Spinach And Cheese Enchiladas
I still remember the first time I had spinach and cheese enchiladas at my grandmother's house in Guadalajara. The combination of creamy cheese, fresh spinach, and tender tortillas was love at first bite. As I grew older, I began to appreciate the art of making enchiladas from scratch, and I'm excited to share this recipe with you.
This recipe is a staple of Mexican cuisine, and it's perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. The best part is that it's easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. With a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and authentic Mexican dish that will impress your friends and family.
One of the key ingredients in this recipe is fresh spinach. I like to use baby spinach leaves because they're tender and have a mild flavor. You can also use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible. Another important ingredient is the cheese. I use a combination of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese because they melt well and have a rich flavor.
In this recipe, we'll be using a technique called 'dry-heat charring' to give the tomatoes and onions a smoky flavor. This technique is commonly used in Mexican cuisine to add depth and complexity to dishes. We'll also be using a mixture of spices and herbs to add flavor to the enchiladas.
So, let's get started and make some delicious spinach and cheese enchiladas! This recipe makes 8-10 enchiladas, which should be enough for 4-6 people. You can adjust the recipe to suit your needs and add your own twist to make it more interesting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
- Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion
- Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use
- Customizable with different types of cheese and spices
- A delicious and authentic Mexican dish that will impress your friends and family
- Can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, beans, and salads
Why This Recipe Works
The key to making great enchiladas is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook them with love. In this recipe, we're using fresh spinach, creamy cheese, and tender tortillas to create a delicious and authentic Mexican dish. The dry-heat charring technique adds a smoky flavor to the tomatoes and onions, which complements the cheese and spinach perfectly.
Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of layers. We're layering the tortillas with cheese, spinach, and sauce to create a rich and complex flavor profile. This technique is commonly used in Mexican cuisine to add depth and interest to dishes.
The type of cheese used in this recipe is also important. Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese melt well and have a rich flavor that complements the spinach and tortillas. You can also use other types of cheese, such as Queso Fresco or Oaxaca cheese, to add a different flavor profile to the dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important ingredients are fresh spinach, cheese, and tortillas. You'll also need some spices and herbs to add flavor to the dish. Make sure to use high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor and texture.
When shopping for ingredients, look for fresh spinach with no signs of wilting or damage. You can also use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible. For the cheese, use a combination of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
- 1 lb (450g) fresh spinachFresh spinach is essential for this recipe, but you can also use frozen spinach if it's not available. Make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible.
- 8-10 corn tortillasCorn tortillas are the traditional choice for enchiladas, but you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer. Look for tortillas that are fresh and pliable.
- 1 cup (115g) Monterey Jack cheese, shreddedMonterey Jack cheese is a great choice for enchiladas because it melts well and has a mild flavor. You can also use other types of cheese, such as Cheddar or Queso Fresco.
- 1/2 cup (55g) Cheddar cheese, shreddedCheddar cheese adds a rich and tangy flavor to the enchiladas. You can also use other types of cheese, such as Pepper Jack or Colby.
- 1 can (10 oz/280g) enchilada sauceEnchilada sauce is a key ingredient in this recipe. Look for a sauce that's low in sodium and has no added preservatives. You can also make your own sauce from scratch if you prefer.
- 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh cilantroFresh cilantro adds a fresh and herbal flavor to the enchiladas. You can also use dried cilantro if fresh is not available.
- 1/2 teaspoon saltSalt is essential for bringing out the flavors in the dish. Use a high-quality salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, for the best flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle kick to the enchiladas. Use freshly ground pepper for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the onions and garlic, and to brush the tortillas. Use a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- 1 small onion, dicedThe onion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. Use a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Spinach And Cheese Enchiladas
- 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- 4Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and shredded Cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine.
- 6In a separate pan, warm the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll.
- 7To assemble the enchiladas, lay a tortilla flat and spoon some of the spinach and cheese mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla up and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- 8Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with additional cheese if desired.
- 9Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 10Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the enchiladas are heated through.
- 11Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh spinach and real cheese, for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overfill the tortillas, as this can make them difficult to roll and can lead to filling spills during baking.
- If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid a watery filling.
- To add some heat to the dish, use diced jalapeños or serrano peppers in the filling or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the enchiladas before baking.
- For an extra creamy sauce, add 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the enchilada sauce before pouring it over the tortillas.
- To make the dish more substantial, add some cooked chicken, beef, or beans to the filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the tortillas, which can lead to filling spills during baking.
- Not warming the tortillas before rolling them, which can make them brittle and prone to cracking.
- Not using enough cheese, which can result in a dry and flavorless dish.
- Not covering the baking dish with foil, which can lead to a dry and overcooked top.
- Not letting the enchiladas rest before serving, which can result in a messy and difficult-to-serve dish.
- Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add some diced ham or cooked bacon to the filling for a smoky flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Queso Fresco or Oaxaca cheese, for a unique flavor profile.
- Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to the filling for a fresh flavor.
- Use roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, in the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make the dish vegetarian by using roasted vegetables and beans instead of meat.
- Add some heat to the dish by using diced jalapeños or serrano peppers in the filling or sprinkling some red pepper flakes on top of the enchiladas before baking.
What to Serve With Spinach And Cheese Enchiladas
Spinach and cheese enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be served on its own or with a variety of sides. Some popular options include Mexican rice, refried beans, roasted vegetables, and a simple green salad. You can also serve the enchiladas with some warm tortillas, salsa, and sour cream for a fun and interactive meal.
For a special occasion or holiday, consider adding some extra touches to the dish, such as a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream on top of each enchilada. You can also serve the enchiladas with a side of spicy salsa or hot sauce for added flavor and heat.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
Spinach and cheese enchiladas can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. To refrigerate, assemble the enchiladas and cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
To freeze, assemble the enchiladas and place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw the frozen enchiladas overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
When reheating the enchiladas, make sure to cover them with foil to prevent drying out. You can reheat them in the oven or in the microwave. To reheat in the oven, cover the enchiladas with foil and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, until heated through. To reheat in the microwave, cover the enchiladas with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid a watery filling.
Can I add meat to the filling?
Yes, you can add cooked chicken, beef, or pork to the filling for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly before adding it to the filling.
Can I make the enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate or freeze them for later use. Just make sure to bake them before serving.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can use different types of cheese, such as Queso Fresco or Oaxaca cheese, for a unique flavor profile. Just make sure to choose a cheese that melts well and has a good flavor.
Can I add some heat to the dish?
Yes, you can add some heat to the dish by using diced jalapeños or serrano peppers in the filling or sprinkling some red pepper flakes on top of the enchiladas before baking.
Can I serve the enchiladas with a side of salsa or hot sauce?
Yes, you can serve the enchiladas with a side of salsa or hot sauce for added flavor and heat. Just make sure to choose a salsa or hot sauce that complements the flavors in the dish.
Can I make the dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can make the dish vegetarian by using roasted vegetables and beans instead of meat. Just make sure to choose vegetables and beans that complement the flavors in the dish.
Can I freeze the enchiladas for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the enchiladas for later use. Just make sure to assemble them and place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and bake as directed when ready to serve.

Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) fresh spinach
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- 1 cup (115g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup (55g) Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can (10 oz/280g) enchilada sauce
- 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and shredded Cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine.
- In a separate pan, warm the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll.
- To assemble the enchiladas, lay a tortilla flat and spoon some of the spinach and cheese mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla up and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with additional cheese if desired.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the enchiladas are heated through.
- Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot.