chiles, stemmed and seeded; 1/2 cup Oaxaca cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup queso fresco, crumbled; 8 corn tortillas; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

By Otto Jephson · June 19, 2026 · Enchiladas

Prep30 min

Cook35 min

Total65 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I tasted Cheese Enchiladas Suizas at my abuela's house in Guadalajara. The combination of tender tortillas, rich cheese, and spicy tomatillo sauce was love at first bite. As a second-generation cook, I'm excited to share this traditional Mexican recipe with you, adapted for the modern home kitchen.

What makes Cheese Enchiladas Suizas special is the balance of flavors and textures. The tomatillo sauce, made with charred tomatillos, onions, and dried chiles, adds a deep, slightly smoky flavor. The cheese, a blend of Oaxaca and queso fresco, provides creaminess and a touch of saltiness. And the tortillas, softened in hot oil and wrapped around the filling, add a satisfying crunch.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's easy to make ahead and refrigerate or freeze for later. And the best part? It's a dish that's sure to become a family favorite, just like it has in my own family.

So, let's get started! With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you'll be enjoying delicious Cheese Enchiladas Suizas in no time.

As we cook, I'll share some tips and tricks for making the most of this recipe. From toasting chiles to melting cheese, every step is important for creating an authentic, mouthwatering dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make ahead and refrigerate or freeze for later
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion
Can be customized with your favorite fillings and toppings
A delicious, authentic Mexican dish that's sure to become a family favorite
Made with simple, accessible ingredients
A great way to use up leftover cheese and tortillas
Can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, beans, and salads

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Cheese Enchiladas Suizas is in the layers of flavor. First, we char the tomatillos, onions, and dried chiles to bring out their natural sweetness and depth. Then, we blend them with some chicken broth and cream to create a rich, creamy sauce.

The cheese, a blend of Oaxaca and queso fresco, is melted to perfection in the oven, creating a golden, bubbly crust. And the tortillas, softened in hot oil and wrapped around the filling, add a satisfying crunch and texture.

Finally, the dish is finished with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, adding a bright, freshness to the dish.

By following these simple steps and using high-quality ingredients, you'll be able to create a delicious, authentic Cheese Enchiladas Suizas that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including tomatillos, onions, dried chiles, cheese, tortillas, and some basic spices. You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store or Mexican market.

When shopping for tomatillos, look for ones that are firm and have a papery husk. For the cheese, you can use a blend of Oaxaca and queso fresco, or substitute with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Cheddar.

4 large tomatillos, husked and rinsedTomatillos are the base of the sauce and add a sweet, slightly smoky flavor. Look for firm tomatillos with a papery husk.
1 large onion, choppedOnions add a depth of flavor and texture to the sauce. You can use any type of onion, but yellow or white onions work best.
2 dried arbol chiles, stemmed and seededDried arbol chiles add a spicy, slightly smoky flavor to the sauce. You can substitute with other dried chiles or use fresh chiles if you prefer.
1/2 cup Oaxaca cheese, shreddedOaxaca cheese is a type of Mexican string cheese that melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture. You can substitute with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Cheddar.
1/2 cup queso fresco, crumbledQueso fresco is a type of Mexican cheese that adds a tangy, salty flavor. You can substitute with other cheeses like feta or goat cheese.
8 corn tortillasCorn tortillas are the base of the enchiladas and add a crunchy texture. Look for tortillas that are fresh and pliable.
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantroCilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish. You can use any type of herb, but cilantro works best.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is used to soften the tortillas and add flavor to the sauce. You can substitute with other oils like vegetable or canola oil.
1 teaspoon ground cuminCumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the sauce. You can use any type of cumin, but ground cumin works best.
1/2 teaspoon paprikaPaprika adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the sauce. You can use any type of paprika, but sweet paprika works best.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are used to season the sauce and add flavor. You can use any type of salt and pepper, but kosher salt and black pepper work best.

Ingredients for Cheese Enchiladas Suizas

Equipment You’ll Need

Large comal or skilletBlender or food processorCheese graterCutting boardSharp knifeInstant-read thermometerOven-safe dish

How to Make Cheese Enchiladas Suizas

1
Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C).
2
Char the tomatillos, onion, and dried chiles on a comal or in a skillet over medium-high heat, turning frequently, until they're softened and slightly blackened, about 10-12 minutes.
3
Remove the charred vegetables from the heat and let them cool slightly.
4
Peel the skin off the tomatillos and remove the seeds from the chiles.
5
Place the charred vegetables, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
6
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the blended sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's thickened and reduced slightly, about 10-12 minutes.
7
While the sauce is cooking, prepare the cheese filling. In a bowl, combine the Oaxaca cheese, queso fresco, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
8
To assemble the enchiladas, lay a tortilla flat and spoon some of the cheese filling down the center of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla up and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
9
Pour the sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with any remaining cheese.
10
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are tender.
11
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the cheese is bubbly.
12
Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
13
To serve, garnish with chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of queso fresco.

Expert Tips

Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor.
Don't overfill the tortillas, as this can make them difficult to roll and can result in a messy dish.
If you're having trouble getting the tortillas to roll, try warming them up in the microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable.
Don't overcook the enchiladas, as this can make them dry and tough.
Experiment with different types of cheese and fillings to find your favorite combination.
Consider adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the cheese filling for extra flavor and texture.
To make the dish more substantial, serve with a side of rice, beans, or a salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not charring the vegetables enough, which can result in a lack of flavor and texture.
Overfilling the tortillas, which can make them difficult to roll and can result in a messy dish.
Not cooking the sauce long enough, which can result in a thin and watery sauce.
Not letting the enchiladas rest long enough, which can result in a dish that's not hot and bubbly.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a dish that's lacking in flavor and texture.
Not experimenting with different types of cheese and fillings, which can result in a dish that's boring and uninteresting.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced ham or cooked chicken to the cheese filling for extra protein.
Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Cheddar, for a unique flavor.
Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the cheese filling for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of tortillas, such as whole wheat or corn tortillas, for a different texture.
Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapenos or serrano peppers into the sauce.
Experiment with different types of sauce, such as a tomato-based sauce or a creamy sauce, for a unique flavor.

What to Serve With Cheese Enchiladas Suizas

Cheese Enchiladas Suizas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some ideas include:

Rice and beans: a classic combination that pairs well with the rich and creamy sauce.

Salad: a simple green salad or a more substantial grain salad can provide a nice contrast to the rich and cheesy enchiladas.

Roasted vegetables: roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts can add some color and nutrients to the dish.

Tortilla chips: serve the enchiladas with a side of tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream for a fun and casual snack.

Tortilla chips with sour cream and salsaMexican street corn with cotija cheese and chili powderRoasted vegetables with lime juice and cilantroSpanish rice with diced tomatoes and peasBlack beans with diced onion and cuminGrilled chicken or steak with a spicy pepper sauce

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Cheese Enchiladas Suizas can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

To refrigerate, simply assemble the enchiladas and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply bake them in the oven until hot and bubbly.

To freeze, assemble the enchiladas and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer the enchiladas to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer. When you're ready to serve, simply bake them in the oven until hot and bubbly.

Reheating the enchiladas is easy - simply bake them in the oven until hot and bubbly. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can result in a dry and tough texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese is best for Cheese Enchiladas Suizas?

A blend of Oaxaca and queso fresco is traditional, but you can also use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Cheddar. Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite.

Can I use canned tomatillos instead of fresh?

While canned tomatillos can be convenient, they lack the depth of flavor and texture of fresh tomatillos. If you can't find fresh tomatillos, you can also use frozen or roasted tomatillos as a substitute.

How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing when I roll them?

To prevent the tortillas from tearing, make sure to warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds before rolling them. You can also try using a damp paper towel to wrap the tortillas in, which can help to keep them pliable and prevent them from tearing.

Can I make Cheese Enchiladas Suizas ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce and cheese filling ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the enchiladas just before baking.

What's the best way to reheat Cheese Enchiladas Suizas?

The best way to reheat Cheese Enchiladas Suizas is to bake them in the oven until hot and bubbly. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can result in a dry and tough texture.

Can I freeze Cheese Enchiladas Suizas?

Yes, you can freeze Cheese Enchiladas Suizas for up to 2 months. Simply assemble the enchiladas, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen enchiladas to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer. When you're ready to serve, simply bake them in the oven until hot and bubbly.

What's the best way to serve Cheese Enchiladas Suizas?

Cheese Enchiladas Suizas are delicious served with a variety of sides, such as rice and beans, salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve them with a side of tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream for a fun and casual snack.

Can I make Cheese Enchiladas Suizas without the tomatillo sauce?

While the tomatillo sauce is a key component of Cheese Enchiladas Suizas, you can make a variation of the dish without it. Simply omit the tomatillo sauce and add some diced tomatoes or a can of diced green chiles to the cheese filling for added flavor.

The Full Recipe

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