Cream cheese enchiladas

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Start by mixing up the creamy filling for the enchiladas. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend the two ingredients together until smooth and creamy.

Add in the shredded chicken (if using), diced green chilies, onion, garlic powder, cumin, and shredded cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and the ingredients are evenly distributed. Set this creamy filling aside while you prepare the tortillas and sauce.

2. Prepare the Enchilada Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix the enchilada sauce with sour cream and water. This helps to add an extra layer of creaminess and thins out the sauce slightly for easier spreading. You can adjust the amount of water to reach your desired consistency.

3. Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using corn tortillas, it’s a good idea to warm them up briefly in the microwave or on the stovetop to make them more pliable. This step prevents the tortillas from cracking when you roll them.

Next, spread a thin layer of the prepared enchilada sauce mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This helps prevent the enchiladas from sticking.

Take each tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese filling onto the center of the tortilla. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Continue this process until all the tortillas are filled and placed in the dish.

4. Top with Sauce and Cheese

Once all the tortillas are rolled and placed in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, making sure to cover the enchiladas evenly. Sprinkle the top with an additional cup of shredded cheese to create a cheesy, golden crust when baked.

5. Bake the Enchiladas

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a slightly crispy top, you can remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the enchiladas are hot and bubbly, remove them from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor. Serve the enchiladas with your favorite sides, like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple salad.

Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Enchiladas

• Creamy and Comforting: The combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates a rich, comforting filling that adds a luscious texture to the enchiladas. The addition of shredded cheese makes them even more indulgent.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, these enchiladas come together quickly. The one-pot nature of the dish makes cleanup a breeze as well.
• Customizable: You can easily switch up the filling to suit your tastes. Add sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version, swap in beef or shrimp for protein, or even make them spicy with extra jalapeños or hot sauce. The possibilities are endless!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These enchiladas store well in the fridge and reheat beautifully, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers. Just cover and refrigerate the cooked enchiladas for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Tips for the Perfect Cream Cheese Enchiladas

• Don’t Skip Warming the Tortillas: If you’re using corn tortillas, warming them up before rolling them will prevent them from breaking. Simply heat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a hot skillet for a few seconds on each side.
• Add a Protein: If you want to make these enchiladas heartier, add cooked ground beef, shredded rotisserie chicken, or black beans to the cream cheese mixture. This adds more flavor and texture to the dish.
• Make It Spicy: For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce to the filling. You can also use a spicier enchilada sauce to ramp up the heat level.
• Use Homemade Enchilada Sauce: If you have time, making your own enchilada sauce will take these enchiladas to the next level. Homemade enchilada sauce is easy to prepare and has a fresh, vibrant flavor that enhances the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Cream Cheese Enchiladas are perfect when paired with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to serve alongside your enchiladas:

• Spanish rice: Fluffy and flavorful rice with a bit of tomato and spices to complement the richness of the enchiladas.
• Refried beans: Creamy and savory, they make a great side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal.
• Guacamole: The creamy avocado dip adds a cool, fresh contrast to the rich and cheesy enchiladas.
• Chopped salad: A refreshing salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy lime dressing can balance the heaviness of the enchiladas.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Enchiladas are a delicious, creamy twist on the classic Mexican dish. With their rich filling, zesty sauce, and melted cheese topping, they’re perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to weekend get-togethers. They’re easy to make, customizable, and most importantly, they’re a hit with everyone who tries them. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy the irresistible combination of creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite!